Exodus 36:5

KJV

And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they spake {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, saying {H559}, The people {H5971} bring {H935} much more {H7235} than enough {H1767} for the service {H5656} of the work {H4399}, which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} to make {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to tell Moshe, "The people are bringing far more than is needed to do the work ADONAI has ordered done."

Berean Standard Bible

and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.”

American Standard Version

and they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which Jehovah commanded to make.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:5 records an extraordinary moment during the construction of the wilderness Tabernacle, revealing the unprecedented and overwhelming generosity of the Israelite people. So abundant were their freewill offerings for the sacred project that the skilled artisans and overseers, entrusted with the work, reported to Moses that they had received "much more than enough" material to complete all the intricate tasks the LORD had commanded. This verse powerfully underscores the people's zealous, willing, and unified participation in God's divine blueprint for His dwelling place among them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed as the climax of the people's initial response to Moses' call for Tabernacle offerings. Following the detailed divine instructions for the Tabernacle's construction in earlier chapters, Moses relays the LORD's specific requirements for materials and skilled labor in [Exodus 35:4-19](/exodus/35-4-19 "Exodus 35:4-19 - Moses' Call for Offerings and Skilled Workers"). The narrative then immediately shifts to the overwhelming generosity of the people in [Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20-29 "Exodus 35:20-29 - The People's Eager Response"), where "every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing" brought their diverse contributions. Exodus 36:5 serves as the direct, astonishing outcome of this outpouring, as the master craftsmen—Bezaleel, Aholiab, and their colleagues—find themselves with an unexpected and unmanageable surplus. This surplus directly prompts Moses' subsequent command in [Exodus 36:6-7](/exodus/36-6-7 "Exodus 36:6-7 - Moses Stops the Offerings"), instructing the people to cease bringing gifts, as more than enough had already been provided for the entire project.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Exodus 36:5 unfold in the wilderness, a pivotal period following the Israelites' miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage and their covenanting with God at Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle, whose construction is the focus here, was not merely a building but God's portable sanctuary, a tangible manifestation of His covenant presence, holiness, and a central locus for worship, sacrifice, and atonement, as explicitly commanded in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Sanctuary"). Crucially, these contributions were not forced levies or taxes, but *freewill offerings* (Exodus 35:29), a spontaneous and heartfelt demonstration of devotion from a people recently delivered and newly committed to their God. This extraordinary generosity stands in stark contrast to their earlier grumbling, impatience, and egregious idolatry, such as the incident of the golden calf detailed in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf"). This moment in Exodus 36:5 thus highlights a unique spiritual fervor and national unity, showcasing a profound transformation in the hearts of the Israelites as they willingly participated in God's redemptive plan.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 36:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Command and Human Obedience**, as the people's generosity is a direct response to the LORD's specific instructions for the Tabernacle. It highlights the theme of **Willing and Abundant Giving**, showcasing a paradigm of cheerful and overflowing contribution that far exceeds mere obligation, reflecting a heart moved by God's Spirit (Exodus 35:21). This verse also speaks to the theme of **God's Provision Through His People**, demonstrating that when God stirs the hearts of His community, He provides abundantly for His purposes, often beyond human expectation. Finally, it subtly foreshadows the theme of **God's Dwelling Among His People**, as the Tabernacle's construction, enabled by this generosity, prepares the way for the LORD's glory to fill the sanctuary, as described in [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **much more than enough (Hebrew, _râbâh day_):** This phrase combines the Hebrew root H7235 (`râbâh`), meaning "to increase, to be great, to multiply," with H1767 (`day`), meaning "enough, sufficiency." The combination emphatically conveys a state of superabundance, an overflowing quantity that far exceeds the requirement. It is not merely 'enough' but a significant, even overwhelming, surplus, indicating an extraordinary and unprecedented liberality on the part of the Israelite community, surpassing all expectations for the sacred project.
* **service of the work (Hebrew, _ʻăbôdâh mᵉlâʼkâh_):** The term H5656 (`ʻăbôdâh`) refers to "service, work, labor," often carrying connotations of sacred duty or worship, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and later Temple rituals. H4399 (`mᵉlâʼkâh`) denotes "work, occupation, business," specifically referring to the skilled craftsmanship and detailed tasks involved. Together, "service of the work" precisely designates the sacred, intricate, and divinely commanded labor involved in constructing the Tabernacle and its elaborate furnishings. It emphasizes that the offerings were not for general purposes but for a very particular, holy, and precise endeavor, highlighting the precision and sacredness of the task at hand.
* **commanded to make (Hebrew, _tsâvâh ʻâsâh_):** This phrase underscores the divine origin and authoritative mandate behind the entire Tabernacle project. The verb H6680 (`tsâvâh`) means "to command, to order, to enjoin," signifying a direct and binding instruction from a higher authority. H6213 (`ʻâsâh`) means "to do or make," encompassing a wide range of actions from creation to execution. This divine command provided the ultimate motivation and justification for the people's generous giving, transforming their contributions into acts of obedience and devotion to God's revealed will and blueprint for His dwelling place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they spake unto Moses, saying":** This opening clause identifies the speakers as the skilled craftsmen and overseers, specifically Bezaleel, Aholiab, and their assistants (Exodus 36:1-2), who were directly responsible for receiving, managing, and utilizing the offerings from the people. Their communication to Moses is an official and urgent report regarding the progress and state of the materials.
* **"The people bring much more than enough":** This is the core message of the verse, a direct and astonishing report of the overwhelming and unexpected generosity of the Israelite community. The phrase "much more than enough" vividly conveys the extent of the surplus, indicating that the volume of contributions far exceeded the estimated requirements for the Tabernacle's construction, necessitating an immediate halt to further giving.
* **"for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make":** This concluding clause clarifies the specific and sacred purpose of the abundant gifts—they were designated exclusively for the intricate and holy labor of constructing the Tabernacle. It also reiterates the ultimate authority behind the entire project, emphasizing that it was not a human initiative but a direct divine command from Yahweh, thus underscoring the sacred and obedient nature of both the work itself and the people's contributions towards it.

