Exodus 25:1-9 (KJV) And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it. This quote is by Ellen White Patriarch and Prophets Page 343 Funding the Sanctuary For the building of the sanctuary great and expensive preparation were necessary; a large amount if the most precious and costly material was require; yet the Lord accepted only free will offerings. "Of every man giveth it willingly with his heart yes shall take my offering". Was the devine command repeated by Moses to the congregation. Devotion to God and a spirit of sacrifice was the first requisites in preparing a dwelling place for the Most High. This quote is also by Ellen White Desire of Ages Page 23 God swept with us God commanded Moses for Israel " Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8), and He abode in the sanctuary, in the midst of His people. Through all there weary wondering in the desert, the symbol of His presence was with them. So Christ set up His tabernacle in the midst of the human encampment. He pitched His tent by the side tents of men, that He might dwell among us, and make us familiar with His devine character and life.