More Than Enough

The Story

God had given Moses detailed plans for the tabernacle, a beautiful tent where He would meet with His people in the wilderness. It would take gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, wood, oil, and precious stones.

The Israelites were former slaves living in the desert. But when they left Egypt, the Egyptians had handed them silver, gold, and clothing. Now Moses asked everyone whose heart was willing to bring an offering.

And they came. Men and women brought bracelets, earrings, rings, and jewelry. Others brought linen, goat hair, and animal skins. Women who were skilled spun yarn with their own hands. The leaders brought onyx stones and spices.

The craftsmen started building. And the people kept bringing. Every morning there were more gifts.

Finally the workers came to Moses with a strange problem. “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work.”

So Moses sent word through the whole camp: Stop. Don’t bring anything else. “So the people were restrained from bringing.”

Reflection