HAYDOCK CATHOLIC BIBLE COMMENTARY ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

EXODUS 36

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Ver. 3. Vows, or voluntary oblations to Moses, according to the Heb. C. --- These donations are called first-fruits, because they were the best of all things, and the first offerings that were made by the people, in the desert. T. --- They shew great alacrity in performing this action, as it was to make some atonement for their liberality in honour of the golden calf. H. --- But as matter alone will not suffice, unless it be properly managed, so neither will the letter of the Scripture instruct us, unless God teaches us, by his pastors. Ephes. iv. 11. W. --- From this place to the end, the Roman edition of the Sept. is very confused. That of Alcala agrees better with the Vulgate than the Alexandrian or Aldine. See Grabe. Almost all the three following chapters might be comprised of these words. The workmen did all according to God's prescription. Moses perhaps gave them plans of what each was to execute; and hence Calmet accounts for these repetitions. H.

Ver. 33. Bar, not mentioned, (C. xxvi. 28,) but specified by Josephus (iii. 5,) at the west end of the tabernacle, going across the breadth of the planks. Tostat.

Ver. 38. Which heads, according to the Heb. and Sept. On some parts of the pillars the wood appeared.