Exodus 35:30-35·~1 min

Bezalel and Oholiab

Moses identifies Bezalel and Oholiab as the LORD's chosen craftsmen, filled with the Spirit for artistry, mastery, and teaching. Their skill is broad enough to lead and train others in every part of the work.

T³⁰hen Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. ³¹And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, ³²to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, ³³to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every artistic craft. ³⁴And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. ³⁵He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers — as artistic designers of every kind of craft.[’’]

Section summaryMoses names Bezalel and Oholiab as men the LORD has appointed and filled with his Spirit for the tabernacle work. Their skill ranges from design to teaching, so the craft itself is presented as a gift God gives for building his dwelling place.

Role in the chapterThis closing section gives the work its leaders. After the people offer materials, the chapter identifies the Spirit-given craftsmen who will shape those gifts into the sanctuary God commanded.