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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 31:1–11. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
A great deal of fine work God had ordered to be done about the tabernacle; the materials the people were to provide, but who must put them into form? Moses himself was learned in all the learning of the Egyptians, nay, he was well acquainted with the words of God, and the visions of the Almighty; but he knew not how to engrave or embroider. We may suppose that there were some very ingenious men among the Israelites; but, having lived all their days in bondage in Egypt, we cannot think they were any of them instructed in these curious arts. They knew how to make brick and work in clay, but to work in gold and in cutting diamonds was what they had never been brought up to. How should the work be done with the neatness and exactness that were required when they had no goldsmiths or jewellers but what must be made out of masons and bricklayers? We may suppose that there were a sufficient number who would gladly be employed, and would do their best; but it would be hard to find out a proper person to preside in this work. Who was sufficient for these things? But God takes care of this matter also.
I.He nominates the persons that were to be employed, that there might be no contest about the preferment, nor envy at those that were preferred, God himself having made the choice.
1.Bezaleel was to be the architect, or master workman, Exo 31:2. He was of the tribe of Judah, a tribe that God delighted to honour; the grandson of Hur, probably that Hur who had helped to hold up Moses's hands (ch. 17), and was at this time in commission with Aaron for the government of the people in the absence of Moses (Exo 24:14); out of that family which was of note in Israel was the workman chosen, and it added no little honour to the family that a branch of it was employed, though but as a mechanic, or handicraft tradesman, for the service of the tabernacle. The Jews' tradition is that Hur was the husband of Miriam; and, if so, it was requisite that God should appoint him to this service, lest, if Moses himself had done it, he should be thought partial to his own kindred, his brother Aaron also being advanced to the priesthood. God will put honour upon Moses's relations, and yet will make it to appear that he takes not the honour to himself or his own family, but that it is purely the Lord's doing.
2.Aholiab, of the tribe of Dan, is appointed next to Bezaleel, and partner with him, Exo 31:6. Two are better than one. Christ sent forth his disciples who were to rear the gospel tabernacle, two and two, and we read of his two witnesses. Aholiab was of the tribe of Dan, which was one of the less honourable tribes, that the tribes of Judah and Levi might not be lifted up, as if they were to engross all the preferments; to prevent a schism in the body, God gives honour to that part which lacked, Co1 12:24. The head cannot say to the foot, I have no need of thee. Hiram, who was the head workman in the building of Solomon's temple, was also of the tribe of Dan, Ch2 2:14.
3.There were others that were employed by and under these in the several operations about the tabernacle, Exo 31:6. Note, When God has work to do he will never want instruments to do it with, for all hearts and heads too are under his eye, and in his hand; and those may cheerfully go about any service for God, and go on in it, who have reason to think that, one way or other, he has called them to it; for whom he calls he will own and bear out.
II.He qualifies these persons for the service (Exo 31:3):
I have filled him with the Spirit of God; and (Exo 31:6) in the hearts of all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom. Note,
1.Skill in common arts and employments is the gift of God; from him are derived both the faculty and the improvement of the faculty. It is he that puts even this wisdom into the inward parts, Job 38:36. He teaches the husbandman discretion (Isa 28:26), and the tradesman too; and he must have the praise of it.
2.God dispenses his gifts variously, one gift to one, another to another, and all for the good of the whole body, both of mankind and of the church. Moses was fittest of all to govern Israel, but Bezaleel was fitter than he to build the tabernacle. The common benefit is very much supported by the variety of men's faculties and inclinations; the genius of some leads them to be serviceable one way, of others another way, and all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, Co1 12:11. This forbids pride, envy, contempt, and carnal emulation, and strengthens the bond of mutual love.
