Building the Tabernacle

Chapter 35

1Then Moses assembled the whole congregation of Israel and said to them, “These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do: 2For six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death. 3Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.” 4Moses also told the whole congregation of Israel, “This is what the LORD has commanded: 5Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze; 6blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; 7ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood; 8olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 9and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. 10Let every skilled craftsman among you come and make everything that the LORD has commanded: 11the tabernacle with its tent and covering, its clasps and frames, its crossbars, posts, and bases; 12the ark with its poles and mercy seat, and the veil to shield it; 13the table with its poles, all its utensils, and the Bread of the Presence; 14the lampstand for light with its accessories and lamps and oil for the light; 15the altar of incense with its poles; the anointing oil and fragrant incense; the curtain for the doorway at the entrance to the tabernacle; 16the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grate, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand; 17the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases, and the curtain for the gate of the courtyard; 18the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard, along with their ropes; 19and the woven garments for ministering in the holy place—both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests.” 20Then the whole congregation of Israel withdrew from the presence of Moses. 21And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments. 22So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD. 23Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, or articles of fine leather, brought them. 24And all who could present an offering of silver or bronze brought it as a contribution to the LORD. Also, everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the service brought it. 25Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun: blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen. 26And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair. 27The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece, 28as well as spices and olive oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense. 29So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do. 30Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, 32to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, 33to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every artistic craft. 34And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers—as artistic designers of every kind of craft.

Chapter 36

1“So Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person are to carry out everything commanded by the LORD, who has given them skill and ability to know how to perform all the work of constructing the sanctuary.” 2Then Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person whom the LORD had gifted—everyone whose heart stirred him to come and do the work. 3They received from Moses all the contributions that the Israelites had brought to carry out the service of constructing the sanctuary. Meanwhile, the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning, 4so that all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work 5and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.” 6After Moses had given an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: “No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing more, 7since what they already had was more than enough to perform all the work. 8All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle. They were made of finely spun linen, as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them. 9Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide; all the curtains were the same size. 10And he joined five of the curtains together, and the other five he joined as well. 11He made loops of blue material on the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and also on the end curtain in the second set. 12He made fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the second set, so that the loops lined up opposite one another. 13He also made fifty gold clasps to join the curtains together, so that the tabernacle was a unit. 14He then made curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all. 15Each of the eleven curtains was the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. 16He joined five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another. 17He made fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set. 18He also made fifty bronze clasps to join the tent together as a unit. 19Additionally, he made for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather. 20Next, he constructed upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. 21Each frame was ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 22Two tenons were connected to each other for each frame. He made all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. 23He constructed twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle, 24with forty silver bases to put under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon. 25For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, he made twenty frames 26and forty silver bases—two bases under each frame. 27He made six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side, 28and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle, 29coupled together from bottom to top and fitted into a single ring. He made both corners in this way. 30So there were eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame. 31He also made five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 32five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west. 33He made the central crossbar to run through the center of the frames, from one end to the other. 34And he overlaid the frames with gold and made gold rings to hold the crossbars. He also overlaid the crossbars with gold. 35Next, he made the veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. 36He also made four posts of acacia wood for it and overlaid them with gold, along with gold hooks; and he cast four silver bases for the posts. 37For the entrance to the tent, he made a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, 38together with five posts and their hooks. He overlaid the tops of the posts and their bands with gold, and their five bases were bronze.

Chapter 37

1Bezalel went on to construct the ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. 2He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. 3And he cast four gold rings for its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. 4Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. 5He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark in order to carry it. 6He constructed a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 7He made two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, 8one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. 9And the cherubim had wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the mercy seat. 10He also made the table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. 11He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it. 12And he made a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. 13He cast four gold rings for the table and fastened them to the four corners at its four legs. 14The rings were placed close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table. 15He made the poles of acacia wood for carrying the table and overlaid them with gold. 16He also made the utensils for the table out of pure gold: its plates and dishes, as well as its bowls and pitchers for pouring drink offerings. 17Then he made the lampstand out of pure hammered gold, all of one piece: its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. 18Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other. 19There were three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extended from the lampstand. 20And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. 21A bud was under the first pair of branches that extended from the lampstand, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair. 22The buds and branches were all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. 23He also made its seven lamps, its wick trimmers, and trays of pure gold. 24He made the lampstand and all its utensils from a talent of pure gold. 25He made the altar of incense out of acacia wood. It was square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns were of one piece. 26And he overlaid with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns. Then he made a molding of gold around it. 27He made two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. 28And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. 29He also made the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense, the work of a perfumer.

