Verses 4, 5. - At last, remonstrance had to be made. The workmen were cumbered with an overplus of material - an embarras de richesses - and came in a body to Moses, to make complaint. All the wisemen came, everyman from his work, with the cry "The people bring much more than enough - we are hampered in our work by the too great abundance - let an end be put to it."
36:1-38 The making of the tabernacle The liberality of the people restrained. - The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all who are in public trusts abhor filthy lucre, and avoid all occasions and temptations to covetousness. Where have we the representation of God's love towards us, that we by love dwell in him and he in us, save in Emmanuel? Mt 1:23. This is the sum of the ministry of reconciliation, 2Co 5:18,19. This was the design of the tabernacle of witness, a visible testimony of the love of God to the race of men, however they were fallen from their first state. And this love was shown by Christ's taking up his abode on earth; by the Word being made flesh, Joh 1:14, wherein, as the original expresses it, he did tabernacle among us.
And all the wise men that wrought all the work of the sanctuary,.... The ingenious artificers who were employed, some in one thing, and some in another, either on the tabernacle itself, or the vessels of it, and things appertaining to it:
came every man from his work which they made; left off their work by mutual consent and agreement, and came in a body to Moses.
came every man from his work which they made; left off their work by mutual consent and agreement, and came in a body to Moses.