(6) So the people were restrained from giving.--Moses felt it necessary to interfere, and forbid further offerings. By the expression, "Let neither man nor woman make any more work, it would seem that the superfluous offerings were chiefly such things as were produced by labour--thread, goats' hair yarn, and the like. (See Exodus 35:25-26.) The humblest class of contributors would thus appear to have shown itself the most zealous. When will Christian liberality be so excessive as to require to be "restrained"?

Verse 6. - Moses accordingly had proclamation made through the camp, and so put a stop to further offerings.

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 Moses gave commandment,.... Orders to some proper person or persons about him:

and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, or "caused a voice to pass"; a crier or herald, as the Targums, who went through the camp and published in every quarter:

saying, let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary; as the men in cutting shittim wood, and planing it, and the women in spinning blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and goats' hair:

so the people were restrained from bringing; that is, any more: instead of a spur to liberality, which most want, a restraint was laid upon these to check it, and prevent an excess in it, of which there is rarely any danger; so eager, forward, and zealous were they in this good work.