EXPOSITION
THE PROGRESS OF THE WORK, AND THE SUPERFLUOUS LIBERALITY OF THE PEOPLE—THE LATTER HAS TO BE RESTRAINED (Exodus 36:3-7). Bezaleel and Aholiab felt that the time for action was now come. They at once addressed themselves to their task. Moses delivered into their hands all the various offerings which the people, rich and poor, had brought in (Exodus 35:21-29); and skilled workmen were immediately called upon to shape it for the designed uses. The fact of the work being commenced did not stop the inflow of gifts. More and yet more continued to be brought "every morning" (Exodus 36:3). At last it became clear that the supply had exceeded the demand; and the workmen reported so to Moses (Exodus 36:4, Exodus 36:5), who thereupon commanded that the offerings should cease (Exodus 36:6). The progress of the work is then reported in detail, and in the following order:—
1. The covering for the tabernacle (Exodus 36:8-13);
2. The goats' hair covering for the tent above the tabernacle (Exodus 36:14-18);
3. The outer coverings of rams' skins and seals' skins (Exodus 36:19);
4. The boards for the walls of the tabernacle (Exodus 36:20-30);
5. The bars for the boards (Exodus 36:31-34);
6. The veil of the most holy place (Exodus 36:35, Exodus 36:30);
7. The hanging for the entrance to the tabernacle (Exodus 36:37, Exodus 36:38).
The chapter, from Exodus 36:8, runs parallel with Exodus 26:1-37; differing from it mainly in describing as made that which in Exodus 26:1-37. is ordered to be made.