We are in chapter thirty-six of Exodus with our word for today used for the first time in the Bible in our chapter. דַּי sufficiency, what is required, enough. It is used 39 times in the Old Testament, used twice in our chapter. Our word is used in the sense of an adequate quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose. Let’s start in our chapter since it is used for the first time in the Bible and twice in our chapter. Exodus 36:3-7 And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, and said to Moses, “The people bring מַרְבִּ֥ים much more מִדֵּ֤י than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had דַיָּ֛ם was sufficient to do all the work, and more. This is an amazing section the people were so moved to give that they had more than they needed to accomplish the work. This is what happens when we are open to trusting God with what he has provided for us. We also see our word used in this same context of giving connected to God’s promise to provide. Malachi 3:10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more דָֽי need. This concept is also seen in the New Testament with the instructions on giving to support God’s work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, 10-15 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work … He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! This is truly amazing that we get to be a part of God’s work that brings others to himself so thankfulness to God increases and God is glorified. All by giving some of what God has already given us. I’ll close with this great Proverb that says all of this very well. Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
