Verses 1-7

1. Preparations for construction35:1-36:7

Following the restoration of the covenant, Moses announced God"s directions for the construction of the tabernacle. In building it the Israelites were to work only six days a week. They were to rest on the Sabbath ( Exodus 35:2-3).

"Kindling a fire receives special attention here because the people thought that kindling a fire was not a work, but only a preparation for some kind of work. But the Law makes sure that this too was not done." [Note: The NET Bible note on35:3.]

Moses invited the people to bring their contributions for the construction ( Exodus 35:4-19; cf. Exodus 25:1-9). These materials would have been the Israelites" own goods. Some were items the Egyptians had given them when they left Egypt and possessions they had obtained from traders they had met during their travels since leaving Egypt.

The people began to bring what the builders needed ( Exodus 35:20-29). Moses again recognized Bezalel and Oholiab as skillful artisans whom God had gifted and appointed to lead the construction work ( Exodus 35:30 to Exodus 36:2). This provision by God inspired the people to give even more, so much so that Moses had to tell the people to stop giving ( Exodus 31:3-7). The people proved their commitment to the covenant and to Yahweh by their generous contributions to the project that He had ordered. [Note: See Dwayne H. Adams, "The Building Program that Works ( Exodus 25:4-36:7, 31:1-11])," Exegesis and Exposition1:1 (Fall1986):82-92.]