Restrained from Giving

Exodus 36 opens with the craftsmen beginning their work, using the offerings Moses gave them. Yet the people kept bringing freewill offerings every morning (36:3). Their generosity was so great that the skilled workers stopped their labor to report, The people have brought much more than enough (36:5). It is one of the few times in Scripture that God's people had to be told to stop giving.

The contrast with chapter 32 is striking. Then the people gave gold eagerly for an idol. Now, forgiven and restored, they give even more eagerly for the worship of the true God. Grace received produces generosity. Paul describes the Macedonian churches in a similar way: out of deep poverty they gave beyond their ability because they first gave themselves to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:2-5).

The rest of the chapter records the making of the curtains, coverings, frames and veil, repeating chapter 26. The repetition is not filler. It shows that every instruction from God was carried out exactly. The craftsmen's honesty is also notable. Rather than keep a surplus, they reported it. Faithful stewardship means using resources for their intended purpose and being open about them.