Chapter 38

1Bezalel constructed the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. 2He made a horn at each of its four corners, so that the horns and altar were of one piece, and he overlaid the altar with bronze. 3He made all the altar’s utensils of bronze—its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans. 4He made a grate of bronze mesh for the altar under its ledge, halfway up from the bottom. 5At the four corners of the bronze grate he cast four rings as holders for the poles. 6And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze. 7Then he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar for carrying it. He made the altar with boards so that it was hollow. 8Next he made the bronze basin and its stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 9Then he constructed the courtyard. The south side of the courtyard was a hundred cubits long and had curtains of finely spun linen, 10with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 11The north side was also a hundred cubits long, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases. The hooks and bands of the posts were silver. 12The west side was fifty cubits long and had curtains, with ten posts and ten bases. The hooks and bands of the posts were silver. 13And the east side, toward the sunrise, was also fifty cubits long. 14The curtains on one side of the entrance were fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases. 15And the curtains on the other side were also fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases as well. 16All the curtains around the courtyard were made of finely spun linen. 17The bases for the posts were bronze, the hooks and bands were silver, and the plating for the tops of the posts was silver. So all the posts of the courtyard were banded with silver. 18The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It was twenty cubits long and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high, 19with four posts and four bronze bases. Their hooks were silver, as well as the bands and the plating of their tops. 20All the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the surrounding courtyard were bronze. 21This is the inventory for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the Testimony, as recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. 22Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made everything that the LORD had commanded Moses. 23With him was Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, designer, and embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen. 24All the gold from the wave offering used for the work on the sanctuary totaled 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. 25The silver from those numbered among the congregation totaled 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel— 26a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, a total of 603,550 men. 27The hundred talents of silver were used to cast the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil—100 bases from the 100 talents, one talent per base. 28With the 1,775 shekels of silver he made the hooks for the posts, overlaid their tops, and supplied bands for them. 29The bronze from the wave offering totaled 70 talents and 2,400 shekels. 30He used it to make the bases for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the bronze altar and its bronze grating, all the utensils for the altar, 31the bases for the surrounding courtyard and its gate, and all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and its surrounding courtyard.

Chapter 39

1From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn they made specially woven garments for ministry in the sanctuary, as well as the holy garments for Aaron, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 2Bezalel made the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. 3They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut threads from them to interweave with the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen—the work of a skilled craftsman. 4They made shoulder pieces for the ephod, which were attached at two of its corners, so it could be fastened. 5And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod was of one piece with the ephod, of the same workmanship—with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 6They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. 7Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 8He made the breastpiece with the same workmanship as the ephod, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. 9It was square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. 10And they mounted on it four rows of gemstones: The first row had a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; 11the second row had a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; 12the third row had a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 13and the fourth row had a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. These stones were mounted in gold filigree settings. 14The twelve stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel. Each stone was engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. 15For the breastpiece they made braided chains like cords of pure gold. 16They also made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, and fastened the two rings to the two corners of the breastpiece. 17Then they fastened the two gold chains to the two gold rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 18and they fastened the other ends of the two chains to the two filigree settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 19They made two more gold rings and attached them to the other two corners of the breastpiece, on the inside edge next to the ephod. 20They made two additional gold rings and attached them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on its front, near the seam just above its woven waistband. 21Then they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the waistband of the ephod and would not swing out from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 22They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, the work of a weaver, 23with an opening in the center of the robe like that of a garment, with a collar around the opening so that it would not tear. 24They made pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely spun linen on the lower hem of the robe. 25They also made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates, 26alternating the bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe to be worn for ministry, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 27For Aaron and his sons they made tunics of fine linen, the work of a weaver, 28as well as the turban of fine linen, the ornate headbands and undergarments of finely spun linen, 29and the sash of finely spun linen, embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 30They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and they engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. 31Then they fastened to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 32So all the work for the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 33Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent with all its furnishings, its clasps, its frames, its crossbars, and its posts and bases; 34the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of fine leather, and the veil of the covering; 35the ark of the Testimony with its poles and the mercy seat; 36the table with all its utensils and the Bread of the Presence; 37the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps and all its utensils, as well as the oil for the light; 38the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; 39the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand; 40the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases; the curtain for the gate of the courtyard, its ropes and tent pegs, and all the equipment for the service of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting; 41and the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests. 42The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 43And Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had accomplished it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.

