(The Lord speaking is red text)
And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made;
until all the craftsmen doing the work for the sanctuary left the work they were involved with
so that all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work
And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they wrought;
And all the wise men{H2450}, that wrought{H6213} all the work{H4399} of the sanctuary{H6944}, came{H935} every man{H376} from his work{H4399} which they made{H6213};
**Exodus 36:4** is a verse set within the larger narrative of the construction of the Tabernacle, which was the portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt.
**Themes:**
1. **Divine Guidance and Craftsmanship:** The verse highlights the role of skilled craftsmen who were inspired and guided by God to create the sanctuary. Their wisdom and craftsmanship are emphasized, suggesting that human skill and divine inspiration work together in service of the sacred.
2. **Voluntary Service:** The verse implies a sense of voluntary service and dedication. These craftsmen left their own occupations to contribute to the construction of the sanctuary, indicating a willingness to prioritize communal and religious duties over personal gain.
3. **Community Collaboration:** The construction of the Tabernacle was a communal effort, with everyone contributing according to their abilities. This reflects the theme of unity and collective responsibility in achieving a divine purpose.
**Historical Context:**
- **Post-Exodus Period:** The events in Exodus occur after the Israelites' departure from Egypt, during their wandering in the Sinai Peninsula. This period is marked by the formation of Israel as a nation and the establishment of their religious and legal systems.
- **The Tabernacle's Significance:** The Tabernacle was central to Israelite worship. It was the place where God would meet with Moses and where the priests would offer sacrifices according to the Mosaic Law. Its construction followed detailed instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai.
- **Cultural and Religious Development:** The detailed description of the Tabernacle's construction reflects the importance of cultic practice and religious space in ancient Israelite society. It also sets a precedent for the later construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
In summary, Exodus 36:4 reflects the themes of divine guidance in craftsmanship, voluntary service, and communal collaboration within the historical context of the Israelites' post-exodus nation-building and religious development. The verse underscores the significance of the Tabernacle as a sanctuary for God's presence and a focal point for worship and sacrifice in early Israelite religion.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)