Chapters 35-39; Putting into action the instructions for the tabernacle After Moses returned from Mt.

Sinai the second time after meeting with the Lord and receiving the Ten Commandments on stone tablets, it is now time for the Israelites to begin work on the tabernacle. Chapter 35 begins with Moses assembling all the people to remind them of the instructions given by God; 1) Work six days and rest on the seventh 2) From all you have been given, take an offering for the Lord (doesnt appear to sound optional) 3) Everyone who is willing is to bring whatever it is they have; gold, silver, bronze, blue/purple/scarlet yarn and fine linen; etc. (All the items listed previously in our study needed for the building of the tabernacle and its articles. These articles were actually given to the Israelites by the Egyptians as they exited that country.) 4) Those who are skilled laborers, men or women, are to make the items needed for the tabernacle. These directions were followed by willing hearts as the various items were collected and all the skilled laborers set out to obey Gods blueprints as given to Moses. Bezalel and Oholiab were again mentioned as the chief laborers to be consulted during construction of the tabernacle. Bezalel, from the tribe of Judah, is described as a man filled with the Spirit of God and possessed the skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts; an artist of great value. Oholiab, from the tribe of Dan, also proficient in his craftsmanship, apparently was a good teacher and with Bezalel made a good team. These men were to lead and guide the craftsmen in constructing the sanctuary. Chapter 36 describes the preparations for the curtains of the tabernacle, clasps, loops, frames, etc.; Chapter 37 continues with the Ark, the Table of Presence, the Lampstand and the Altar of Incense; Chapter 38 outlines the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Basin for Washing and the Courtyard; then Chapter 39 again explains the care to be used in the making of the Ephod, the Breastpiece and the Priestly Garments. Since we spent time on the intricate details of these various pieces in previous lessons, I will end this week with a couple of thoughts; first, in verses 6-7 of Chapter 36, Then

Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary. And so the people were restrained

from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.
How wonderful to have such an overwhelming response to the instructions of God! What we would be able to do in ministry with the open, generous and giving hearts of each and every child of God to the point pastors were issuing a statement, Please, no more! Secondly, in the last couple of verses in Chapter 39, scripture reads, The Israelites had

done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.
To know that you gave all you had, did the best job possible and then to hear, well done, my good and faithful servant! Now thats powerful. We will finish with our study in the Book of Exodus next week. I would ask that you read over the chapter and begin to ponder another study for the beginning of the year. Whether it is a study done in a group setting, in a class at your local church, or perhaps again with me; pray and ask God to direct your decision for continued spiritual growth.

Lord, you have been so good to us throughout this year as we have studied the book of Exodus. Thank you for each and every lesson learned on this journey as we have traveled with the Israelites to this point in history. May we take away a pocketful of nuggets to be used in our witness to others of the marvelous grace of our loving Lord. In whose name we pray, Amen!