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Exodus 36 Commentary

Updated: Thu, 10/13/2022 - 10:43 By admin
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Exodus 36:36
Exodus 36:37
Exodus 36:38

Irving Jensen (Online) - Used by Permission
Click to Enlarge
View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Exodus, 
Summary Chart of
The Book of Exodus
DELIVERANCE
FROM OPPRESSION		 PREPARATION FOR
WORSHIP
Redemption from Egypt
Ex 1:1-18:27		 Revelation from God
Ex 19:1-40:38
Getting Israel Out of Egypt Getting Egypt Out of Israel!
Narration Legislation
Birth of
Moses
Ex 1-2		 Call of
Moses
Ex 3-6		 Conflict with Pharaoh
Ex 7-10		 Exodus
from
Egypt
Ex 11-12		 Red
Sea
Crossed
Ex 13-15		 Journey
To
Sinai
Ex 16-18		 Law
Given
Ex 19-24		 Tent
Plan
Ex 25-31		 Idol
Worship
Ex 32-34		 Tent
Built
Ex 35-40
Subjection Redemption Instruction
Suffering and Liberation
of People of God		 Guidance
of God		 Worship
of God
Moses and
Burdens of Israel		 Pharaoh and
Plagues Upon Egypt		 Red Sea
Deliverance		 Wilderness
Provision		 Sinai
Instructions
Bondage
and Oppression		 Deliverance
and Provision		 Law Pattern
and Construction
Israel in Egypt
Ex 1:1-13:16		 Israel to Sinai
Ex 13:17-18:27		 Israel at Sinai
Ex 19:1-40:38
God's People
Enduring
Bondage		 God's Grace
Revealed
in Redemption		 God's Glory
Manifested
in Worship
Egypt
430 Years
(15% of Exodus)		 Wilderness
2 Months
(30% of Exodus)		 Mt Sinai
10 Months
(55% of Exodus)
From
Groaning		                 To
Glory!
 
Jensen's Survey of the Old Testament - online

Click to Enlarge
Click for Excellent Map of Route of the Exodus
Click another Exodus from Egypt
Click for Events during the Sojourn at Kadesh-Barnea

 
GENESIS EXODUS
human effort and failure divine power and triumph
word of promise work of fulfillment
a people chosen a people called
God’s electing mercy God’s electing manner
revelation of nationality realization of nationality

SUMMARY OF THE PENTATEUCH
(from Believer's Study Bible)

Exodus 36:1  "Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded."

  • Bezaleel: Ex 31:1-6 35:30-35 
  • wise hearted : Ex 28:3 Ex 31:6 
  • all the work in the construction: Ex 36:3,4 Ex 25:8 Nu 7:9 Heb 8:2 
  • according: Ex 23:21,22 39:1-43 40:1-38 Ps 119:6 Mt 28:20 Lu 1:6 
  • Exodus 36 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Related Passage:

Exodus 31:6   “And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you:

Exodus 25:8  “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.

This concludes the speech of Moses concerning the building of the tabernacle. From this point on the text deals with the actual construction of the sanctuary.

Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person - Skillful person i s literally "wise of heart." =  chakam +  leb.

in whom the LORD has put skill (lit. wisdom) and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded - Note the synergism of men's responsibility and God's sovereignty. Men's skill, God's statues. Spirit filled men, Spirit inspired Word. 

Bush - Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, &c. Heb. חכם לב chakam  leb, wise of heart. Wherever this epithet occurs the reader is to consider it as an Hebraism, even though it should be met with in the New Testament, as 1 Cor 3:10, ‘According to the grace of God which is given unto me as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation.’ Strictly speaking, a man may be replete with wisdom, and yet be a poor artificer; and here perhaps a better version would have been ‘ingenious,’ ‘skilful,’ or some such term; or ‘wise-hearted’ may be exchanged for ‘wise-minded,’ as ‘heart,’ in the modern acceptation, is the seat neither of wisdom, nor skill, nor ingenuity; but of love, hatred, pride, revenge, and other similar passions; whereas in the mind lodges not only wisdom, properly so called, but prudence, foresight, genius, contrivance, invention, and other kindred faculties. 

