Exodus 35:30

KJV

¶ And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, See {H7200}, the LORD {H3068} hath called {H7121} by name {H8034} Bezaleel {H1212} the son {H1121} of Uri {H221}, the son {H1121} of Hur {H2354}, of the tribe {H4294} of Judah {H3063};

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to the people of Isra'el, "See, ADONAI has singled out B'tzal'el the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Then 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.

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, Jehovah hath called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:30 marks a pivotal announcement in the Tabernacle's construction, revealing God's meticulous and personal involvement in equipping His people for sacred service. Moses declares to the assembled Israelites that the LORD, by His sovereign will, has specifically chosen Bezaleel, a man from the tribe of Judah, to lead and oversee the intricate artistic and architectural work required for the dwelling place of God. This divine appointment underscores the principle that God not only gives the command for His work but also provides the precise individuals and empowering gifts necessary for its fulfillment, demonstrating His active presence in the details of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the detailed instructions and preparations for the construction of the Tabernacle, following the profound encounter between God and Israel at Mount Sinai. Chapters [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Bezaleel and Aholiab Appointed") record God's initial commands and blueprints for the sanctuary, including the specific materials and designs. After the tragic incident of the golden calf in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "The Golden Calf") and Moses' intercession and the renewal of the covenant in [Exodus 34](/exodus/34 "Renewal of the Covenant"), the narrative returns to the practical implementation of God's dwelling among His people. Chapters [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Offerings for the Tabernacle") and [Exodus 36](/exodus/36 "Construction of the Tabernacle Begins") detail Moses' communication of God's commands to the people, their willing contributions, and the divine appointment of the master craftsmen. Exodus 35:30 specifically introduces Bezaleel as God's chosen chief artisan, with the subsequent verses ([Exodus 35:31-35](/exodus/35-31-35 "Bezaleel and Aholiab Filled with the Spirit")) elaborating on his divine empowerment and the role of Aholiab as his assistant. This immediate context highlights the transition from divine command to human execution, divinely enabled.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle was a monumental undertaking for a nomadic people recently freed from slavery. They lacked the sophisticated architectural and artistic traditions of Egypt, yet they were tasked with building a sanctuary of unparalleled beauty and precision. In the ancient Near East, skilled craftsmanship was highly valued, often passed down through generations or learned through apprenticeships. However, the selection of Bezaleel was not based on human meritocracy or existing social structures, but on divine election. This act established a new paradigm where God Himself designates and empowers individuals for His sacred purposes, transcending conventional societal norms. The Tabernacle itself was a portable temple, a visible symbol of God's presence among His people, designed to accompany them through their wilderness wanderings, signifying His immanence and covenant faithfulness, as first commanded in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build the Sanctuary"). The emphasis on precise detail and rich materials also reflected the glory and holiness of the God who would dwell within it.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, demonstrating that God is not merely a distant lawgiver but actively involved in the practical details of His people's lives and their sacred work. The theme of **Divine Equipping and Empowerment** is central, showing that God not only calls individuals but also provides them with the necessary skills and wisdom (as elaborated in [Exodus 35:31](/exodus/35-31 "Bezaleel Filled with the Spirit of God")) to fulfill His purposes. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **God's Dwelling Among His People**, as the Tabernacle is the physical manifestation of His presence, and Bezaleel is instrumental in its creation. Finally, the mention of the tribe of Judah subtly connects to the overarching theme of **God's Redemptive Plan and Covenant Promises**, hinting at the future significance of this tribe in Israel's history and the coming Messiah, as seen in passages like [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, `H3068`, often rendered as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," emphasizing His personal, relational, and unchanging character as "the self-Existent or Eternal." The use of `Yᵉhôvâh` here underscores that Bezaleel's calling is not from Moses or the people, but from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God who is actively involved in the details of His people's lives and their sacred work. It highlights divine initiative and authority.
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This primitive root, `H7121`, means "to call out to," "address by name," or "proclaim." In this context, it signifies a deeply personal, deliberate, and authoritative designation by God. It implies more than a general invitation; it is a specific summons to a unique role, indicating God's intimate knowledge of the individual and His specific purpose for them. This powerful language conveys a sense of divine ownership and a pre-ordained destiny for the task, similar to God's calling of Abraham in [Genesis 12:1](/genesis/12-1 "God Calls Abram").
* **Bezaleel (Hebrew, _Bᵉtsalʼêl'_):** The name itself, `H1212`, means "in (the) shadow (i.e. protection) of God." This is highly significant given his role as the chief artisan of the Tabernacle. It suggests that his skills and his very being are under God's divine covering and empowerment. His ability to perform the intricate work of the Tabernacle is not merely human talent but a gift cultivated and protected by God, making him a living testament to God's active presence in the work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And Moses said unto the children of Israel":** This opening clause establishes Moses as the authoritative messenger of God. He is not merely suggesting or proposing; he is declaring a divine decree to the entire community, emphasizing the public and communal nature of this announcement. The "¶" (paragraph mark) in the KJV often indicates a new section or thought, here marking the beginning of Moses' address regarding the Tabernacle's construction.
* **"See":** This is an imperative, an urgent call to attention. Moses wants the people to fully grasp the significance of what he is about to convey. It's a command to observe, to understand, and to acknowledge the divine hand at work in their midst.
* **"the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel":** This is the core declaration of the verse. It asserts God's direct, personal, and sovereign choice of Bezaleel. The perfect tense "hath called" indicates a completed action with ongoing results, signifying a divine appointment that is firm and unchangeable. This is not a human selection process, but a divine designation, highlighting God's initiative and specific intention for this individual.
* **"the son of Uri, the son of Hur":** This lineage provides Bezaleel's patriarchal credentials, grounding him within the Israelite community and its tribal structure. Hur, Bezaleel's grandfather, is notable as one who supported Moses' hands during the battle against Amalek ([Exodus 17:10-12](/exodus/17-10-12 "Hur Supports Moses' Hands")) and was left in charge with Aaron during Moses' ascent of Mount Sinai ([Exodus 24:14](/exodus/24-14 "Hur Left in Charge")). This connection might subtly suggest a legacy of faithfulness and leadership within his family line, though his appointment is ultimately divine.
* **"of the tribe of Judah":** Identifying Bezaleel's tribal affiliation is significant. Judah was a prominent tribe, destined for leadership and from which the messianic line would ultimately emerge ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah")). This detail not only places Bezaleel within the social fabric of Israel but also subtly connects his divinely appointed role in building God's dwelling to the broader redemptive narrative unfolding through Judah, a tribe chosen for a unique destiny.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Divine Announcement**, where Moses, as God's chosen prophet and messenger, authoritatively declares the LORD's direct action and specific will to the assembled Israelites. This emphasizes God's active involvement in the practical details of His redemptive plan and the establishment of His dwelling place. The phrase "called by name" serves as a powerful **Emphasis** on God's personal and sovereign selection, highlighting the intentionality, specificity, and intimate nature of His choice of Bezaleel. The inclusion of Bezaleel's **Genealogy** ("the son of Uri, the son of Hur") grounds him historically and socially within the Israelite community, providing context for his identity and potentially linking him to a lineage of faithfulness and service. Finally, the mention of the "tribe of Judah" can be seen as subtle **Foreshadowing**, connecting Bezaleel's divinely appointed role in building God's dwelling to the tribe from which the ultimate King and builder of God's eternal kingdom would come, thereby weaving his story into the larger tapestry of God's redemptive history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:30 profoundly illustrates God's active sovereignty in calling and equipping individuals for specific tasks within His divine economy. It reveals that sacred service is not merely a matter of human skill or ambition, but fundamentally originates from God's personal election and empowerment. The meticulous detail required for the Tabernacle underscores that God values excellence and beauty when dedicated to His glory, sanctifying human craftsmanship. This divine calling and equipping for the Tabernacle foreshadows God's ongoing work through His Spirit to empower His people for ministry in every age, demonstrating that every gift and talent, when consecrated to Him, can be used for His kingdom purposes and the building up of His people.

