Exodus 36:1-7

Enough for the Work

Read the passage

1“So Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person are to carry out everything commanded by the LORD, who has given them skill and ability to know how to perform all the work of constructing the sanctuary.”

2Then Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person whom the LORD had gifted—everyone whose heart stirred him to come and do the work.

3They received from Moses all the contributions that the Israelites had brought to carry out the service of constructing the sanctuary. Meanwhile, the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning,

4so that all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work

5and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.”

6After Moses had given an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: “No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing more,

7since what they already had was more than enough to perform all the work.

Berean Standard Bible

Read aloud

Moses summons Bezalel, Oholiab, and the skilled people whose hearts move them to work. The LORD has given them the ability to carry out His instructions. They receive the materials already contributed, while the people keep bringing freewill offerings morning after morning.

Then the craftsmen leave their work to report a problem of abundance: more has been supplied than the task requires. Moses sends word throughout the camp that no one should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary. The people are restrained from bringing more.

The work, rather than the size of the collection, determines what is needed. God has supplied skill and willing gifts, and Moses accepts the workers' assessment that the materials are sufficient. Stopping the appeal honors the purpose for which the gifts were given. The next responsibility is to use them well.

Questions

1 What has God given the people Moses summons?

AnswerSkill and ability to do the sanctuary work according to His commands. Those whose hearts are stirred come to carry out the work with the materials supplied.

2 What do the craftsmen report to Moses?

AnswerThe people are bringing more than enough for the work. The craftsmen know what the construction requires and tell Moses the supply has exceeded that need.

3 How does Moses respond to their report?

AnswerHe orders that no more offerings be made for the sanctuary, and the people stop bringing them. He does not keep collecting just because they are willing to give.

4 How should we handle a collection for a specific need once enough is available?

AnswerSay clearly that the need has been met and use the resources for the stated purpose. If something remains, explain that honestly rather than quietly treating it as our own.

What This Means for Us

The people are generous, but Moses does not exploit their willingness. He makes “enough” an honorable conclusion.

Let your household distinguish need from appetite. Sometimes the faithful decision is not to add another thing but to care well for what has already been received.

Prayer

We pray: Lord, make us generous without making us wasteful. Give leaders the courage to recognize when enough has been given, and make our household trustworthy with every resource we receive. Amen.

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