#### Literary Devices
The text of Exodus 36:5 employs several literary techniques to emphasize the extraordinary nature of the Israelites' generosity and the divine hand at work. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, or at least a strong emphasis on **Superabundance**. While "much more than enough" might seem like an exaggeration, it is presented as a factual and urgent report from the craftsmen, indicating a truly unprecedented and overwhelming surplus that necessitated immediate action. This highlights the sheer magnitude and unexpected nature of the people's giving. There is also an implicit **Contrast** at play. The people's eager, unified, and overflowing generosity stands in stark contrast to their earlier grumbling, lack of faith, and particularly their recent egregious idolatry with the golden calf (Exodus 32). This moment showcases a transformed heart and renewed covenant commitment, demonstrating a national unity and spiritual zeal that had been notably absent before. Furthermore, the narrative implies **Divine Inspiration** or **Divine Providence**. Though not explicitly stated as a literary device in this verse, the preceding context in [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Hearts") notes that "every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing" brought their gifts. This suggests that God Himself was actively at work in the hearts of the people, making their extraordinary generosity a testament to His power and influence, rather than merely human effort.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:5 powerfully illustrates several profound theological themes: the principle of freewill giving, the abundance of God's provision through His people, and the transformative power of a Spirit-stirred heart. The Israelites' overwhelming generosity was not coerced but flowed from a willing spirit, demonstrating their deep devotion and commitment to God's dwelling place among them. This act of giving foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on cheerful and sacrificial giving as a response to God's grace, recognizing that all we have ultimately comes from Him. It highlights that when God moves among His people, their response can exceed all expectations, providing more than enough for His purposes. This superabundance serves as a testament to the power of collective, Spirit-led generosity in advancing God's kingdom work, demonstrating that true worship often manifests in lavish giving.

* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [1 Chronicles 29:14](/1_chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - All Things Come from God")
* [Proverbs 11:24-25](/proverbs/11-24-25 "Proverbs 11:24-25 - Generosity Leads to Prosperity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Exodus 36:5 offers a compelling challenge and profound inspiration for believers today. It calls us to examine the posture of our hearts when it comes to contributing to God's work. The Israelites' response was not merely adequate, but "much more than enough," flowing from a spirit that was "stirred up" and "willing." This generosity extended beyond material wealth to their time and skills, as seen in the craftsmen who willingly offered their expertise. For us, this translates into a call for wholehearted engagement in the mission of the Church and the needs of the world, not out of obligation, but out of grateful love for God and obedience to His call. Whether through our financial resources, our unique talents and abilities, or our dedicated time, God desires a cheerful, abundant, and willing spirit of giving. This verse reminds us that when God's people are truly moved by His Spirit, they can accomplish extraordinary things, often exceeding what is humanly imagined, to the glory of His name and the advancement of His purposes. It encourages us to consider how we might give beyond what is merely expected, reflecting the lavish generosity of God Himself who has given us infinitely more than we could ask or imagine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Israelites' overwhelming generosity challenge my own approach to giving to God's work, whether in terms of time, talent, or treasure?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might God be calling me to give "much more than enough" for His kingdom purposes today, moving beyond mere obligation?**
* **What does a "willing heart," as exemplified by the Israelites, truly look like in practical terms for a believer living under the New Covenant, empowered by the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ

**Why did the people give so much more than was needed for the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The overwhelming generosity of the Israelites stemmed from a unique confluence of factors: deep spiritual fervor, a profound sense of collective purpose, and divine inspiration. Having recently experienced God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt and His awe-inspiring presence at Mount Sinai, their hearts were deeply stirred to contribute to the construction of His dwelling place among them. This was a moment of national unity and intense devotion, demonstrating their love, obedience, and eagerness to participate in God's sacred project. [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Hearts") explicitly states that "every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing" brought their gifts, indicating a divinely empowered outpouring of generosity that surpassed all practical requirements and expectations.

**What happened to the surplus materials that were collected?**

Answer: According to [Exodus 36:6-7](/exodus/36-6-7 "Exodus 36:6-7 - Moses Stops the Offerings"), Moses had to issue a public proclamation for the people to stop bringing offerings because there was already "much more than enough" material. The text does not explicitly detail the exact disposition of the surplus. It is highly probable that any excess materials were either stored for future repairs or maintenance of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, or perhaps repurposed for other necessities related to the ongoing wilderness journey. The primary emphasis of the narrative is not on the precise fate of the surplus itself, but on the extraordinary abundance of the people's giving and the immediate need to halt further contributions due to the overwhelming supply, underscoring the people's profound devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The overflowing generosity of the Israelites in Exodus 36:5, providing "much more than enough" for God's dwelling place, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, though a magnificent symbol of God's presence and a temporary shadow of heavenly realities, was a physical structure. Christ is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, the very embodiment of God's presence, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." The Spirit who stirred the hearts of the Israelites to give lavishly for a physical structure is the same Holy Spirit who empowers believers in the New Covenant to give their lives, talents, and resources for the building of the spiritual temple, the Church, with Christ as its cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Furthermore, the Tabernacle's construction, made possible by the people's gifts, foreshadows the ultimate, incomprehensible gift of God Himself in sending His Son. Christ's sacrifice on the cross was not merely "enough" for our salvation, but "much more than enough," an overflowing grace that covers all sin and provides eternal life, demonstrating that "where sin increased, grace abounded all the more" ([Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Grace Abounds All the More")). Our giving in the New Covenant, therefore, is not a means to earn favor, but a joyful, Spirit-empowered response to the immeasurable generosity of God in Christ, who, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Generosity")). This divine superabundance in Christ calls us to a corresponding, Spirit-driven generosity that reflects His own lavish love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 8:2

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

2 Corinthians 8:3

For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves;

2 Chronicles 31:6

And [concerning] the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid [them] by heaps.

2 Chronicles 31:10

And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since [the people] began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left [is] this great store.

2 Chronicles 24:14

And when they had finished [it], they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the LORD, [even] vessels to minister, and to offer [withal], and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada.

Exodus 32:3

And all the people brake off the golden earrings which [were] in their ears, and brought [them] unto Aaron.

Philippians 2:21

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.