* [Exodus 31:3-5](/exodus/31-3-5 "Bezaleel and Aholiab Filled with the Spirit of God")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "Diversity of Gifts, Unity in the Spirit")
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Created for Good Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:30 serves as a profound reminder that God is not a distant deity but intimately involved in the lives of His people and the work of His kingdom. Just as He personally called Bezaleel and equipped him with extraordinary skill for the Tabernacle, so too does God call and gift each believer for specific purposes within His body today. This verse challenges us to recognize that our talents, whether artistic, administrative, relational, or technical, are not merely for personal gain but are divine endowments to be consecrated for God's glory and the building up of His church. It encourages us to seek God's specific calling for our lives, trust in His equipping power, and faithfully utilize our unique gifts, knowing that He has meticulously prepared us for the good works He has planned for us. Our work, when done in response to God's calling and empowered by His Spirit, becomes an act of worship and a contribution to His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's personal calling of Bezaleel impact your view of your own gifts and abilities?**
* **In what ways might God be "calling you by name" for a specific task or ministry in your current season of life?**
* **How can you more intentionally consecrate your skills and talents, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary, for the glory of God and the service of His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "called by name" truly signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "called by name" (Hebrew: _qara b'shem_) indicates a deeply personal, deliberate, and authoritative divine designation. It's more than a general invitation or a human nomination; it signifies that God, in His sovereignty, specifically chose Bezaleel from among all the Israelites for this particular, sacred task. It implies a unique relationship and a specific purpose known to God, highlighting divine initiative and a pre-ordained role for Bezaleel in the construction of the Tabernacle. This is similar to how God [called Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "God Calls Abram") or [Israel](/isaiah/43-1 "God Calls Israel by Name") by name, setting them apart for His purposes and demonstrating His intimate knowledge and sovereign will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:30, with its emphasis on God's personal calling and equipping of Bezaleel for building His earthly dwelling, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate divine architect and builder, Jesus Christ. Just as Bezaleel was "called by name" and filled with the Spirit for the physical Tabernacle, Christ Himself is the ultimate "called one," chosen by the Father from before the foundation of the world to accomplish the work of redemption ([1 Peter 1:20](/1_peter/1-20 "Christ Chosen Before the Foundation of the World")). He is the true and greater Tabernacle, the very dwelling place of God among humanity, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us") declares that "the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us," fully embodying God's presence. Furthermore, the Spirit who empowered Bezaleel for craftsmanship is the same Holy Spirit poured out without measure upon Christ ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "The Spirit Given Without Measure to Jesus")) and subsequently upon all believers, empowering them to be living stones in the spiritual temple, the Church ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Thus, Bezaleel's divine appointment points to Christ as the one through whom God's presence is fully manifested and through whom His people are equipped to build His eternal kingdom, culminating in the New Jerusalem where God's dwelling is finally with humanity ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "God's Dwelling Place is with Humanity")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 31:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Exodus 31:6

And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1 Kings 7:13

¶ And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.

1 Kings 7:14

He [was] a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

1 Corinthians 3:10

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.