The Construction of the Tabernacle
The Israelites that left Egypt saw many wonderful displays of God’s power. They saw the ten plagues in Egypt, the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, the water pouring from a rock, and the presence of God descending upon and speaking from Mt. Sinai. Nevertheless, this generation is remembered most for being faithless, disobedient, and quick to complain. Less than six weeks after hearing God’s voice speak the law, the people asked Aaron to construct an idol for them to worship, a violation of the second command. Eventually, the LORD would sentence the entire generation of adults to death (except for Joshua and Caleb) because of their unbelief in refusing to enter the land.
The exodus generation has little to commend it, but there is one bright moment in the Biblical record, a period of time when the people joined in the work of God with a willing, reverent attitude. After almost being destroyed for their transgression with the golden calf, the children of Israel renewed their commitment to God and began the task of constructing the Tabernacle, a project that took about six months. There is no mention of dissension or disobedience. The Israelites united in a common goal under the direction of God’s ministers to build the house that would be the focal point of God’s presence and worship for many years to come. Three commendable traits can be observed about the Israelites’ participation in this project.
First, the people participated willingly. The text tells us that “everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments” (Ex. 35:21). These were freewill gifts (29), not tithes or compulsory offerings. Each one joined in the work according to his ability. Some had special skills that they could apply in the effort. The LORD gifted Bezalel and Aholiab “with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship” (31) to perform the artistic work of the sanctuary and to teach other craftsmen (32-35). Women used their talents to spin yarn of fine linen and goats’ hair (25-26). Others contributed materials for the construction. Jewelry and fabrics were donated (22-23) along with metals and wood (24). The rulers brought precious stones, oil, and spices (27-28) while certain women sacrificed their mirrors (38:8) to make the bronze laver. The willing spirit of so many was a welcome change from the selfish, unwilling attitude that characterized them before and would too frequently describe them later.
Second, the people participated generously. A quick review of the gifts listed above will readily convince us of the value of what they contributed. Although no specific amount had been suggested, the people not only gave freely, their gifts exceeded the need. The people continued to bring freewill offerings every morning, and it eventually became necessary for the craftsmen to speak to Moses about it. “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the LORD commanded us to do,” they said (36:5). Indeed, the text tells us that the people had to be “restrained” from giving more “for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done-indeed too much” (7). James E. Smith observes, “This is probably the last time in all the history of the people of God when a leader told his flock to cease giving!” (327) The generous offerings of the children of Israel during the construction of the Tabernacle is further evidence of their unity and devotion during this time.
Third, the people participated reverently. Whereas before they had complained at every opportunity and had quickly rejected God’s law for a more gratifying religious experience, during this period of months there are no complaints recorded, and the people appear content with God’s word and the work He assigned. In fact, in language reminiscent of Noah’s faithfulness in building the ark, the text tells us that the Israelites did all the work “[a]ccording to all that the LORD had commanded Moses” (39:42). Their leader, who would so often be troubled and mistreated because of their carnality, looked at the work they had done and saw that it was just as God had commanded, and he blessed them (43). The careful attention to God’s word and the quiet spirit in which they did their work is proof of the people’s reverence, how ever short-lived.
What are the lessons that we should learn from the months spent constructing the Tabernacle? Too often we may be tempted to skip this portion of our Bible reading, fearful of the tedium of dimensions and description of materials that fill this portion of the sacred text. But God has seen fit both to record and preserve this section of scripture for our benefit. “For whatever things were written before,” Paul said, “were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Ro. 15:4).
Many lessons can be discovered in the few, simple observations we have made. Some may have fallen into sin and feared that they can no longer be useful to God even though they repented. This story shows us that God’s people can be restored after sin and can once again be useful to Him in service. Some churches are plagued by problems similar to Israel’s in the wilderness. Selfishness, ingratitude, and constant complaining can wreak havoc on a church and neutralize its effectiveness for good. This story teaches us that the best solution to a complaining, ungrateful spirit is clear instruction, firm direction, and a spiritual project which all God’s people can join in with their might. Perhaps the most obvious lesson is this: if we are to build the Lord’s house today, the people of God must do so with a willing, generous, and reverent attitude. May God help us to do so, and may the LORD be pleased to fill that dwelling place with His glory! -JME