To build something like the Tabernacle requires participation from the whole community. In this case, we see that the nation of Israel really did come together to construct God's tent to be in their midst.
Previously we had heard how the people gave so much to the effort that they had to be restrained from giving more (36:6). In Exodus 38, we see some of the specifics of what was given and how it was used.
For instance, to build the bronze basin (vs. 8), Bezalel used the mirrors contributed by the women who served at the tent of meeting. From their sacrificial giving was fashioned a vital component for the functioning of the Tabernacle.
The total contributions are reflected in the amount of precious materials given:
29 talents and 730 shekels of gold
100 talents and 1775 shekels of silver
70 talents and 2400 shekels of bronze
A total of 603,550 men paid the half shekel contribution from the census (vs. 26).
Finally, it is important to note that there was not just one family or even one tribe behind the construction of the Tabernacle. Yes, the tribe of Levi (the tribe of priests) had a lot of influence through Aaron and his son Ithamar (vs. 21). But Bezalel the main contractor was of the tribe of Judah and Oholiab came from the tribe of Dan (vs. 22 and 23).
Have you ever been a part of a campaign or project where you saw your contribution go towards something greater? Something that could only be accomplished by the efforts of the whole group working together?
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