And they brought yet unto him free-offerings every morning— Nothing can be more pleasing to observe, than this liberality of the people: conscious how much they had offended by their offerings to form the idolatrous calf, they now seem desirous to prove their repentance by the cheerful zeal wherewith they present these free-gifts to him. The integrity and disinterestedness of Moses, as well as of the workmen, are conspicuous in the prohibition given to the people in the next chapter. Had they been desirous to have served themselves, they would have gladly received all the gifts which were offered, and never have enjoined, let neither man nor woman make any more stuff for the offering of the sanctuary.
REFLECTIONS.—The appointment is no sooner made than the workmen begin. They are pleased with the employment, and that makes the toil a pleasure. Note; To spend and be spent in the service of God and immortal souls is the happiness of the faithful labourer; while to be forced to minister in holy things without any relish for, or rather with a loathing of the work, is surely the most wretched drudgery that can be conceived.