3.Those whom God calls to any service he will either find, or make, fit for it. If God give the commission, he will in some measure give the qualifications, according as the service is. The work, that was to be done here was to make the tabernacle and the utensils of it, which are here particularly reckoned up, Exo 31:7, etc. And for this the persons employed were enabled to work in gold, and silver, and brass. When Christ sent his apostles to rear the gospel tabernacle, he poured out his Spirit upon them, to enable them to speak with tongues the wonderful works of God; not to work upon metal, but to work upon men; so much more excellent were the gifts, as the tabernacle to be pitched was a greater and more perfect tabernacle, as the apostle calls it, Heb 9:11.
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Summary
Exodus 31:5 specifies the profound divine empowerment bestowed upon Bezalel, God's chosen chief craftsman for the Tabernacle's construction. This verse highlights his supernatural aptitude in the intricate work of cutting and setting precious stones, as well as in the detailed carving of timber, encompassing a comprehensive mastery over every form of skilled artistry. It underscores that the exceptional abilities required for building God's sacred dwelling were not merely humanly acquired talents but a direct, Spirit-filled endowment, emphasizing the divine origin and sacred purpose of the craftsmanship dedicated to God's glory.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 31:5 is an integral part of God's detailed instructions to Moses concerning the Tabernacle's construction and the appointment of its principal artisans. The preceding verses, specifically Exodus 31:1-4, introduce Bezalel by name, identifying him as the son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah, and explicitly state that God had "filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." Verse 5 then elaborates on this comprehensive "all manner of workmanship" by specifying two highly skilled and intricate crafts: working with precious stones (likely for the high priest's ephod and breastplate, as meticulously described in Exodus 28) and carving timber (for the Ark of the Covenant, the altars, and other wooden structures detailed in Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27). This specific mention reinforces the comprehensive and extraordinary nature of Bezalel's divine gifting, ensuring that every intricate detail of the sacred sanctuary would be executed with divine precision and excellence, reflecting God's own perfection.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, skilled artisans were highly esteemed, and their expertise was typically developed through extensive apprenticeships and passed down through generations. What profoundly distinguishes Bezalel, as described in Exodus 31:2-5, is that his unparalleled expertise was not merely humanly cultivated but divinely bestowed. This divine endowment was absolutely crucial because the Tabernacle was far more than a mere structure; it was designated to be the earthly dwelling place of Yahweh, a tangible and sacred representation of His holy presence among His people. As such, its construction demanded unparalleled precision, exquisite beauty, and absolute adherence to divine specifications, all of which were to reflect the holiness, majesty, and glory of God. The materials themselves—gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, precious stones, acacia wood—were not only costly but also deeply symbolically significant, necessitating master craftsmen of the highest caliber. God's direct intervention in equipping Bezalel and Aholiab (Exodus 31:6) for this monumental task underscored the profound sacredness of the project and established the foundational principle that God Himself provides the necessary gifts, resources, and abilities for the work He calls His people to accomplish for His glory.
Key Themes
Exodus 31:5 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's construction and the book of Exodus. Primarily, it highlights the theme of Divine Provision and Empowerment. God does not merely issue commands; He actively equips His chosen servants with the supernatural abilities required to fulfill His will, demonstrating His commitment to the success of His plans. This verse also underscores the theme of Excellence in Worship and Service. The meticulous detail and divine artistry demanded for the Tabernacle's construction emphasize that God desires the highest quality and beauty in all that pertains to His worship. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of The Dignity of Skilled Labor when Consecrated to God. Bezalel's work, though involving manual skills, is elevated to a sacred act, demonstrating that all human talents, when filled with the Spirit and dedicated to God's purposes, become instruments of divine glory. This anticipates the New Testament understanding of spiritual gifts being diverse yet unified in purpose, all for the building up of God's people and the advancement of His kingdom, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 12.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root חָרַשׁ, this term (H2799) refers to mechanical work, specifically carving or cutting. In the context of Exodus 31:5, it denotes the highly specialized and precise craftsmanship required for shaping hard materials. For stones, it implies the intricate work of lapidary—cutting, grinding, and polishing gemstones to exact specifications for setting. For timber, it signifies the detailed artistry of carving and shaping wood for the various components of the Tabernacle, such as the Ark, altars, and framework. This word emphasizes that Bezalel's skill was not merely in general construction but in the fine, delicate, and artistic execution essential for the beauty and symbolic significance of the Tabernacle's furnishings.
