Exodus Chapter 36

Exodus 36 — “The Dwelling of God Takes Shape Among a Willing People”

Exodus 35 showed the conversion of Israel’s heart.
Exodus 36 shows the conversion of their hands.

The people who once built a golden calf now build a holy dwelling.
Grace does not merely forgive — it redirects.

This chapter teaches a central truth of the spiritual life:

Repentance is proved not by sorrow alone, but by obedient labour.

1. God’s Work Is Done by God’s Spirit

“Bezalel and Oholiab and every able man in whom the LORD had put skill and understanding…” (Ex 36:1)

The tabernacle is not built by enthusiasm alone.
It is built by grace working through skill.

The sacred craftsman is filled with the Spirit.

St Gregory the Great writes:

“The Holy Spirit who gives prophecy also gives craftsmanship, that God may be glorified both by the tongue and by the hand.”
(Moralia)

This sanctifies all holy work in the Church: music, art, architecture, teaching, charity — none are secular when offered to God.

2. Moses Hands Over the Offering

“They received from Moses all the contribution…” (v. 3)

What the people gave in repentance is now entrusted for God’s use.

No gift remains private when offered to the LORD.
It becomes sacred property.

This is why the Church treats offerings reverently — they belong to God.

3. Grace Produces Abundance

“The people bring much more than enough…” (v. 5)

This is one of the most astonishing verses in Scripture.

Israel, once enslaved and fearful, now overflows with generosity.

The Fathers loved this moment.

St John Chrysostom writes:

“The miracle is not the gold, but the hearts. Only grace can make sinners give more than is required.”
(Homilies)

God’s dwelling is built not by scarcity but by gratitude.

4. Obedience Knows When to Stop

“Moses commanded… ‘Let no man or woman do any more work.’” (v. 6)

Here is a holy paradox:

True generosity also knows obedience.

Even zeal must submit to God’s will.

The Church does not serve God through excess —
but through faithfulness.

5. The Curtains of Heaven

“They made the tabernacle with ten curtains…” (v. 8)

The materials described are not mere decoration.

Blue, purple, and scarlet symbolize heaven, royalty, and sacrifice.

Cherubim woven into the fabric show that heaven touches earth in worship.

St Augustine writes:

“The Church is clothed in heaven’s colours, for her worship is earthly in form but heavenly in truth.”
(Sermons)

The tabernacle is theology in fabric.

6. Unity of the Dwelling

“They coupled five curtains to one another…” (v. 10)

The dwelling of God is one.

This prefigures the Church — many members, one body.

The tabernacle is stitched together just as the faithful are united in Christ.

7. The Coverings of Protection

“They made curtains of goats’ hair…” (v. 14)

The holy dwelling is protected by layers.

This teaches that holiness must be guarded.

Grace must be preserved.

The Church covers what is sacred because it is precious.

8. The Structure of Strength

“They made the frames…” (v. 20)

Gold-covered acacia wood is both human and divine.

The Fathers saw in this a sign of Christ:

Human nature strengthened by divine glory.

St Ambrose writes:

“Wood bears the gold as Christ bore divinity; the tabernacle proclaims the mystery of the Incarnation.”
(On the Mysteries)

9. The Veil of Mystery

“They made the veil…” (v. 35)

The veil preserves reverence.

God is near — but not ordinary.

The tearing of this veil in Christ will open heaven.

Until then, Israel learns awe.

10. God Dwells in What Is Given

The chapter ends not with words, but with work completed.

The dwelling takes shape.

God comes to what is offered.

St Gregory of Nyssa writes:

“When the people give, God comes; when God comes, the people are transformed.”
(Life of Moses)

Theological Summary

ThemeRevelation
SkillSpirit-filled service
AbundanceFruit of grace
BeautyHeaven on earth
UnityOne dwelling
StructureOrder in worship
VeilHoly mystery

Christ in Exodus 36

The tabernacle prefigures Christ:

• God dwelling in flesh
• Heaven united to earth
• Glory clothed in humility
• Divinity veiled

St John writes: “The Word dwelt among us.”
The Greek literally means: “tabernacled among us.”

Spiritual Application

  • Give freely.
  • Work faithfully.
  • Build what glorifies God.
  • Let Christ dwell in you.

Closing Prayer

Lord God,
You who dwell among Your redeemed people,
receive the work of our hands and the love of our hearts.
Build in us a holy dwelling for Your Spirit,
that Christ may live in us
and we in Him,
now and forever.
Amen.