Exodus 36 5

Exodus 36:5 kjv

And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.

Exodus 36:5 nkjv

and they spoke to Moses, saying, "The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the LORD commanded us to do."

Exodus 36:5 niv

and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done."

Exodus 36:5 esv

and said to Moses, "The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do."

Exodus 36:5 nlt

They went to Moses and reported, "The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the LORD has commanded us to do!"

Exodus 36 verses

Exodus 36 5 Meaning

Exodus 36:5 conveys a powerful message of overwhelming generosity and willing obedience from the Israelites in response to God's command to construct the Tabernacle. The skilled artisans, upon receiving materials from the people, report to Moses that the people are bringing far more than is needed for the divine project. This surplus indicates an unprecedented eagerness and wholehearted commitment to the work of God's sanctuary.

Exodus 36 5 Context

Exodus 36:5 takes place shortly after Moses has called for offerings from the people to construct the Tabernacle (Ex 35:4-29) and has appointed Bezalel and Oholiab to lead the craftsmanship (Ex 35:30-35). The immediate context shows the incredible and spontaneous response of the Israelites to this call. Having previously witnessed God's power and experienced His deliverance, and fresh from the atonement for the Golden Calf incident (though this event contrasts sharply with that one, highlighting spiritual growth), the people give not out of compulsion but from willing hearts (Ex 35:29). This verse describes the artisans, already engaged in the work, coming to Moses with the astonishing news that the people are bringing more materials than needed, thus indicating an overwhelming supply and deep dedication to the divine task. Historically, such generosity for a communal project of religious significance was not entirely unheard of, but the scale and eagerness here are portrayed as exceptional, underscoring the deep spiritual impact God's presence and commands had on the Israelites at this specific time. This positive outpouring also serves as a polemic against the often-rebellious nature of Israel documented elsewhere, showcasing their capacity for obedient and enthusiastic devotion when truly moved by God's spirit.

Exodus 36 5 Word analysis

• and they spake: Hebrew: וַיֹּאמְרוּ (va-yomeru). This verb implies a direct, earnest communication, not merely casual talk. It indicates that the artisans intentionally sought out Moses to report this significant observation.

• unto Moses: Moses is the divinely appointed leader and mediator. All reports regarding the Tabernacle's construction, especially its provisioning, are directed to him, emphasizing his central role in the project commanded by God.

• saying, The people bring: Hebrew: הֵבִיא הָעָם (hebi ha-am). This emphasizes the people's active role in giving. It highlights their individual and collective agency, showing their response was a widespread, volitional act. The phrase stresses the community's spontaneous outpouring.

• much more than enough: Hebrew: מַרְבֶּה מֵאֲשֶׁר דָּי (marbeh me'asher dai) - lit. "multiplying beyond what is enough." Another Hebrew rendering could be "from the abundance of material/work" (מֵרֹב מְלָאכָה - merov melakhah, as in some ancient traditions). Both convey superabundance and overflowing. This signifies an extraordinary generosity, far exceeding the specified requirement. It indicates that the heart of the giver was more expansive than the need. This isn't just sufficient, it's an overflowing bounty.

• for the service of the work: Hebrew: לִמְלֶכֶת הָעֲבֹדָה (limlekhet ha-avodah) or simply "for the work." This refers specifically to the construction and embellishment of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. It underlines the sacred purpose of the materials; they are for God's appointed service, not for personal gain or ordinary tasks.

• which the Lord commanded to make: Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת (asher-tzivah Yahweh la'asot). This is a critical phrase. It roots the entire project and the giving within divine command. The work is not human-initiated; it is God's directive. This emphasizes obedience and validates the generosity, indicating that the giving is a response to the authoritative Word of God (Yahweh).

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "The people bring much more than enough": This phrase captures the unprecedented nature of the giving. It showcases the Israelites' deep-seated devotion and willingness, which contrasts sharply with their earlier rebellion at Mount Sinai regarding the golden calf. This highlights a redeemed and eager heart.
  • "for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make": This grouping connects the overflowing generosity directly to God's divine will. It's not just "more than enough" for any work, but specifically for the sacred task that God Himself initiated and commanded. This linkage emphasizes that true spiritual abundance stems from an obedient response to God's call.

Exodus 36 5 Bonus section

• This act of overflowing generosity in Exodus foreshadows the greater abundance God desires to give through the New Covenant, where believers are invited to "abound in every good work" (2 Cor 9:8).
• The fact that they had to be restrained from bringing more (Ex 36:6-7) is unique in biblical narrative. It highlights a divine order being established, even in overwhelming enthusiasm; there are boundaries even to giving, for God's glory and efficiency of the work.
• The surplus of materials also suggests God's desire for His people to be well-resourced and even to have plenty, not merely to exist on the edge of provision. It reflects His character as a God of more-than-enough.
• The Israelites' swift and generous response served as an affirmation of God's restoration of the covenant relationship after the Golden Calf incident. Their actions showed they had learned the lesson of faithful obedience and worship.
• This episode sets a spiritual principle: when God's people respond to His call with full hearts, the resources for His work will not only be met but often exceeded, reflecting His divine generosity mirrored in His people.

Exodus 36 5 Commentary

Exodus 36:5 is a remarkable testament to the power of a Spirit-led, willing heart in communal worship and service. At a time when human nature often inclines towards withholding or grudging contribution, the Israelites exhibited an astonishing outpouring of resources for the Tabernacle. This act was not compelled; rather, it stemmed from a deep-seated desire stirred by God's Spirit (Ex 35:21). The artisans' report to Moses reveals not a need for more, but an overflow of provision. This superabundance not only facilitated the immediate construction but also symbolized the abundant blessing God intended to pour out upon a people devoted to Him. The verse underscores that genuine giving to God's work, rooted in obedience and willingness, frequently exceeds expectations, demonstrating a spiritual enthusiasm that delights the heart of God. It sets a pattern for future generations, illustrating that when God's people commit wholeheartedly to His commanded work, He empowers them with a spirit of liberality that goes beyond mere sufficiency. This passage powerfully showcases a moment of unified devotion where the people's love for God was tangibly expressed through sacrificial, joyful, and extravagant giving.