Introduction To The Study Of The TabernacleSample

HOW WAS THE MATERIAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE PROVIDED?

The question is: Where does the vast amount of material originate which was used in the construction of the tabernacle? Our answer is found in Exodus 3:21, 22 ...and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed.  But every woman shall ask of her neighbour, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians. This is a fulfilment of the promise to Abraham more than four hundred years before: And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions (Gen. 15:14). 

So the slave-nation Israel left Egypt as a wealthy nation indeed, according to Exodus 11:2, 3 and Exodus 12:35, 36. This collection of precious articles by Israel was simply compensation for the years of slave labour they had to perform. The real purpose of this collection was for the construction and decoration of the tabernacle in the desert, which they would construct later.

When the time for the construction and erection of the tabernacle came, Moses called on the people to make a freewill offering to the Lord (Exod. 25:2; 35:4-9; 21-29). The reaction of the people was so great that Moses later had to ask them to stop bringing more articles (Exod. 36:3-6).

The Spirit of the Lord inspired Bezalel and Aholiab to become craftsman. Filled by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit enabled them to train and teach others to create the artwork (Exod. 31:1-6; 35:30-35).

God's method of doing things is the same today. Paul explains that there are: ...diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all (1 Cor. 12:4-7). All this is from God, so that we will also be able to build his Church on earth.