Gold, Silver, and Copper of the Tabernacle: Where the Israelites Found Their Materials (Exodus 25:1–9) by Dr. Terry Harman
- Dr. Terry Harman
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Gold, Silver, Copper, and Fine Linens
Have you ever noticed how much gold, silver, and copper were needed to build the Tabernacle of Moses? How did former slaves go from being destitute to building a multi-million dollar sanctuary for God? The source of the precious metals and fine linens might surprise you. There is a hidden story behind Israel's wealth.
Legal Action Taken Against Jews
Nabih al‑Hilali, an Egyptian attorney, in 2003 attempted to resurrect the Exodus story as a modern lawsuit, demanding compensation from the "Jews of the world" for the “gold and treasures” the Israelites carried out of Egypt. In the end, the case went nowhere legally, but it gained attention as a kind of rhetorical protest rather than a serious legal claim.
But it begs the question: Where did the precious gold used to build God's house come from? The Bible leaves us a trail of clues. This blog is intended to identify the source of all this wealth.
A Prophecy of Spoils
The Bible explicitly teaches that the precious metals, coverings, and garments later used for the Mishkan/Tabernacle originated in “despoiling Egypt,” when Egyptians gave their valuables to Israel at the time of the Exodus. Examine the biblical evidence with me.
Genesis 15:13–14 Promise of “great substance.” Context: God’s covenant with Abram, foretelling slavery and eventual wealth.
“And He said unto Abram: ‘Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years.”
“‘and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge; and afterward shall they come out with great substance.’”
Great substance – gadowl (gah-DOHL) can be translated “exceedingly” or “great in magnitude and extent. The Israelites exited Egypt with greater wealth than when they went down to Egypt, and later became ensalved. Now they were reaping the rewards of their slave labor and lost wages?
Exodus 3:20–22 Command to request valuables Context: God’s instruction to Moses at the burning bush.
“And I will put forth My hand, and smite Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in the midst thereof. And after that he will let you go.”
“And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty;”
Favor – chen (khane) is often translated as “favor,” “kindness,” “grace,” an idea of acceptance, attractiveness, and the goodwill that a person or God extends toward another through concrete acts of mercy or delight. Almost every use of this word in the O.T. is linked to a relationship the favor one finds in the eyes of someone else or directly from God.
Empty – reyqam (ray-KAHM) meaning “empty-handed”, “void.”
“but every woman shall ask of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment; and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.”
Spoil – natsal (naw-tsal) means "to snatch away, “pluck, “recover,” “rescue,” or “take out.”
Fulfillment at the Exodus
Exodus 11:1–3 The Final plague and favor Context: Just before the tenth plague.
“And the Lord said unto Moses: ‘Yet one plague more will I bring upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence; when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.’”
“Speak now in the ears of the people, and let them ask every man of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold.”
Ask – sha’al (shaw-al’) means to “ask,” “to inquire,” “to request,” “to demand.”
“And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians; moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.”
Exodus 12:33–36 Actual despoiling of Egypt Key 35-36 Context: Immediately before departure.
“And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment.”
“And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked; and they despoiled the Egyptians.”
Allusion from a Psalm to the Same Event
Psalm 105:37 hints at the wealth from the Exodus in Egypt, but does not specifically state that the precious metals were used for the construction of the Tabernacle.
“And He brought them forth with silver and gold; and there was not one feeble person among His tribes.”
Conclusion
What began as back wages for centuries of sweat and tears, spoken by the Lord to Abram in Genesis and fulfilled through Moses at the burning bush, became something far more holy: an offering poured out in worship. Every shimmering shekel whispered of divine favor, that chen grace turning enemies’ hands into open gifts for the sanctuary of the Most High.
Here in the wilderness, where slaves became builders of God’s dwelling place, we see our own story reflected, the broken places God redeems, the hardships He reshapes into altars of praise. Let this truth settle deep in your soul today: whatever “spoils” life has handed you, whether through pain or providence, bring them to Him. He is still the God who transforms our ordinary into the extraordinary, inviting us to build something beautiful in His presence. What will you offer Him from your wilderness?
How You Can Thank Me
If you enjoyed reading this post and are wondering how to thank me, here’s what I ask: Take the inspiration you’ve found here and pass it on.
Consider donating your time, talents, or treasure to a worthy cause in your community. Maybe there’s a widow who could use help with her yard. Perhaps you know someone who’s recently lost a job and could use a helping hand. Check in with your local community center, homeless shelter, and school program. Are they looking for mentors? Step in and support them.
Look within your own religious or spiritual community. What needs do you see around you? Where can you make a difference? You don’t need a lot. Just do what you can, with what you have, to make this world a better place. Your kindness will ripple out farther than you can imagine. Thank you for being here, for reading, and for choosing to be a light.
Shalom, Terry
Works Consulted
Aish.com. “Mirrors of Love.” Aish.com, 9 Mar. 2024, aish.com/mirrors-of-love. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
Aish.com. “The Purpose of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).” Aish.com, 19 Dec. 2021, aish.com/the-purpose-of-the-mishkan-tabernacle. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.
“Bible (Jewish Publication Society 1917) / Exodus.” Wikisource, en.wikisource.org/wiki/Bible_(Jewish_Publication_Society_1917)/Exodus. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
“Exodus 11 JPS Tanakh 1917.” Bible Hub, biblehub.com/jps/exodus/11.htm. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
“Exodus Chapter 3 – Tanach (JPS).” Sacred Texts, sacred-texts.com/bib/jps/exo003.htm. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
“Exodus 3:21 – Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary.” StudyLight.org, www.studylight.org/commentary/exodus/3-21.html. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
“‘And They Despoiled Egypt’ – a Moral Blemish on Israel?” Sefaria Source Sheet, www.sefaria.org.il/sheets/373923. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
“Exodus 3:21–22 with Translations and Topics.” Sefaria, www.sefaria.org/Exodus.3.21-22. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.
“How Moses Saved Egyptian Civilization.” Chabad.org, www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/5870491/jewish/How-Moses-Saved-Egyptian-Civilization.htm. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
“Leaving Egypt for Good – The Inner Power of Passover.” Chabad.org, www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/663552/jewish/Leaving-Egypt-for-Good.htm. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
“Parshah In Depth – Mishkan.” Chabad.org, www.chabad.org/parshah/in-depth/plainBody_cdo/aid/1315. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
“Parshat B’Shalach: The Exodus from Egypt – Israel Leaves Egypt.” Chabad.org, www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/348/jewish/Parshat-BShalach-The-Exodus-from-Egypt.htm. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
“Shemot – Exodus – Chapter 25 (Parshat Terumah).” Chabad.org, www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/9886/jewish/Chapter-25.htm. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
“Vayak’hel–Pekudei.” Chabad.org, PDF, w2.chabad.org/media/pdf/78029.pdf. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
“Commentary – Bo.” Chabad.org, PDF, w2.chabad.org/media/pdf/9772.pdf. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
“Ramban on Exodus.” Sefaria, www.sefaria.org/Ramban_on_Exodus. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
“Exodus 11:2 with Sheets.” Sefaria, www.sefaria.org/Exodus.11.2. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