Chapter 40

1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. 3Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil. 4Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand as well, and set up its lamps. 5Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. 6Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. 7And place the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 8Set up the surrounding courtyard and hang the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard. 9Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it along with all its furnishings, and it shall be holy. 10Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it shall be most holy. 11Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them. 12Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. 13And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest. 14Bring his sons forward and clothe them with tunics. 15Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.” 16Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him. 17So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year. 18When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts. 19Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him. 20Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark. 21Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him. 22Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil. 23He arranged the bread on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him. 24He also placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle 25and set up the lamps before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him. 26Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the veil, 27and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him. 28Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. 29He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him. 30He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing; 31and from it Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet. 32They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 33And Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and the altar, and he hung the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard. So Moses finished the work. 34Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. 37If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. 38For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.

Historical Context

The book of Exodus, traditionally attributed to Moses, documents pivotal events in Israel's history, including their deliverance from Egypt, covenant relationship with God, and the establishment of worship practices. These chapters detail the construction of the Tabernacle—a portable sanctuary that would accompany the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. The Israelites were a nomadic people at the time, and the Tabernacle's intricate design reflected both God's holiness and His willingness to dwell among His people. The text highlights the variety of offerings collected from the Israelites, a diverse population united by shared deliverance and covenant obligations. This emphasis on community participation underscores the collective sacred responsibility of worship. The construction also took place under the supervision of craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab, whose skills were viewed as divinely inspired gifts for a holy purpose. Such practices of communal labor and priestly consecration were deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern culture, but the Israelites' work reflected their exclusive allegiance to Yahweh.

Theological Insight

These chapters emphasize God's desire to dwell among His people, marking a significant moment in salvation history. The detailed instructions and execution of the Tabernacle's design reveal not only God's holiness but also His care for precision and beauty in worship. The presence of the cloud and fire at the conclusion communicates God's tangible nearness and guidance, affirming His faithfulness to Israel despite their previous disobedience, such as the incident with the golden calf. Theologically, the Tabernacle prefigures Jesus Christ, who is described in John 1:14 as 'dwelling' among us—the Greek term echoing the idea of the Tabernacle. Additionally, the system of offerings and priestly garments foreshadow Christ's ultimate role as the perfect High Priest and sacrifice, bridging the gap between God and humanity. These passages also highlight themes of stewardship, obedience, and community as integral to worship and service to God.

Practical Application

The generosity of the Israelites in bringing materials for the Tabernacle invites us to examine our own attitudes toward giving. Their willingness stemmed from hearts stirred by the Spirit, reminding us to contribute our time, talents, and resources with similar joy and purpose, knowing that everything we have ultimately belongs to God. Additionally, Bezalel and Oholiab demonstrate how God can use individual skills for His glory. Whether through art, craftsmanship, or other talents, we are called to dedicate our abilities to serve God's purposes in the world. Are there areas in your life where your gifts could better reflect His glory or support others in their faith journey? Finally, the visible manifestation of God's presence through the cloud and fire reassures us that He leads and sustains His people in every stage of life. When decisions or uncertainties arise, we can trust in God's timing and direction, just as the Israelites had to wait on the movement of His cloud. This teaches us patience, trust, and the practice of seeking God's will daily.

What does the detailed repetition of the instructions and construction of the tabernacle (chapters 35–40) reveal about God's character and His expectations for obedience and worship?

How does the role of Bezalel and Oholiab, being filled with the Spirit of God for artistic craftsmanship, expand the understanding of how spiritual gifts can be used in the service of God?

Reflecting on the communal effort of Israel in constructing the tabernacle, where everyone contributed willingly as their hearts were stirred, how might this inspire your understanding of generosity and teamwork in God’s work today?

Considering that the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle upon its completion, what steps can you take to ensure that your life is a suitable dwelling place for God’s presence?

Lord God, thank You for showing us the beauty of obedience and the power of a willing heart through the building of Your tabernacle. Just as You filled the sanctuary with Your glory, may Your presence fill my life as I strive to follow Your commands with a joyful and willing spirit. Teach me to honor You in the work of my hands and to trust in Your guidance each step of the journey. Amen.

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