Then God instructed Moses to gather offerings from the people in order to construct the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:1-9). It’s really just a large tent, but as we shall see in a moment, there are very specific details regarding how it is to be constructed. We should especially notice, though, that the point of making the Tabernacle will be so that God can reside among us (25:8).

As to the furnishings for the Tabernacle, there will be an ark of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold, carried by shafts run through rings on the side of the ark (25:10-14). There will be a table (25:23-28), a lampstand (25:31-36), and an altar (27:1-8). An entire chapter will be devoted to the directions for constructing the tent itself (26:1-37). It is to be formed from 10 fine linen sheets, each 42 feet long and six feet wide, and dyed violet-purple, red-purple, and crimson: they will be embroidered with great winged creatures (26:1-2).

All of this material is to be provided by voluntary offerings: The Lord instructs Moses to receive a contribution from anyone whose heart is moved to give. All the contributions come as materials: gold, silver, and bronze; cloth and leather and dye; wood, oil, and spices; precious stones (25:3-7).

Of course, the Israelites had been impoverished slaves, and had none of these rich items; but they had despoiled the Egyptians of great wealth when they left Egypt (12:35-36). Now all their families were suddenly in possession of all these costly items: and how would they respond when called on to give up some of these goods, if their heart felt moved? As it would turn out, they gave generously (35:20-29), indeed more than enough to make everything (36:3-7).

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All things in heaven and earth are yours, O Lord: whatever we hold in our hands is a gift that has come to us from you. We are often quick to forget that: but we pray that you would move our hearts, so that we may indeed be people of generosity, in service to you, in all our lives.