Exodus 36

Exodus 36 Explained: The Construction of Yahweh’s Dwelling Begins

Exodus 36 shows the construction of the dwelling place of Yahweh beginning in the midst of the camp. Earlier chapters described the pattern and the meaning of the tabernacle. This chapter shows the people actually building what Yahweh commanded. What was revealed on the mountain is now being carried out on the ground. The sanctuary of Yahweh is no longer just described. It is being built in the centre of Israel.

The chapter begins with Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom Yahweh has put skill and understanding to perform the work for the service of the sanctuary. The text makes it clear that this skill comes from Yahweh. The understanding comes from Yahweh. Even the willingness to come and do the work comes from Yahweh. The tabernacle is built by people whom God Himself has equipped and whose hearts He has moved.

The work is shared across the whole community. Some work with fine linen and embroidered fabric. Some work with wood. Some work with metal. Some oversee the work. The entire congregation brings the materials. Not everyone does the same task, but every task serves the same purpose. Yahweh has given His instructions for the tabernacle, and the people work together to build it.

What follows is one of the most striking moments in Exodus. The people keep bringing freewill offerings every morning. They bring so much that the craftsmen come to Moses and say that the people are bringing far more than enough for all the work Yahweh commanded. Moses then gives a command, and a proclamation is sent throughout the camp that no man or woman is to bring anything more for the contribution of the sanctuary.

The dwelling place of Yahweh is built from willing hearts. The people give so freely and so abundantly that they must be told to stop. Their generosity shows that Yahweh has truly changed their hearts. The same people who once gave their gold for an idol now give their gold for the place where Yahweh will dwell.

There is something else that stands out in this chapter. There is no mention of the golden calf. There is no reminder of their past sin. The chapter focuses entirely on their present obedience, their willing hearts, and the work before them. After Yahweh renews His covenant and restores His people, the focus moves forward. The people now serve, give, and build according to His word.

The rest of the chapter describes the construction of the tabernacle itself. The curtains of fine twisted linen are made with cherubim skillfully woven into them. The coverings of goats’ hair are made. The rams’ skins and the outer covering are made. The wooden boards, the bars, and the veil are all made. These details repeat what Yahweh commanded earlier. The repetition shows that the work is done carefully and exactly as Yahweh said.

The cherubim woven into the curtains and the veil are important. They remind the reader of the cherubim placed at the east of the garden of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life. Yahweh will dwell in the midst of Israel, but He is still holy. The veil still stands as a barrier. This teaches that sinful man cannot simply walk into the presence of God. Yahweh has promised to come near to dwell among His people, but He must be approached in the way that He has commanded.

Exodus 36 therefore shows what covenant life looks like after repentance and restoration. It shows the fruit of a willing heart, God-given ability, shared labour, generous giving, and exact obedience. The people are not inventing their own way to worship, but are building the tabernacle exactly as Yahweh commanded on the mountain.

Yahweh has moved their hearts, Yahweh has given the skill, and Yahweh has commanded the work. The people respond with willing hearts, careful hands, and abundant giving, and everything is done according to Yahweh’s word. So the dwelling place rises in the centre of the camp, prepared exactly according to Yahweh’s command, so that He may come and dwell among His people.