Moses gathered the Israelites and told them of God’s commandment to build a tabernacle.
He told them that they may work for six days each week, but if anyone worked on the seventh day, it was punishable by death.
He then asked them to bring gifts such as gold, silver, wool, linen, wood, oil, spices and stone to adorn the new sanctuary that they would build for the Lord.
He requested that skilled craftsman assist in building the tabernacle and its surrounding structure, as well as create lamp stands, oils and garments for the High Priest, Aaron.
The Israelites, moved by Moses’ words, brought back so many treasures that Moses eventually had to ask them not to bring any more.
Bezalel and Oholiab were assigned the job of building the Ark and other items within the tabernacle.
They made the Ark of acacia wood, with gold overlays and golden cherubim above it.
They made a table of acacia wood, and utensils such as bowls, ladles, jugs and jars out of pure gold.
Bezalel also made lamps of pure gold, poles and altars of acacia wood, and utensils for the altar out of copper.
He then made an enclosure for the tent with special wall hangings, fine linens and coppy posts.
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Tags: 10-line torah portion, torah portion summary, vayakhel summary
