Topical Bible: Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle

◄ Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of liberality, particularly in the context of the Israelites during the erection of the Tabernacle, is a profound demonstration of voluntary giving and heartfelt generosity as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This event is a significant moment in the history of Israel, showcasing the people's willingness to contribute to the construction of a sacred dwelling place for God among them.

Biblical Context

The narrative of the Israelites' liberality is found in Exodus 35-36. After receiving the commandments and instructions for the Tabernacle on Mount Sinai, Moses relayed God's directives to the people. The Tabernacle was to be a portable sanctuary, a place where God's presence would dwell among His people during their journey through the wilderness.

Call for Contributions

Moses issued a call for contributions, inviting everyone whose heart was willing to bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle. The materials required were diverse, including gold, silver, bronze, blue and purple yarn, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins, acacia wood, olive oil, spices, and precious stones (Exodus 35:5-9). This call was not a command but an invitation for voluntary participation, emphasizing the importance of a willing heart in giving.

Response of the People

The response of the Israelites was overwhelming. Exodus 35:21-22 states, "And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. So all the skilled women spun with their hands and brought what they had spun—blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen." The people gave generously, each according to their ability and willingness, demonstrating a collective spirit of liberality.

Excessive Generosity

The liberality of the Israelites was so abundant that the craftsmen working on the Tabernacle approached Moses with a remarkable report. In Exodus 36:5-7 , they said, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do." Consequently, Moses had to issue a command to restrain the people from bringing more contributions, as there was already more than sufficient material to complete the work.

Spiritual Significance

The liberality of the Israelites at the erection of the Tabernacle is emblematic of their devotion and commitment to God. It reflects a deep-seated recognition of God's sovereignty and a desire to honor Him through their resources. This act of giving was not merely transactional but was an expression of worship and gratitude, acknowledging God's provision and presence among them.

Lessons in Liberality

The account of the Israelites' liberality serves as a timeless example for believers. It underscores the importance of giving with a willing heart, the joy of participating in God's work, and the blessings that flow from a community united in purpose. The Israelites' generosity was not coerced but flowed from a genuine desire to contribute to something greater than themselves, setting a precedent for future acts of communal and individual liberality in the service of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 35:21-29
And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.
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Exodus 36:3-7
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 with. And they brought yet to him free offerings every morning.
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Exodus 38:8
And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the mirrors of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
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Numbers 7:1
And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
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Numbers 31:48-54
And the officers which were over thousands of the host, the captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, came near to Moses:
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Joshua 18:1
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.
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