¶ Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel.
¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.
And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.
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Commentary for Exodus 31:2
Exodus 31:2 is a verse that falls within the broader context of the instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, detailing the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites. The verse specifically introduces Bezaleel, a key figure in the narrative, as God's chosen artisan for the task.
Bezaleel is described as being "called by name" by God, indicating a personal selection and divine appointment for a special purpose. His lineage is meticulously noted, identifying him as the son of Uri and the grandson of Hur, and as a member of the tribe of Judah. This is significant because it not only establishes his heritage but also connects him to prominent figures within the tribe, suggesting a lineage of faith and leadership. The tribe of Judah, from which King David and later Jesus Christ would descend, is often associated with rulership and divine destiny within biblical narrative.
In the historical context, the Israelites were in the wilderness after being delivered from slavery in Egypt. God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, including the anointing of Bezaleel, were part of establishing a structured worship and religious life for the nation. Bezaleel's role was to oversee the crafting of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, a task that required both artistic skill and spiritual insight. The mention of Bezaleel by name emphasizes the importance of individual calling and the value of craftsmanship in the service of God, as well as God's involvement in every aspect of the community's life, including the arts and craftsmanship.
The themes of Exodus 31:2 include divine calling, the importance of lineage and heritage, the role of skilled labor in religious service, and the establishment of worship practices. The verse underscores God's interest in the details of life and work, and His equipping of individuals with specific talents to fulfill His purposes. Bezaleel's story is a testament to the belief that every person has a unique role in the unfolding of God's plan, and that when God calls someone by name, He also empowers them for the task at hand.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
Strong's Number: H7200 There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: רָאָה Transliteration: râʼâh Pronunciation: raw-aw' Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.
Strong's Number: H7121 There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: קָרָא Transliteration: qârâʼ Pronunciation: kaw-raw' Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
Strong's Number: H8034 There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: שֵׁם Transliteration: shêm Pronunciation: shame Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
Strong's Number: H1212 There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: בְּצַלְאֵל Transliteration: Bᵉtsalʼêl Pronunciation: bets-al-ale' Description: probably from צֵל and אֵל with a prepositional prefix; in (the) shadow (i.e. protection) of God; Betsalel, the name of two Israelites; Bezaleel.
Strong's Number: H1121 There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: בֵּן Transliteration: bên Pronunciation: bane Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
Strong's Number: H221 There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: אוּרִי Transliteration: ʼÛwrîy Pronunciation: oo-ree' Description: from אוּר; fiery; Uri, the name of three Israelites; Uri.
Strong's Number: H2354 There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: חוּר Transliteration: Chûwr Pronunciation: khoor Description: the same as חוּר or חוּר; Chur, the name of four Israelites and one Midianite; Hur.
Strong's Number: H4294 There are 204 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: מַטֶּה Transliteration: maṭṭeh Pronunciation: mat-teh' Description: or (feminine) מַטָּה; from נָטָה; a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g. bread); rod, staff, tribe.
Strong's Number: H3063 There are 754 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: יְהוּדָה Transliteration: Yᵉhûwdâh Pronunciation: yeh-hoo-daw' Description: from יָדָה; celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory; Judah.