And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.
EXODUS 36:6KJVWhat does Exodus 36:6 mean?
Exodus 36:6 describes how Moses gave an order that was announced throughout the Israelite camp, telling everyone to stop bringing more materials for the sanctuary offering because they already had enough. The people were so generous in their giving that Moses had to restrain them from bringing any more.
Moses is speaking to the whole community of Israel while they are in the wilderness, overseeing the building of the sanctuary (the tabernacle). The verse shows a moment where the people's willingness to give exceeded what was needed, so a public proclamation was made to halt further contributions. This highlights both the people's generosity and Moses' responsibility to manage the resources wisely.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:6
- "Proclaimed" (קוֹל, qôl and עָבַר, ʿāvar): The Hebrew uses two words here—one for the "voice" or "sound" (קוֹל, qôl) and another for "passing through" (עָבַר, ʿāvar)—to show that the announcement was spread widely and made sure everyone heard it throughout the camp.
- "Restrained" (כָּלָא, kāla’): This word means to hold back or prevent. It emphasizes that the people had to be actively stopped from giving more, showing the depth of their willingness.
Why Exodus 36:6 matters
- This verse clears up any idea that the Israelites were reluctant to give; instead, they gave so much that Moses had to intervene.
- It highlights the careful management of resources for the sanctuary, showing that the leaders were attentive to both generosity and practical needs.
- The verse connects to the larger story of building the tabernacle, showing the unity and enthusiasm of the people in supporting a shared sacred project.