John Calvin Commentary Exodus 36
John Calvin Commentary
Exodus 36
John Calvin Commentary
Exodus 36
"And Bezalel and Oholiab shall work, and every wise-hearted man, in whom Jehovah hath put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that Jehovah hath commanded." — Exodus 36:1 (ASV)
Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab. Although Moses might have seemed unnecessarily verbose in recording the instructions God gave regarding the building of the tabernacle, he repeats this narrative here in almost the same words; and he does this for the best purpose and for very good reasons.
For it was very important that it could be seen by actual comparison how exactly the craftsmen had conformed everything to the pattern God had laid down. This was not only to commend their obedience but also because it was necessary that there should be nothing human in the structure. Although each of them might have worked diligently, it was still not lawful for them to introduce any of their own designs; indeed, it would have been a profanation of the sacred edifice if they did not follow in every detail what had been so carefully dictated to Moses.
This also might serve as a restraint on them in future times, so that they would not violate God’s commands by any change or innovation. They did not, in fact, understand the reason for everything regarding number or measurement; but it was fitting for them to be assured that God had commanded nothing without a purpose. Therefore, their minds also should have been lifted to the heavenly pattern, to reverently look up to the mysteries it contained, however obscure they were, until its full revelation.
This verbal repetition, then, reminds us how accurately human labor and skill in the construction corresponded to God’s command.
"And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart Jehovah had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:" — Exodus 36:2 (ASV)
And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab. It is not without reason that Moses so often exalts the grace of God’s Spirit in the ingenuity and artistic skill of the workers. First, he speaks of them as skillful architects, and then, by way of correction, adds that they were equipped from above with such intelligence.
Thus, the absurdity of the Papists is refuted, who, to prove free will, think it sufficient to cite passages in which uprightness of will is commended. However, even though people may will rightly, it is foolish to infer that they therefore possess free will, unless it is proven that this will originates from themselves.
Consequently, what follows in the text—that everyone contributed either their labor or their possessions to the building of the tabernacle, according as their hearts stirred them up—does not make people the authors of pious affections in such a way as to defraud God of His praise.
It is true that people understand, are willing, and encourage themselves to holy endeavors; but the question is, from where do their intelligence, their will, and their zeal in doing good come? Scripture decides that these are the gifts of God and the Spirit; the Papists improperly arrogate these to themselves.
"and they received of Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, wherewith to make it. And they brought yet unto him freewill-offerings every morning." — Exodus 36:3 (ASV)
And they received of Moses all the offering. Here is presented, first of all, the diligence and prudence of both Moses and the craftsmen, and secondly, their integrity.
Their prudence is shown in the distribution of the materials among them; their diligence, in the quickness with which they begin the work, without waiting until they have enough for its completion; while they testify to their extraordinary integrity when they voluntarily declare that enough has been given and put a stop to the offerings, lest these should be more than they required.
We know how few restrain themselves297 when an opportunity is given for thieving without detection; and, even if there is no disposition to deceive, yet most people are tempted by ambition, greedily longing for more to pass through their hands than they need. We see, then, how God directed them all to undertake the work of the sanctuary and impelled them to persevere in it by His Spirit.
This grace, however, manifests itself most fully in the marvelous ardor of the people. They were not very rich, for they had no treasures stored up for a long period, and the wealthiest among them had no more than what they had secretly carried away out of Egypt. While the building was sumptuous, they still did not stop contributing more than was necessary, until an edict forbade them.
Such promptness and liberality deserved uncommon praise; therefore, it is more wonderful that they should soon afterwards neglect the true God, in whose service they were so zealous, and fall into foul idolatry. Let us learn from this that the pious zeal, which existed in them for a short time, emanated from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; and further, that all our best feelings vanish unless the gift of steadfastness is also added.
What follows represents, as by a lively image, as we have said, how faithfully they executed whatever God had prescribed, so as not to vary from it, even in the smallest thread.
297 “Qui gardent leurs mains pures et nettes;” who keep their hands pure and clean — Fr..
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