Bible Commentaries
Exodus 36

Verses 1-38

The account of the actual presentation of the offerings to the company of workers inspired of God to use them is full of beauty. All the people offered, but a select number were commissioned for the actual work. These were such as were wise and understanding of heart a fitness which came as a direct gift of God.

The earnestness of the people at this point is made supremely apparent in that they offered more than was needed; indeed, "much more" is the actual word of Scripture.

The work now proceeded, and as in the earlier movements of the Book we have seen something of the symbolism of this center of worship, we now notice only the order in which that work was carried out.

In giving instructions, everything proceeded from the center to the circumference. Here the order is much the same but with slight variations. The place of divine dwelling and revelation was first prepared, and the beginning of this is described. First, the Tabernacle itself; then the Tent which covered it; next the boards and the bars on which the Tabernacle and Tent were raised; and, after that, the veil and the pillars on which it was hung. The supreme thing in the whole structure was this central dwelling place of God and that was made first.