Seder 72: Exodus 35-36---Tabernacle Construction Goes Forward

 Chapters 35-40 of Exodus describe the construction of Israel's tabernacle in the wilderness, largely repeating the details recorded in chapters 25-31.  

There are several reasons for this repetition.  First, it emphasizes that the Israelites had been completely forgiven after the sin of the golden calf, so the plans given to Moses on Mt Sinai could go forward as originally envisioned.  Second, it shows the importance of the tabernacle, a vehicle for God to dwell with his people.  Third, Cassuto has suggested that this kind of repetition may be characteristic of documents from the ancient Near East, where plans for a shrine are followed by details of its construction. 

There is also new information in these chapters along with the repetition.  One theme of Ex 35-40 is the obedience and zeal of the Israelites in carrying out the construction exactly as planned.

As already mentioned in Exodus 31, work on the tabernacle would pause each week on the Sabbath, when the Israelites would honor God as the Creator who granted them their ability to create beautiful things.  Ex 35:3 explicitly mentions one activity forbidden on the Sabbath.  "You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling places on the Sabbath day."  The Sabbath was a welcome rest for those who did the cooking.  God provided enough manna for two days every Friday so that no cooking would have to be done.  

In Jewish tradition kindling a fire is symbolic of human creative activity, the closest we get to "creation from nothing."  

Materials for the project were collected in a freewill offering, giving all the people, both male and female, an opportunity to feel a personal connection with the tabernacle.  The response to the call for materials was enthusiastic, generating more than was needed.  Here the Israelites exhibited repentance, support for Moses, and gratitude for having been forgiven.

The project would be supervised by Spirit-empowered leaders.  Paft of their job would be to teach the necessary skills.  Such skills were a gift from God, but they were not acquired without effort and training.