FocusObedient work and God's glory
Exodus 36:1
KJVThen wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The people supply and construct the sanctuary according to the commands, and the book ends with the glory of the LORD filling it.
- 36:1 Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.
- 36:2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:
- 36:3 And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning.
- 36:4 And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made;
- 36:5 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.
- 36:6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.
- 36:7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Moses is the traditional author. Exodus explicitly records him writing covenant words and other material; that supports his central role without identifying every stage in the book's final compilation. Biblical references: Exodus 17:14; Exodus 24:4; Exodus 34:27. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Exodus 35:1–40:38): Moses instructs the Israelite congregation, and willing contributors and skilled workers prepare the sanctuary. Bezalel, Aholiab, Aaron, and Aaron's sons have named roles in its construction and service. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Israelites delivered from Egypt, and succeeding generations of Israel who were to remember the deliverance and keep the covenant. Biblical references: Exodus 12:24; Exodus 12:26; Exodus 24:7. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The People Bring More than Enough. Read Exodus 36:1 through Exodus 36:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The people supply and construct the sanctuary according to the commands, and the book ends with the glory of the LORD filling it. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Events follow Israel's growth in Egypt and continue through the exodus, arrival at Sinai, and erection of the tabernacle. Exodus 40:17 dates the erection within that journey. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The book moves from Egypt, through the sea and wilderness, to Sinai. Do not confuse the place of a narrated event with the place where the final book was written. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The People Bring More than Enough (Exodus 36:1 to Exodus 36:7). Start reading at Exodus 36:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explicitly calls Christ our Passover. Hebrews compares sanctuary worship with Christ's work. These later connections should be cited rather than treating every tabernacle detail as a self-explanatory symbol. See 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:12. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to deliverance with worship and obedience. When applying a covenant command, identify whom it addresses and its purpose before deciding how it relates to life under the new covenant. interpretation
Cited: Exodus 36:1, Exodus 36:7, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:12
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- Bezaleel Exod 31:1-6 Exod 35:30-35
- wise-hearted man Exod 28:3 Exod 31:6
- for the service Exod 36:3-4 Exod 25:8 Num 7:9 Heb 8:2
- according Exod 23:21-22 Exod 39:1-43 Exod 40:1-38 Ps 119:6 Matt 28:20 Luke 1:6
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Exodus 36
Exodus 1:1 Exodus 19:3 Exodus 24:4
The Ten Curtains for the Tabernacle
Exodus 36:8–13FocusObedient work and God's glory
The Eleven Curtains of Goat Hair
Exodus 36:14–19FocusObedient work and God's glory
The Frames and Bases
Exodus 36:20–34FocusObedient work and God's glory
The Veil
Exodus 36:35–36FocusObedient work and God's glory
The Curtain for the Entrance
Exodus 36:37–38FocusObedient work and God's glory
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Exodus
Exodus 1:1 Exodus 19:3 Exodus 24:4
Oppression and the call of Moses
Exodus 1:1–6:30FocusDeliverance announced
Deliverance from Egypt
Exodus 7:1–15:21FocusJudgment, Passover, and the sea
The journey to Sinai
Exodus 15:22–18:27FocusProvision and ordering the people
Covenant at Sinai
Exodus 19:1–24:18FocusGod's words and Israel's response
Instructions for the tabernacle
Exodus 25:1–31:18FocusDwelling among the people
The golden calf and covenant renewal
Exodus 32:1–34:35FocusRebellion, intercession, and mercy
FocusObedient work and God's glory
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.