Moshe assembles the children of Israel and tells them to bring donations to Hashem to build the mishkan. He addresses the appeal to those who are נדיב לב, noble or generous of heart. The Chumash describes those who contributed as נדבה רוחו, of giving spirit, and as נשאו לבו, uplifted or moved of heart. The Or Hachaim analyzes these two terms. Those who were of giving spirit, נדבה רוחו, made a rational assessment of the task being done and of their own capability, then made an appropriate donation. He continues to explain that while the assessment may be fair it is not what is in the threshold of their soul. Those who were moved or heart, נשאו לבו, were of a higher level, since they gave a disproportionate amount, as they were moved by the great goodness of their heart.
One can ask how is it that a nation of slaves could do the fine and delicate work in building the mishkan. Can a person who was working in the muck and mire suddenly cut precious stones and do exquisite weaving? Also how can such people understand the meaning of the temple articles and practically apply that knowledge? The answer is that if a person is greatly moved it awakens all kinds of hidden abilities. The result of a person being moved of heart, both physically and emotionally, is to change their mentality and make them into בעל נפש, master of their soul, and a more holy person.
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