Derived from the same root as מֲלְאָךְ (H4399), this word properly signifies deputyship or ministry, and more generally, employment or work (abstractly or concretely). It refers to skilled, purposeful labor, never servile. In Exodus 31:5, "all manner of workmanship" highlights the comprehensive and versatile range of artistic and technical skills Bezalel possessed. It encompasses not only stone-cutting and wood-carving but also metalwork, textile work, and other crafts necessary for the diverse tasks of building the sacred structure. This term underscores that Bezalel's abilities were supernaturally enabled by God, allowing him to master various trades and execute complex projects with divine excellence.
Verse Breakdown
"And in cutting of stones, to set [them]"
This clause specifically details Bezalel's expertise in lapidary work, which is the art of cutting, shaping, and polishing precious stones. The phrase "cutting of stones" refers to the precise preparation of gemstones, most notably the twelve precious stones destined for the high priest's breastplate, each to be engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, as described in Exodus 28:17-21. "To set [them]" implies the intricate and delicate process of mounting these precisely cut stones into their gold settings, a task requiring immense precision, artistic sensibility, and a keen eye for detail. This particular skill was paramount for the most sacred vestments of the high priest, symbolizing the representation of God's people before His holy presence.
"and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship"
This second clause highlights Bezalel's proficiency in woodworking. "Carving of timber" would involve the skilled shaping of acacia wood for significant elements within the Tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the altars, and the structural framework of the Tabernacle itself, as outlined in Exodus 25:10-30. The concluding phrase, "to work in all manner of workmanship," serves as a comprehensive summary, indicating that Bezalel's divine gifting extended far beyond these two specific crafts. It encompassed every conceivable form of skilled labor and artistic endeavor required for the Tabernacle's construction, emphasizing the extraordinary breadth and profound depth of his Spirit-empowered abilities, ensuring that no task, no matter how complex or delicate, would be beyond his divinely endowed capacity.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 31:5, building upon the preceding verses, is Enumeration and Specification, which serves to create a powerful sense of Emphasis. By specifically listing "cutting of stones" and "carving of timber" after the broader declaration of "all manner of workmanship" in Exodus 31:3, the text emphasizes the extraordinary nature and divine origin of Bezalel's abilities. This is not merely a general statement but a detailed illustration of the "Spirit of God" at work, highlighting that every facet of the Tabernacle's construction, even the most intricate and delicate, was to be executed with supernatural precision and artistry. Furthermore, there is an inherent Symbolism in both the materials and the craftsmanship. Precious stones and fine timber, shaped with divine skill, symbolize the beauty, holiness, and glory of God, reflecting the sacredness and divine perfection of His dwelling place. The meticulous detail required for these crafts also underscores God's demand for excellence and His active involvement in supernaturally equipping His people for sacred service.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 31:5 profoundly illustrates the enduring theological truth that God not only calls individuals to specific tasks but also supernaturally equips them with the necessary skills, wisdom, and understanding to accomplish His divine purposes. Bezalel's divine endowment for craftsmanship elevates the dignity of skilled labor, demonstrating that artistic and technical abilities, when consecrated to God and empowered by His Spirit, become acts of worship and instruments for His glory. This passage reveals God's meticulous care for the details of His dwelling and His unwavering desire for excellence in all that pertains to His presence, asserting that even seemingly mundane or technical skills are valuable, sanctified, and essential when used in His service. It establishes a foundational Old Testament precedent for understanding spiritual gifts as practical abilities empowered by the Holy Spirit for the building up of God's kingdom and the manifestation of His glory in the world.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 31:5 offers a profound challenge and immense encouragement for believers today, transcending the ancient context of the Tabernacle. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is not limited to using only "spiritual" gifts in a narrow, traditional sense (e.g., teaching, prophecy, evangelism) but actively empowers and values all manner of skills and talents for the advancement of His kingdom purposes. Whether our abilities lie in artistic creation, technical precision, organizational leadership, empathetic listening, analytical problem-solving, or any other domain, this verse calls us to recognize them as divine endowments, gifts from the Creator. We are invited to consecrate our unique aptitudes—our modern-day "cutting of stones" and "carving of timber"—to the Lord, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our work into worship. This perspective elevates the dignity of all honest labor performed with excellence and devotion, reminding us that every good and perfect gift comes from God and is intended to reflect His glory in the world. Our daily work, when offered to Him with a heart of service, can become a sacred act, contributing to the building of His spiritual temple and the manifestation of His presence in our spheres of influence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Bezalel, and why was he so important?
