Exodus-Chapter-36
-hebraicstudies.net-
Please
do NOT visit this site on שַׁבָּת - Shabbat or on
the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts!
Re Tanakh versions:
Throughout this site I may use any of the
following three versions of the Tanakh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2. “Mechon-Mamre.org”
(MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org”
(SEF), three brilliant versions, although JPS-1917 is my preferred version!
Colour coded
details of our beloved TaNaKh:
1. Torah =
History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.
*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books -
Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or
Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of
Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history
of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.
Please
Note: Some
alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’
of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.
YYYYYYY
Remember the following truth
from our beloved Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which
I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM
IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem,
which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
YYYYYYY
With
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
Exodus 36 continues the narrative of constructing the ‘Mishkan’ but with a notable shift: the focus moves from instruction to execution. The people have already offered their materials with remarkable generosity, and now the artisans begin the actual work. This chapter highlights ‘’discipline’, ‘precision’, and the ‘transformation of raw generosity into structured holiness’. It also emphasizes the importance of boundaries, knowing when to give, when to stop giving, and how to channel enthusiasm into ordered craftsmanship.
The chapter is not only about building a physical structure. It is about the formation of a community capable of sustained, cooperative effort. It shows how a nation that once misdirected its energy toward the Golden Calf now channels that same energy into something sacred and enduring.
YYYYYYY
Let us read Exodus Chapter 36, verses 1 to 38: (JPS-1917 version of the Torah). Below chapter 36 you will find my commentary on same.
1. “‘And Bezalel and Oholiab shall work, and every wise-hearted man, in whom יְהוָה - the
LORD hath put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all the work for the
service of the sanctuary, according to all that יְהוָה - the
LORD hath commanded’. 2. And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart יְהוָה - the
LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the
work to do it. 3. And they received of Moses all the
offering, which the children of
YYYYYYY
Let us now look at this Chapter’s commentary:
Verses 1-2: (Bezalel, Oholiav, and the Wise-Hearted Begin the Work). The chapter opens by reaffirming that the artisans are endowed with ‘chochmah’, ‘tevunah’, and ‘da’at wisdom’, ‘understanding’, and ‘knowledge’. These qualities are not mystical; they represent the ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute it. Moshe summons those whose hearts have been stirred to participate. This highlights that sacred work requires both skill and inner readiness. The Mishkan is not built by command alone but by a combination of ‘talent’ and a ‘willing spirit’.
Verses 3-7: (The People Bring More Than Enough). As the artisans begin their work, the people continue to bring offerings daily. Their generosity becomes so abundant that the workers report to Moshe that they have more than they can use. Moshe then issues a proclamation to stop the contributions. This moment is very unique in the Torah: a command to cease giving. It demonstrates that generosity must be guided by purpose. Excess, even when well-intentioned, can disrupt order. The people’s willingness was admirable, but the Mishkan must be built according to precise specifications, not overwhelmed by surplus!
Verses 8-13: (Construction of the Tabernacle’s Curtains). The text describes the creation of the inner curtains woven with ‘artistry’ and ‘precision’. The repeated emphasis on measurement and detail shows that holiness is not spontaneous; it is structured. The artisans follow exact dimensions, symbolizing that spiritual aspiration must be grounded in discipline. The beauty of the curtains reflects the inner sanctity of the Mishkan, where the Divine presence will dwell.
Verses 14-19: (The Goat-Hair Coverings and Additional Layers). The outer coverings, made of goat hair and other materials, serve as protective layers. These coverings are less ornate than the inner curtains, suggesting a principle: the inner sanctity is adorned with beauty, while the outer layers provide strength and durability. This mirrors human life, inner character is the source of beauty, while outer resilience protects and sustains it.
Verses 20-30: (The Boards and Sockets of the Mishkan). The boards of acacia wood form the structural framework. Their uniformity and stability symbolize the backbone of the community. Each board stands upright, supported by silver sockets. The image is powerful: individual elements, when aligned and anchored, create a unified structure. The Mishkan is not a random assembly but a carefully balanced system where each piece supports the whole.
Verses 31-34: (The Bars and Rings). The bars that run through the boards bind the structure together. This represents cohesion, individual components are connected, not isolated. The overlaying of gold adds dignity and sanctity to the framework. The Mishkan is both functional and beautiful, combining strength with refinement.
Verses 35-38: (The Veil and the Screen). The chapter concludes with the crafting of the inner veil and the entrance screen. These partitions create zones of increasing sanctity. The veil separates the Holy from the Holy of Holies, emphasizing that access to the most sacred space is limited and approached with reverence. The screen at the entrance marks the transition from the ordinary world into sacred space. These boundaries teach that holiness is not uniform; it has gradations, and approaching it requires awareness and respect!
YYYYYYY
My Closing Message:
Exodus 36 reveals a community transformed. The same people who once misdirected their energy now channel it into disciplined, purposeful creation. The chapter teaches that holiness arises not only from inspiration but from structure, boundaries, and collective effort. It shows that generosity must be guided, skill must be organized, and enthusiasm must be shaped into lasting form.
May your study of this chapter deepen your
appreciation for the balance between ‘inspiration’ and ‘discipline’, and may it
illuminate the power of a community united in sacred purpose!
YYYYYYY
Please Note: “hebraicstudies” links are located down the
page!
This
site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and
wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or
three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us,
especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very
much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!
Remember
what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via
several of our prophets...
“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;
“The
More Torah, the More Life”,
For Elohim is the One who gave us our ... “Life!”
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts, be with you, and
please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim -
Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s - Prayers and
regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s - blessings before
food and drinks, etc!
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with
you!
Enter ...