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"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

Text: Exodus 36 : 6-7

RESTRAINED FROM GIVING

In most situations, there is often a lack. Appeals are launched. Needs are made known so that people could respond as they are able. But in the case of the Tabernacle building project, people had to be literally commanded not to bring any more gifts.

“So Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it
to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying,
‘Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering
of the sanctuary.’ And the people were restrained from bringing,
for the material they had was sufficient for all the work
to be done- indeed too much.”
EXODUS 36:6-7

1. “So Moses gave a commandment”

Why was “a commandment” necessary? The following thoughts may be considered:-

a) Some donors might insist that their offerings be accepted.

b) Others might feel that rejection was slighting of the donors.

c) Still others must have struggled with a deep sense of disappointment to have their offerings turned down.

2. A general proclamation

Lest the situation turn ugly, a general proclamation was issued:-

a) The proclamation applied to ALL in Israel

i) The rich would not be able to give more.

ii) The poor need not feel that they were despised.

b) The proclamation was widely publicized

All must know the reason why Moses issued the proclamation. They had collected enough- “indeed too much”!

HIGH INTEGRITY

The public proclamation that Moses issued spoke well of the artisans. They were not profiteers! They were not going to take advantage of the generous support of the congregation of Israel.

These artisans had high integrity! They spoke to Moses of their consciousness that they had received a commandment from the Lord to build the sanctuary (Exodus 36: 5). All they wanted now was to commence and to complete the task given to them!