The total cost of the Tabernacle would be about two million dollars. The value of the gold and silver and brass, or copper, exceeded one million dollars. The finest, most expensive workmanship was used in making boards for the walls, and in preparation of the fine linens and curtains. The altar and the interior furnishings were made from the very best materials by workmen of the greatest skill.
One might ask how the He'brews could afford such enormous expenditures for the House of God, and from what source did they secure such quantities of precious metals? The answer lies in the fact that when these three million people left E'gypt they took with them great quantities of gold, silver, and other valuables in the form of ornaments and jewelry. They also brought quantities of flax for spinning fine linen, and the women were skilled in making the finest quality of linens and curtains. The fine woods which they used could be obtained from various parts of the A-ra'bi-an Peninsula, and skins could easily be had from their own flocks of sheep and herds of cattle. The fact remains, however, that the giving of all these valuable articles and services speaks well for the liberality and willingness to serve of the ancient Is'ra-el-ites.
One might also ask why so much gold and other precious metals was used? First, to impress upon Is'ra-el the majesty and glory of the True God, whose presence among them was represented by the Tabernacle. They needed to learn at the very beginning of their national life that the BEST must be given to God, that the place built for His worship must be superior in every respect to their own homes, and that true love to the LORD is best shown by unselfishness and generosity. The LORD also wished to prevent them from having any occasion for pride, envy, or jealousy over their treasures. By giving the BEST that they had to the LORD'S service, the people had no reason to be jealous of one another's possessions.