Skill (wisdom) (02451)(chokmah from the verb chakam - to be wise) is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding. Wisdom is the ability to see something from God’s viewpoint. Wisdom is “God’s character in the many practical affairs of life.” We can get INFORMATION "on LINE" (from Google) but WISDOM is from "on HIGH" (from God)! Chokmah is the knowledge and the ability to make the right choices at the opportune time. The consistency of making the right choice is an indication of one's spiritual maturity. The prerequisite for this "wisdom" is the fear of the Lord (Pr 1:7+). "Wisdom" is personified as crying out for disciples who will do everything to pursue her (Pr 1:20). The person who seeks chokmah diligently will receive understanding: (Pr 2:6) and will benefit in life by walking with God (Pr 2:20, cf Gal 5:16+).

Understanding(08394)(tebunah from bin = to discern) is a noun describing the ability to discern a right course of action (Dt 32:28, Ps 136:5, 145:5, Pr 3:19). In other contexts, tebunah refers to skill or the ability to perform a craft (Ex 31:3). Tebunah is the object of knowledge (Pr 2:3; 3:13; 5:1; 14:29; 18:2; 19:8 Ps 49:4; 147:5 Is 40:28 1Ki 5:9; 7:14) Vine summarizes tebunah - it represents the act (Job 26:12), faculty (Ex. 31:3), object (Pr 2:3), and personification of wisdom (Pr. 8:1).  Understanding (Webster) = power of comprehending; especially the capacity to apprehend general relations of particulars; the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories. The faculty of the human mind by which it apprehends the real state of things presented to it, or by which it receives or comprehends the ideas which others express and intend to communicate. The understanding is called also the intellectual faculty. It is the faculty by means of which we obtain a great part of our knowledge. Augustine has a good word on understanding - Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. Understanding - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology 

 

Related Resource:

Exodus 36:2  Then Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful person in whom the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it.

  • in whom the LORD had put skill: Ex 28:3 31:6 35:10,21-35 Ac 6:3,4 14:23 Col 4:17 Heb 5:4 
  • whose heart stirred him: Ex 35:2,21,25,26 1Ch 29:5 
  • Exodus 36 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

MOSES CALLS TO
THOSE WITH WILLING HEARTS

Then Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful person in whom the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it - Yahweh had put the skill (chokmah) and yet they still had to make a volitional choice to respond to the stirring in their heart. Stirred  is more literally "whose hearts were lifted up" which means that their affections were set on the service to the LORD.  The verb come means to draw near as when one drew near the altar to bring an offering. In this context they are drawing near to offer their bodies as "living sacrifices' so to speak (cf Ro 12:1+). While Bezalel and Oholiab were especially chosen to work, the rest came because of their own volition. 

Guzik - even willing hearts need to be told, now is the time to give. Moses let them know, and the people started bringing their offering to the LORD.

THOUGHT - I fear that there are times when the Spirit stirs our (my) heart and yet we (I) resist His still small voice. Lord, give us hearts sensitive to Your Spirit's stirrings for the sake of Your great Name. In the Name of Jesus. Amen. 

Exodus 36:3  They received from Moses all the contributions which the sons of Israel had brought to perform the work in the construction of the sanctuary. And they still continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning.

  • the offering: Ex 35:5-21,27,29 
  • every morning: Ps 5:3 101:8 Pr 8:15 Isa 50:4 Jer 21:12 
  • Exodus 36 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

CONTINUAL NON-COERCED
CONTRIBUTIONS

They received from Moses all the contributions which the sons of Israel had brought to perform the work in the construction of the sanctuary.  - For contributions see comments on Ex 35:5-21. The contributions were free will offering. Young's Literal calls contributions "heave offerings." The Hebrew word for contribution (teruwmah). 

Bush - And they received of Moses all the offering, &c. Heb. כל התרומח kol hatterumah, all the heaving, or heave-offering.

And they still continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning - The hearts were aflame for God's work and this prompted continual offerings. Every morning is literally morning by morning and is a "Hebrew idiom which extends the action—that is, it indicates that the activity is continuous." (Currid)

Bush -  And they brought yet unto him free-offerings every morning. Heb. בקר בקר boker boker, morning, morning. They kept it up from day to day, and how long they would have gone on, if not restrained, no one can tell. But we are not left merely to admire their conduct. (THOUGHT) ‘We should always make it our morning’s work to bring our offering unto the Lord, even the spiritual offerings of prayer and praise, and a broken heart surrendered entirely to God. This is that which the duty of every day requires. God’s compassions are new every morning, and so should our offerings be, our free offerings: God’s grace to us is free, and so should our duty to him be.’ Henry.

