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.
EXODUS 36:3KJVWhat does Exodus 36:3 mean?
Exodus 36:3 describes how the skilled workers received from Moses all the offerings that the Israelites had brought for building the sanctuary, and that the people continued to bring additional voluntary offerings every morning. The verse highlights the ongoing generosity of the Israelites in supporting the construction of the sanctuary.
Moses is overseeing the building of the sanctuary, and the people of Israel are responding by bringing gifts and materials. The skilled workers, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, are given these offerings to use in their work. The verse shows that the giving was not a one-time event but a continuous, daily act, reflecting the people's eagerness and commitment to the project.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:3
- "offering" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah): This word refers to a contribution or gift set apart for a special purpose, in this case, the sanctuary. It carries the sense of something lifted up or dedicated.
- "service" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This word means work or service, often used for religious or sacred duties. Here, it emphasizes that the work being done is not just construction but a form of worship.
- "sanctuary" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means something holy or set apart. The sanctuary is the sacred place where God would dwell among His people.
- "offerings" (נְדָבָה, nedavah): This word means a freewill or voluntary offering, given out of generosity rather than obligation. The verse notes that these were brought "every morning," showing ongoing willingness.
Why Exodus 36:3 matters
- Exodus 36:3 clarifies that the building of the sanctuary was a community effort, with ongoing participation from all the people, not just a select few.
- The verse emphasizes the voluntary nature of the offerings, showing that the people's giving was motivated by willingness and devotion rather than compulsion.
- This verse connects to the larger narrative by illustrating the Israelites' response to God's instructions, highlighting their unity and enthusiasm in supporting the worship of God.