Exodus 36:3

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 [withal]. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning.

And they received {H3947} of {H6440} Moses {H4872} all the offering {H8641}, which the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} had brought {H935} for the work {H4399} of the service {H5656} of the sanctuary {H6944}, to make {H6213} it withal. And they brought {H935} yet unto him free offerings {H5071} every morning {H1242}.

They received from Moshe all the offering which the people of Isra'el had brought for the work of building the sanctuary. But they still kept bringing voluntary offerings every morning,

They received from Moses all the contributions that the Israelites had brought to carry out the service of constructing the sanctuary. Meanwhile, the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning,

and they received of Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, wherewith to make it. And they brought yet unto him freewill-offerings every morning.

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 36:3

Exodus 36:3 provides a remarkable snapshot of the Israelites' overwhelming generosity towards the construction of the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place among them.

Context

This verse is situated immediately after Moses has called for offerings and appointed the skilled craftsmen, Bezaleel and Aholiab, to oversee the work of the sanctuary. The people had already responded enthusiastically to the initial call for materials (see Exodus 35:4-9 and Exodus 35:21-29). Exodus 36:3 highlights the continuation of this generosity, indicating that the flow of contributions was so abundant that it continued daily, even after the initial collection. The craftsmen received the materials from Moses, who had received them from the people, and yet, the people kept bringing more.

Key Themes

  • Overflowing Generosity: The phrase "brought yet unto him free offerings every morning" powerfully illustrates the Israelites' extraordinary willingness and zeal. Their giving was not a one-time event but a continuous outpouring, demonstrating a deep commitment to God's dwelling place among them. This generosity exceeded all expectations, leading to an abundance that would soon require a halt to further contributions, as detailed in the following verses (Exodus 36:4-7).
  • Heartfelt Giving: These "free offerings" (Hebrew: nedabah, meaning 'voluntarily' or 'freely given') emphasize that the contributions were not coerced but came from willing hearts. This principle of cheerful and voluntary giving is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of the giver's attitude over the size of the gift.
  • Divine Provision Through Human Hands: While God commanded the construction of the Tabernacle, He chose to provide the necessary resources through the willing hands of His people. This verse shows how God's divine plan was met with an eager human response, ensuring that the work of the sanctuary could proceed with more than sufficient materials.

Linguistic Insights

The term "free offerings" (Hebrew: Χ Χ“Χ‘Χ”, nedabah) is crucial here. It signifies spontaneous, voluntary gifts, given out of a willing spirit rather than as a commanded tax or obligation. This distinguishes the Tabernacle contributions from other required offerings or tithes, underscoring the extraordinary devotion of the people in this specific instance.

Practical Application

Exodus 36:3 serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for generous and consistent giving when hearts are stirred by God's purposes. For believers today, this verse encourages:

  • Enthusiastic Participation: To contribute willingly and abundantly to God's work, whether through financial resources, time, or talents.
  • Giving Beyond Obligation: To cultivate a heart that gives not out of duty, but out of love and devotion, mirroring the spirit of the Israelites' 'free offerings.'
  • Trust in God's Sufficiency: Understanding that God often uses the generosity of His people to accomplish His grand designs, sometimes even to the point of overflow, as seen in Exodus 36:7 where the people had to be restrained from giving more.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 35:29

    The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

  • Psalms 5:3

    My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up.

  • Isaiah 50:4

    ΒΆ The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

  • Exodus 35:5

    Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever [is] of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,

  • Exodus 35:21

    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.

  • Jeremiah 21:12

    O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver [him that is] spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings.

  • Exodus 35:27

    And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;
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