Topical Bible: Tabernacle: Free-Will offerings Made at the First Rearing of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was a portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. The construction of the Tabernacle was a significant event in the history of Israel, as it symbolized God's presence and covenant with His people. The materials and labor for the Tabernacle were provided through the free-will offerings of the Israelites, as described in the Book of Exodus.

Biblical Account

The call for offerings to construct the Tabernacle is recorded in Exodus 25:1-2 : "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.'" This directive highlights the voluntary nature of the contributions, emphasizing that the offerings were to come from those whose hearts were moved to give.

The types of materials requested for the Tabernacle are detailed in Exodus 25:3-7 , which include gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, fine leather, acacia wood, olive oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, and onyx stones and gemstones for the ephod and breastpiece.

The Response of the People

The response of the Israelites to this call was overwhelmingly generous. Exodus 35:21 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." This verse underscores the willingness and eagerness of the people to contribute to the sacred project.

The offerings were not limited to materials alone; skilled artisans also offered their talents. Exodus 35:25-26 notes, "Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun: blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen. And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair."

Abundance of Offerings

The generosity of the Israelites was so great that Moses had to issue a command to stop bringing offerings. Exodus 36:5-7 records, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do. After Moses had given an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: 'No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.' So the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work."

Significance

The free-will offerings for the Tabernacle reflect the Israelites' devotion and gratitude to God. Their willingness to give generously and sacrificially demonstrates their commitment to the covenant and their desire to honor God with their resources. The construction of the Tabernacle through these offerings serves as a testament to the communal faith and obedience of the Israelites, as well as God's provision and blessing upon His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 7:1-9
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;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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