The People Build the Tabernacle

Moses told all the people of Israel what Yahweh had commanded. They were to bring a willing offering for the work of the sanctuary: metals, coloured cloth, skins, wood, oil, spices, and precious stones. Skilled workers were also to come and make the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the holy garments for Aaron and his sons.

The people responded with willing hearts. Men and women brought jewellery and materials. Wise-hearted women spun yarn, and the leaders brought onyx stones and other stones, along with spices and oil. These were freewill offerings for the work Yahweh had commanded through Moses.

Moses said that Yahweh had chosen Bezalel and Oholiab and filled them with wisdom, understanding, and skill for many kinds of work. They could craft beautiful things and teach others as well. So Moses called them, together with the other skilled people whose hearts were stirred to come and do the work.

The offerings kept coming every morning until the workers told Moses the people had brought more than enough. Then Moses gave the order that no more offerings should be made for the sanctuary. With what had been given, the skilled workers made the tabernacle and its coverings, the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the basin, the court, and the finely worked garments.

When all the work of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was finished, the Israelites brought every part to Moses, along with its furnishings and the garments for Aaron and his sons. Moses examined all the work and saw that they had done it just as Yahweh had commanded. Then Moses blessed them. What gift or skill could you gladly use in serving God?