Bezalel, son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah, was the chief craftsman chosen by God and specifically named in Exodus 31:2 to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its intricate furnishings. He was of paramount importance because God explicitly declared that He had "filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship" (Exodus 31:3). This divine empowerment meant that Bezalel possessed supernatural skill, insight, and artistic genius far beyond typical human ability, enabling him to execute the intricate and sacred designs for God's dwelling place with divine precision, beauty, and artistry. He was not merely a highly skilled artisan but a Spirit-empowered instrument for God's architectural and artistic vision for His earthly sanctuary.
Why did God specifically empower craftsmen for the Tabernacle?
God specifically empowered craftsmen like Bezalel and Aholiab (Exodus 31:6) for the Tabernacle's construction to ensure that every detail of His sacred dwelling place was built precisely according to His exact specifications and with unparalleled excellence. The Tabernacle was designed to be a physical manifestation of God's holy presence among His people, symbolizing His majesty, His covenant relationship, and the path to atonement. Such a structure demanded not only the finest materials but also the highest level of craftsmanship, which human skill alone could not achieve to the divine standard of perfection. By supernaturally endowing these individuals with wisdom, understanding, and artistic abilities, God demonstrated that He provides all necessary resources, including human talent and ingenuity, for the accomplishment of His will, especially when it pertains to His glory and the establishment of true worship.
Does this passage imply that only artistic or technical skills are valued by God?
Not at all. While Exodus 31:5 specifically highlights artistic and technical skills related to the Tabernacle's construction, the broader theological principle is that God values and empowers diverse gifts for the building of His kingdom. The phrase "all manner of workmanship" in this verse, and the general concept of the Spirit filling individuals for specific tasks (Exodus 31:3), points to a comprehensive range of abilities. In the New Testament, we clearly see the Holy Spirit distributing a vast variety of spiritual gifts, including teaching, administration, service, mercy, leadership, and discernment, alongside more visible or demonstrative gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). The core message is that all our God-given talents, whether artistic, intellectual, relational, practical, or administrative, can and should be consecrated and used for His glory and the advancement of His eternal purposes.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 31:5, with its profound emphasis on divine empowerment for the construction of God's dwelling place, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God to meticulously craft a physical sanctuary for God's presence among His people, powerfully foreshadows Christ, who is the true, ultimate, and eternal dwelling place of God among humanity. John 1:14 declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," with the Greek word for "dwelt" (ἐσκήνωσεν, eskēnōsen) literally meaning "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." Christ is the living Tabernacle, the perfect embodiment of God's presence, in whom "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (Colossians 2:9). Furthermore, just as the Spirit supernaturally empowered Bezalel for the physical Tabernacle, Christ, through His ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, now empowers His church—His spiritual body—to be a "holy temple in the Lord," a living dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22). All the diverse gifts, skills, and talents we possess as believers, whether for "cutting of stones" or "carving of timber" in a modern context, are ultimately sourced from Christ, the Head of the Church, who sovereignly equips His people for the building up of His body and the advancement of His kingdom (Ephesians 4:7-12). Thus, Bezalel's Spirit-filled craftsmanship points forward to the supreme craftsman, Jesus, who perfectly accomplished God's redemptive work and continues to build His spiritual temple through His Spirit-empowered people, making them a living testimony to His glory.