Guzik - This follows the pattern of God’s giving to us. God gives us much more than we ever need, and our giving is simply a response to His.

G Campbell Morgan - When the heart is truly stirred, and the spirit makes willing, giving is robbed of all meanness; indeed, it ceases to be calculating. Nothing is too precious to be given, no amount is too great.

The generous giving of the Israelites reminds us of two NT examples...

Matthew 26:7   a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table.

Philippians 4:14-19+ Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.  15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Exodus 36:4  And all the skillful men who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which he was performing,

  • 2Ch 24:13 Mt 24:45 Lu 12:42 1Co 3:10 
  • Exodus 36 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

TABERNACLE WORKERS
TAKE A BREAK

And all the skillful men who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which he was performing

Bush - And all the wise men—came every man from his work, &c. The ‘wise men’ here mentioned were evidently the artificers or artisans who took charge of the different departments of the work. Although their several tasks were not yet completed, yet from the best judgment they could form of the amount of materials requisite, they did not hesitate to assure Moses that the supply exceeded the demand.

Exodus 36:5  and they said to Moses, "The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform."

  • Ex 32:3 2Ch 24:14 31:6-10 2Co 8:2,3 Php 2:21 4:17,18 
  • Exodus 36 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

THE INTEGRITY OF
THE WORKERS

and they said to Moses, "The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform - Note the integrity of the workers who could have "pocketed" some of the surplus for themselves, but did not do so. 

Bush - This report was alike creditable to the artists and to the people. It showed conclusively the exemplary honesty of the former. Had they been governed by any thing but the strictest principles of integrity, they would scarcely have failed to seize the opportunity of enriching themselves by appropriating the overplus of the offerings to their own use as perquisites of their place. When we consider that it was impossible to determine beforehand precisely how large an amount of materials would be necessary for any particular province of the work, and how desirous most men are of having the handling and the discretionary control of precious things, though they may not actually use them, it was certainly a rare example of disinterestedness and probity that was now exhibited. With every thing to favor peculation, they scorn to entertain the thought for a moment of turning the public liberality to their private advantage. On the contrary, they determine to cut themselves off from a liability to temptation by declining to receive any more than they were confident of having occasion for

Exodus 36:6  So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp, saying, "Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary." Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more.

So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp, saying, "Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary."

Currid - ‘proclamation’ throughout the camp—that word is literally ‘voice’, indicating the oral transmission of the announcement. As a consequence of it, the people stop giving. This passage highlights, again, the liberal contribution of the people—it is both men and women who give, and they continuously donate to the work.

Bush - So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation - Accordingly upon their statement to Moses he immediately issued his command in a proclamation that the contributions should cease. Here again it is impossible to conceive a more emphatic testimony than this to the profuse generosity of the people. ‘Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary!’ Moses might well adopt the language of Paul respecting the churches of Macedonia; ‘Their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power, they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift.’ It would almost seem that they had heard ‘the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Alas, are we not constrained to acknowledge that this conduct stands in mortifying contrast with that of the great mass of the Christian world! Instead of giving ‘too much,’ where do they ever give enough? And where do we now find men acting so fully on the voluntary principle? How small a proportion of the benevolent offerings of Christians are brought to the Lord’s treasury? Instead of this they must be sent for. Numerous, expensive, and laborious agencies must be employed, which of themselves absorb a considerable portion of the funds raised. Collectors must go from house to house, and even then are often esteemed unwelcome visitors; nay, so prone is the worldly heart to evasion, that many will consider it a good excuse for not giving to a well-known object of benevolence, if they can say, they have not been called on! Ah, how different from the full-souled and spontaneous promptings of the Israelitish donors on this occasion! They needed simply to have a want stated, and then without waiting for duty to be inculcated, appeals urged, a precise amount prescribed, or a messenger sent, they become the carriers of their own gifts and pour them in without stint till checked by a public proclamation! God be praised, however, that this spirit is not entirely lacking in the church at this day. Some there are who only require the slightest signal of the Lord’s finger, not to be behind the most forward Israelite in contributing to the up-building of his kingdom on the earth. Their record is on high.

Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more - “It must have been both a disappointment and a frustration to those who had delayed their gifts because they could not bear to part with their treasures, and who now found that God had no further need of them. His work was finished, but they had excluded themselves from any share in it: God deliver us from such a frustration.” (Cole)

Exodus 36:7  For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it.

  • sufficient and more than enough: 2Ch 31:10 
  • Exodus 36 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

ISRAEL'S EXAMPLE OF
GENEROUS GIVING

For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it - Stirred hearts of the people poured out an overabundance of offering to Jehovah, the One Who is the supreme example of a Generous Giver (John 3:16+). 

Currid - It is easy for us to judge and condemn many of the actions of the Israelites in the book of Exodus. Their lack of faith, murmuring and sinful actions, like the golden calf incident, are not worthy of our emulation. Yet we need to be careful not to judge them too harshly without looking into our own hearts. The fact of the matter is, we probably would act the same way as they did in their situation. There is nothing new under the sun! In addition, we often do not commend Israel for the times when they did the right thing. In the present section, the Hebrews responded in a good and godly manner—they gave liberally to the work of the tabernacle and the worship of Yahweh. We ought to imitate them in this regard. But how little the church gives! We ought to be like the man buried in St Paul’s Cathedral in London whose epitaph, in a plain and simple way, reads: ‘Sacred to the memory of Charles George Gordon, who at all times and everywhere gave his strength to the weak, his substance to the poor, his sympathy to the suffering, his heart to God.’

NET Note - This lengthy section (Exodus 35:1–36:7) forms one of the most remarkable sections in the book. Here there is a mixture of God’s preparation of people to do the work and their willingness to give and to serve. It not only provides insight into this renewed community of believers, but it also provides a timeless message for the church. The point is clear enough: In response to God’s commission, and inspired by God’s Spirit, the faithful and willing people rally to support and participate in the LORD’s work.

Alan Cole - Such repetition is characteristic both of Israel’s literature in general and, in particular, of priestly circles: the book of Ezekiel contains many examples, as does Chronicles. As an architect delights to pore over plans or blueprints, so the pious priest would have rejoiced in this meticulous re-listing of specifications already given.

Exodus 36:8  All the skillful men among those who were performing the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material, with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman, Bezalel made them.

  • skillful men: Ex 31:6 Ex 35:10 
  • made: Ex 26:1-37 1Ch 15:1 
  • cherubim - Ge 3:24  Ex 25:18,22 1Ki 6:23 2Ch 3:10 Eze 1:5-28 10:1-19 
  • Exodus 36 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Related Passages:

Exodus 31:6  “And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you:

Exodus 35:10   ‘Let every skillful man among you come, and make all that the LORD has commanded:

The orders for making the curtains are now executed in a word for word fulfilment of the earlier commands, giving us a good example of how we should all obey the word (enabled by the Spirit) -- to the letter (but not "by the letter," i.e., not by the law or legalistically). As best we can tell the obedience of the Israelites to the letter of the law was by the Spirit (cf Ex 31:3+, Ex 35:31+). This reminds me of one of my "life verses" 

Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, Who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.  (2 Cor 3:5-6+)

All the skillful men among those who were performing the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material, with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman, Bezalel made them - See comments on Exodus 26:1-37

Bush sums up the rest of this chapter -  We find scarcely any thing in the sequel of this chapter but what has been mentioned and fully commented on in preceding Notes. Both this and the remaining chapters of the book are little more than a bare repetition of the contents of the previous chapters from ch. 25th to 31st inclusive. We shall find nothing to surprise or weary us in this extended recital of minute circumstances, if we bear in mind, that it is doubtless intended as a tacit intimation to us of the duty of fulfilling to the letter, and with the most scrupulous exactness, every jot and tittle of the word of God. Of this the narrative before us affords so striking an instance, that it may well stand as a grand and paramount illustration of a general principle. Indeed it may be said, that the whole mass of Scripture consists chiefly of two corresponding parts, viz., precept and example; on the one hand the directions as to what we are to do to fulfil the divine will, and on the other, the example of those who have actually fulfilled it. The comparison of the two cannot but be admonitory to us, that in all things we are to work for God according to the pattern shown to us. In all our conduct, whether it be in the world’s estimation a great matter or a small, it is of the first importance that there be neither a nail nor a pin, a loop nor a hook, otherwise than God has commanded. To do his will makes every matter great. Nothing can be a trifle that promotes his glory. ‘Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing’ as he hath ordered.

