Moses gathered the whole congregation and gave the command concerning work and Sabbath. They were to work six days and rest on the seventh; no fire was to be kindled in their dwellings on that day. He then called for offerings for the tabernacle: metals, colored yarns, fine linen, skins, wood, oil, spices, and stones.
Everyone whose heart moved them brought an offering. Men and women brought gold ornaments; skilled women spun colored yarn and linen; leaders brought stones, spices, and oil. Bezalel and Oholiab received skill and the ability to teach others. The workers began the work with the gifts Moses had received.
The gifts kept coming until the craftspeople told Moses there was more than enough. Moses ordered that no further offering be brought. They made linen curtains embroidered with cherubim, joined them with loops and gold clasps, and made coverings of goat hair and skins.
They made the boards and bases for the structure, the ark with its mercy seat, the table, lampstand, incense altar, burnt-offering altar, basin, courtyard, and priestly garments. The breastpiece held twelve stones for the sons of Israel, and the priestly turban carried a gold plate reading Holy to the LORD.
Israel finished all the work as commanded. They brought every part to Moses, and he inspected it and blessed them. God then told him to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month and gave the places for the ark, veil, table, lampstand, altars, basin, and courtyard.
On that day Moses set up the structure, placed the testimony in the ark, hung the veil, arranged the bread, lit the lamps, burned incense, offered sacrifice, and set the basin for washing. When he hung the courtyard curtains, the work was finished.
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter because of the cloud and glory. Whenever the cloud lifted, Israel set out; when it remained, they stayed until it lifted. The cloud was over the tabernacle by day and fire was in it by night before all Israel.