The Exodus and the wilderness · Exodus 35–40
Building the Tabernacle
After the golden calf, Moses assembles Israel: “Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD.” Men and women, of willing heart, bring gold, fabrics, acacia wood, and precious stones. The LORD has chosen Bezalel of the tribe of Judah, filled with the Spirit of God, and Oholiab of the tribe of Dan, filled with wisdom and understanding. The people bring so many offerings that Moses has to have it announced that they should stop. The craftsmen make the tabernacle, the ark of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold with its mercy seat and cherubim, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the basin, the courtyard, and Aaron’s garments. Moses inspects everything: they have done it just as the LORD commanded, and he blesses them. On the first day of the first month of the second year, the tabernacle is set up. Then the cloud covers the tent, and the glory of the LORD fills the tabernacle.
What happens
- “Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD” Exodus 35:5
- The LORD chooses Bezalel, of the tribe of Judah, and fills him with his Spirit Exodus 35:30–31
- The people bring more than enough: Moses has the offerings stopped Exodus 36:5–6
- Bezalel makes the ark of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold Exodus 37:1–2
- Moses inspects the work: everything is done just as the LORD commanded Exodus 39:43
- The cloud covers the tent and the glory of the LORD fills the tabernacle Exodus 40:34–35
Who is in this story
The lesson
God wants to dwell in the midst of his people (Exod 25:8), and he does so through willing hearts and skilled hands put to his service: everyone has a part, and everything is done as he commanded. What the tabernacle foreshadowed, Jesus fulfilled: “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
Quick quiz on this story
What do the craftsmen report about the people’s offerings?
The skilled workers tell Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work.” Moses then has it proclaimed throughout the camp that no one should bring any more offerings. Exodus 36:5–6
What fills the tabernacle once Moses has set it up?
“A cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” Moses was not able to enter. Exodus 40:34–35
Which tribe is Bezalel, the craftsman chosen by the LORD, from?
Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, is “of the tribe of Judah.” His helper Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, is of the tribe of Dan. Exodus 35:30–34
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