Cherubim (03742)(kerub) are angelic heavenly beings who dwell in God's presence and minister to Him. Note that cherubim which are frequently depicted as chubby infants with wings or as feminine creatures has absolutely no scriptural support (Which makes the point again that one should not glean his theology from Biblical art but from the Bible - in fact the first use in Ge 3:24 hardly depicts them as "chubby little babies" but as fearful beings!) In other cultures of the ancient world, cherubim were minor deities protective of palaces and temples; in Israel they symbolized angelic guardians (Gen 3:24).

Related Resources:

Exodus 36:9  The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits and the width of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains had the same measurements.

 
The Tabernacle
Click Picture to Enlarge
(Source: ESV.org)

The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits and the width of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains had the same measurements - See comments on Exodus 26:2

Exodus 36:10  He joined five curtains to one another and the other five curtains he joined to one another.

  • Ex 26:3 Ps 122:3 133:1 Zep 3:9 Ac 2:1 1Co 1:10 12:20,27 Eph 1:23 Eph 2:21,22 4:2-6 Php 2:2 3:15 
  • Exodus 36 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

He joined five curtains to one another and the other five curtains he joined to one another - See comments on Exodus 26:3

Exodus 36:11  He made loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set; he did likewise on the edge of the curtain that was outermost in the second set.

He made loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set; he did likewise on the edge of the curtain that was outermost in the second set.  - See comments on Exodus 26:4

Exodus 36:12  He made fifty loops in the one curtain and he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was in the second set; the loops were opposite each other.

He made fifty loops in the one curtain and he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was in the second set; the loops were opposite each other.  - See comments on Exodus 26:5,10 

Exodus 36:13  He made fifty clasps of gold and joined the curtains to one another with the clasps, so the tabernacle was a unit.

  • so the tabernacle was a unit.: 1Co 12:20 Eph 2:20-22 1Pe 2:4,5 
  • Exodus 36 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

He made fifty clasps of gold and joined the curtains to one another with the clasps, so the tabernacle was a unit - See comments on Exodus 26:6

Spiritual application to New Testament believers who are the "Tabernacle" (Temple) of God...

1 Corinthians 12:20   But now there are many members, but one body.

Ephesians 2:20-22+  having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

1 Peter 2:4; 5+   And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 

Exodus 36:14  Then he made curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle; he made eleven curtains in all.

Then he made curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle; he made eleven curtains in all - See comments on Exodus 26:7

Exodus 36:15 The length of each curtain was thirty cubits and four cubits the width of each curtain; the eleven curtains had the same measurements.

The length of each curtain was thirty cubits and four cubits the width of each curtain; the eleven curtains had the same measurements - See comments on Exodus 26:8

Exodus 36:16  he joined five curtains by themselves and the other six curtains by themselves.

he joined five curtains by themselves and the other six curtains by themselves - See comments on Exodus 26:9

Exodus 36:17  Moreover, he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was outermost in the first set, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was outermost in the second set.

Moreover, he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was outermost in the first set, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was outermost in the second set - See comments on Exodus 26:10

Exodus 36:18  He made fifty clasps of bronze to join the tent together so that it would be a unit.

 He made fifty clasps of bronze to join the tent together so that it would be a unit - See comments on Exodus 26:11

Exodus 36:19  He made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of porpoise skins above.

He made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of porpoise skins above - See comments on Exodus 26:14

Exodus 36:20  Then he made the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing upright.

  • boards: Ex 26:15-25 40:18,19 
  • wood: Ex 25:5,10 Nu 25:1 De 10:3 
  • Exodus 36 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

The Tabernacle
Click Picture to Enlarge
(Source: ESV.org)

Then he made the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing upright - See comments on Exodus 26:15

Exodus 36:21  Ten cubits was the length of each board and one and a half cubits the width of each board.

Ten cubits was the length of each board and one and a half cubits the width of each board - See comments on Exodus 26:16

Exodus 36:22  There were two tenons for each board, fitted to one another; thus he did for all the boards of the tabernacle.

