2. Execution of the work 36:8-39:43

Moses described the directions for constructing the tabernacle and its furnishings earlier (chs. 25-31). I will simply give a breakdown of the individual items here with references and parallel references (cf. also 35:11-19).

 The tabernacle 36:8-38

The hangings and coverings 36:8-19 (cf. 26:1-14)

The boards and bars 36:20-34 (cf. 26:15-30)

The veil and screen 36:35-38 (cf. 26:31-37)

"The order of recounting the construction of the parts of the tabernacle is not the same as that of the instructions in Exodus 25-30. . . . The purpose for this change is perhaps to begin with, and thus highlight, the part of the work that involved all the skilled workers' before moving on to that work which involved only Bezalel. Thus the picture given at the beginning of the narrative is that of the total participation of all the people."⁵⁴²

 The furniture, vessels, and courtyard 37:1-38:20

The ark of the covenant 37:1-9 (cf. 25:10-22)

The table of showbread 37:10-16 (cf. 25:23-30)

The lampstand 37:17-24 (cf. 25:31-40)

The altar of incense 37:25-28 (cf. 30:1-10)

The anointing oil and incense 37:29 (cf. 30:22-28)

The brazen altar 38:1-7 (cf. 27:1-8)

The laver 38:8 (cf. 30:17-21)

The courtyard 38:9-20 (cf. 27:9-19)

 The raw materials 38:21-31

Moses also recorded an estimate of the amount of metal used (38:21-31). Coined money did not exist until the seventh century B.C. when the Lydians in Anatolia (modern Turkey) invented it. Consequently the shekel Moses referred to was a measure of weight (not quite half an ounce) rather than a measure of value.⁵⁴³The materials included slightly over a ton of gold (v. 24), almost four tons of silver (vv. 25-28), and about two and a half tons of bronze (vv. 29-31).

 The priests' clothing 39:1-31

Moses described the preparation of the priests' clothes at length as is appropriate in view of their importance.

The ephod 39:2-7 (cf. 28:6-12)

The breastplate 39:8-21 (cf. 28:15-29)

The robe 39:22-26 (cf. 28:31-34)

The other accessories 39:27-31 (cf. 28:39-40, 42)⁵⁴⁴

Note the repetition of the fact that the craftsmen followed the Lord's instructions to Moses precisely (vv. 1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31).

 Presentation to Moses 39:32-43

The builders and craftsmen then presented the finished tabernacle items to Moses. The fact that he listed them again in the text reflects their importance. The statement that they did their work just as God had commanded Moses brackets the section (vv. 32, 42). As in the Creation narrative (Gen. 1:28), a blessing concludes the tabernacle construction narrative (v. 43).

"The readiness and liberality with which the people had presented the gifts required for this work, and the zeal which they had shown in executing the whole of the work in rather less than half a year (see at 40:17), were most cheering signs of the willingness of the Israelites to serve the Lord, for which they could not fail to receive the blessing of God."⁵⁴⁵

The sections of Exodus dealing with the tabernacle are a fruitful field for study. As you study the tabernacle in more depth in the future, ask God to help you appreciate the significance of the many details of this revelation of God's person and work.⁵⁴⁶