Unwanted Donations!?
Introduction: What kinds of materials were needed for Israel to make the Tabernacle?
Text, Exodus 36:2-7, KJV: 2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: 3 And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning. 4 And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made; 5 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make. 6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. 7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.
Thoughts
The children of Israel had only recently been freed from many years of slavery in Egypt. The LORD had brought them through the Red Sea and other places, and now they’re camped near Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29). Now it was time for them to build the Tabernacle, according to the pattern the LORD gave Moses.
The LORD had previously instructed Moses to have Israel bring offerings of various items (see Exodus 25:1-9 for the requested/required items). Moses relayed and repeated the list of items needed for the tabernacle in Exodus 35:4-19. Now it was time for Israel to step up and give as they felt led to do (Exodus 35:20-29)!
And give, they did! In fact, the Israelites wound up giving so much that the craftsmen had to ask them to stop—they had too much!
It goes without saying that this wasn’t always the case, but here, the craftsmen didn’t want any more donations or contributions. We’ll have to leave it at that, but it’s refreshing to know that when there was a genuine need, the people of God rose up and met that need—and much more!
Recently, I acquired some clothing which was intended to go to a certain church (for privacy and security, no details) which has a clothing ministry: free clothes for the ones in need. To my surprise, there was a notice saying “We’re not taking donations at this time”.
Enough, and too much, indeed! This again shows how seriously, again, the Lord’s people respond to needs. The sad thing was that this particular church had “enough, and too much” for now; the reality is they’ll likely need more in the future. Pray for this ministry that it bears fruit.
Scripture quotations taken from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV)