Summary
Exodus 36 begins with Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled workers starting the work God commanded for the tabernacle. God had given them wisdom, ability, and craftsmanship to complete the work.
The Israelites continued bringing freewill offerings for the tabernacle, and they gave so generously that there was actually more than enough to finish the work. Moses eventually had to tell the people to stop bringing offerings.
The rest of the chapter describes the careful construction of the tabernacle—the curtains, coverings, frames, crossbars, and veil—exactly as God had instructed.
Exodus 36 reminds us that God can use our generosity, obedience, skills, and willingness to accomplish His purposes.
Observations
1. God gives us gifts for a purpose.
2. The people gave more than enough.
3. Obedience matters even in the details.
Life Application
Exodus 36 challenges us to ask:
What has God already placed in my hands that I can use for Him?
Maybe it’s your time.
Maybe it’s encouragement.
Maybe it’s creativity.
Maybe it’s hospitality.
Maybe it’s giving.
Maybe it’s teaching, writing, serving, organizing, praying, or simply showing up when someone needs you.
You don’t have to have someone else’s gift for God to use you.
God can take your willingness, your abilities, and your resources and use them for something much bigger than you realize.
The chapter also reminds us that generosity is not only about money. We can generously give our time, attention, talents, prayers, encouragement, and love.
Questions
- What gifts or abilities has God given me that I could use more intentionally for Him?
- When God asks me to give or serve, do I respond willingly or reluctantly?
- Is there an area where I need to trust God’s instructions instead of doing things entirely my own way?
Memory Verse — Exodus 36:5 NIV
“The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.”
Encouragement
You may look at someone else and think their gift is more important than yours.
But God doesn’t need you to be someone else.
He can use your personality.
Your story.
Your creativity.
Your compassion.
Your experience.
Your resources.
Your willingness.
The craftsmen in Exodus 36 simply used what God had given them, and together they helped build something sacred.
Never underestimate what God can do through a willing heart.
Father,
Thank You for every gift, ability, resource, and opportunity You have placed in my life.
Help me recognize that everything I have ultimately comes from You.
Give me a willing heart that wants to serve You—not because I feel pressured, but because I love You.
Show me where I can use my gifts to encourage others and help accomplish Your purposes.
Teach me to be generous with my time, resources, love, encouragement, and talents.
And when You give me instructions, help me trust You enough to obey—even when I don’t understand every detail.
Use what You have placed in my hands for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Read It Yourself
Take a few minutes today to read Exodus 36 for yourself.
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