Do you feel like you have already read these exact verses? Were you like me and felt déjà vu? My NIV study notes tipped me off to the reasoning behind this. "Such repetition was a common feature of ancient Near Eastern literature and was intended to fix the details of a narrative in the reader's mind." Details anyone? In light of this explanation and trying to be a faithful reader, I read the tabernacle details again. I have to admit, it was somewhat difficult to stay focused. :)
The tabernacle was constructed with the very best of everything: offerings, supplies, skilled laborers, and of course, the most perfect design. There were so many offerings from the Israelites that Moses actually had to tell the people to stop giving. What a wonderful problem to have!
Each person had a God-ordained role to play in building the tabernacle... from Moses' oversight to the highly skilled Bezalel and Oholiab to those giving offerings. There must have also been people who carted supplies and prepared meals for the workers. I can only imagine the excitement and anticipation among the Israelites as they worked together to follow God's instructions for this very special and beautiful building. God's work is very exciting to those involved when people come together willing to use their gifts and talents, are cheerful givers, and are obedient to God's direction and commands. Moses' instructions for the tabernacle workers were to "do the work just as the LORD has commanded" (36:1). No more, no less.
The tabernacle was where God would dwell among the Israelites. It was to be their central place of worship... their sanctuary. I love to worship God with my church family on Sundays. I'm so thankful that today God dwells within me and I can also worship God wherever I am. Check out this video and spend a few minutes singing and praising our God with me!