There were two tenons for each board, fitted to one another; thus he did for all the boards of the tabernacle - See comments on Exodus 26:17

Exodus 36:23  He made the boards for the tabernacle: twenty boards for the south side;

He made the boards for the tabernacle: twenty boards for the south side - See comments on Exodus 26:18

Exodus 36:24  and he made forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons and two sockets under another board for its two tenons.

and he made forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons and two sockets under another board for its two tenons - See comments on Exodus 26:19

Exodus 36:25  Then for the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, he made twenty boards,

Then for the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, he made twenty boards - See comments on Exodus 26:20

Exodus 36:26  and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board and two sockets under another board.

and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board and two sockets under another board - See comments on Exodus 26:21

Exodus 36:27  For the rear of the tabernacle, to the west, he made six boards.

For the rear of the tabernacle, to the west, he made six boards - See comments on Exodus 26:22

Exodus 36:28  He made two boards for the corners of the tabernacle at the rear.

He made two boards for the corners of the tabernacle at the rear - See comments on Exodus 26:23

Exodus 36:29  They were double beneath, and together they were complete to its top to the first ring; thus he did with both of them for the two corners.

  • coupled: Heb. twined, Ex 26:24 Ps 122:3 133:1 Ac 2:46 4:32 1Co 1:10 12:13 2Co 1:10 Eph 2:15,19,21 3:18,19 4:2-6,15,16 
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They were double beneath, and together they were complete to its top to the first ring; thus he did with both of them for the two corners - See comments on Exodus 26:24

NET NOTE - This difficult verse uses the perfect tense at the beginning, and the second clause parallels it with יִהְיוּ (yihyu), which has to be taken here as a preterite without the consecutive vav (ו). The predicate “finished” or “completed” is the word תָּמִּים (tammim); it normally means “complete, sound, whole,” and related words describe the sacrifices as without blemish.

Exodus 36:30  There were eight boards with their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets, two under every board.

There were eight boards with their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets, two under every board - See comments on Exodus 26:25

Exodus 36:31  Then he made bars of acacia wood, five for the boards of one side of the tabernacle,

Then he made bars of acacia wood, five for the boards of one side of the tabernacle - See comments on Exodus 26:26

Exodus 36:32  and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the rear side to the west.

And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the rear side to the west - See comments on Exodus 26:27

Exodus 36:33  He made the middle bar to pass through in the center of the boards from end to end.

He made the middle bar to pass through in the center of the boards from end to end - See comments on Exodus 26:28

Exodus 36:34  He overlaid the boards with gold and made their rings of gold as holders for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

He overlaid the boards with gold and made their rings of gold as holders for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold - See comments on Exodus 26:29

These preceding and following passages fulfill Jehovah's instructions in Exodus 26:30  "Then you shall erect the tabernacle according to its plan which you have been shown in the mountain."

Exodus 36:35  Moreover, he made the veil of blue and purple and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen; he made it with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman.

  • Ex 26:31-35 30:6 40:21 Mt 27:51 Heb 10:20 
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The Tabernacle
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(Source: ESV.org)

Moreover, he made the veil of blue and purple and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen; he made it with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman - See comments on Exodus 26:31

NET NOTE - The verb is simply “he made” but as in Ex 26:31 it probably means that the cherubim were worked into the curtain with the yarn, and so embroidered on the curtain.

Exodus 36:36  He made four pillars of acacia for it, and overlaid them with gold, with their hooks of gold; and he cast four sockets of silver for them.

He made four pillars of acacia for it, and overlaid them with gold, with their hooks of gold; and he cast four sockets of silver for them - See comments on Exodus 26:32

Exodus 36:37  He made a screen for the doorway of the tent, of blue and purple and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen, the work of a weaver;

He made a screen for the doorway of the tent, of blue and purple and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen, the work of a weaver - See comments on Exodus 26:36

Exodus 36:38  and he made its five pillars with their hooks, and he overlaid their tops and their bands with gold; but their five sockets were of bronze.

and he made its five pillars with their hooks, and he overlaid their tops and their bands with gold; but their five sockets were of bronze - See comments on Exodus 26:37

NET Note - The word is “their heads” (TOPS); technically it would be “their capitals” (so ASV, NAB, NRSV). The bands were bands of metal surrounding these capitals just beneath them. These are not mentioned in Ex 26:37, and it sounds like the posts are to be covered with gold. But the gradation of metals is what is intended: the posts at the entrance to the Most Holy Place are all of gold; the posts at the entrance to the tent are overlaid with gold at the top; and the posts at the entrance to the courtyard are overlaid with silver at the top (S. R. Driver, Exodus, 387, citing Dillmann without reference).

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