Exodus 35:34

KJV

And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, [both] he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he hath put {H5414} in his heart {H3820} that he may teach {H3384}, both he, and Aholiab {H171}, the son {H1121} of Ahisamach {H294}, of the tribe {H4294} of Dan {H1835}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[ADONAI] has also given him and Oholi'av the son of Achisamakh, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.

American Standard Version

And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:34 reveals a profound dimension of God's divine provision for the Tabernacle's construction: His sovereign impartation of not only exceptional craftsmanship but also the crucial ability to teach others. This verse underscores that the gifts God bestows are often intended for the edification and equipping of the entire community, ensuring the faithful transmission of vital skills and spiritual wisdom necessary for sacred service and the perpetuation of God's work among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, immediately following the call for freewill offerings from the Israelites in [Exodus 35:4-29](/exodus/35-4-29 "Exodus 35:4-29 - Israel's Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle"). Prior to this, [Exodus 35:30-33](/exodus/35-30-33 "Exodus 35:30-33 - Bezalel's Divine Calling and Equipping") specifically highlights Bezalel's unique anointing by God, stating that he was "filled with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in all manner of workmanship." Verse 34 expands upon this divine equipping, adding the critical dimension of teaching and explicitly naming Aholiab as a co-recipient of this teaching gift. This sequence emphasizes that God's gifts are not merely for individual execution but for the multiplication of skill and knowledge within the community, ensuring the successful and continuous construction and maintenance of God's dwelling place. The focus shifts from the *doing* of the work to the *dissemination* of the ability to do the work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, highly specialized crafts, such as those required for the Tabernacle (e.g., metalwork, gem-setting, intricate weaving, wood carving), were typically passed down through generations via rigorous apprenticeship and often guarded within family lines or professional guilds. Knowledge was a valuable commodity, and its transfer was a deliberate, lengthy process. However, here, God directly intervenes, divinely imparting not only these complex skills but, significantly, the ability to teach them. This divine intervention transcends typical human learning processes, ensuring that the Tabernacle, God's earthly dwelling, would be constructed with unparalleled excellence and according to His precise specifications. The mention of Aholiab from the tribe of Dan, alongside Bezalel from the prominent tribe of Judah, also subtly underscores God's intention for unity and collaboration among all the tribes in this sacred endeavor, demonstrating that divine gifting is not limited to any single lineage or social standing. The Tabernacle itself was the central symbol of God's presence among His people, and its construction was a monumental task requiring supernatural enablement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, demonstrating that God not only commands the work but also provides the means and the people to accomplish it. The emphasis on "teaching" highlights the theme of **Communal Equipping and Discipleship**, showing that God's gifts are for the benefit of the whole community, ensuring the perpetuation of skills and knowledge. This anticipates later biblical concepts of spiritual gifts for the building up of the body. Furthermore, the inclusion of Aholiab from the tribe of Dan alongside Bezalel from Judah speaks to the theme of **Divine Inclusivity and Unity**, illustrating that God uses individuals from diverse backgrounds and tribes to fulfill His purposes, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration in sacred service. This divine enablement is crucial for the establishment of God's presence among His people, a central theme throughout [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Book of Deliverance and Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Put (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) is highly versatile, meaning "to give," but used with the greatest latitude of application, including "put," "make," "appoint," "bestow," or "grant." In this context, it signifies a deliberate, active, and divine impartation. It is not merely a suggestion or a human acquisition, but God's direct act of placing or infusing the ability and inclination into their hearts, indicating a supernatural endowment rather than a natural talent.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This noun (H3820) refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing not just emotions but also the will, intellect, and moral character. When God "puts in his heart," it signifies a profound, internal transformation and equipping that affects the individual's entire disposition and capacity. It's an infusion of divine wisdom, understanding, and the very desire to perform the task, going beyond mere intellectual comprehension to a deep, integrated ability.
* **Teach (Hebrew, _yârâh'_):** This primitive root (H3384) means "to flow as water," "to lay or throw" (like an arrow), and figuratively, "to point out" or "to instruct." In this context, it implies a practical, hands-on transmission of knowledge and skill, not just theoretical instruction. The inclusion of this word highlights that the divine gifting was not meant to be exclusive or hoarded by a few, but was purposed for dissemination, ensuring that the necessary craftsmanship could be replicated and sustained within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he hath put in his heart":** This opening clause immediately attributes the source of the ability to God ("he," referring to the Lord). It emphasizes that the skills and insights possessed by Bezalel and Aholiab are not inherent human talents alone, but a direct, supernatural endowment from the Divine. This divine impartation goes beyond mere intellectual understanding, touching the very core of their being ("his heart"), enabling them with both the capacity and the will to perform and to instruct.
* **"that he may teach":** This phrase reveals the explicit purpose behind the divine gifting. The ability to perform the intricate work of the Tabernacle is coupled with the mandate and capacity to instruct others. This highlights the communal aspect of God's gifts, which are intended for the building up and equipping of the broader community, ensuring the continuity and excellence of the sacred work. It underscores the importance of mentorship, knowledge transfer, and the multiplication of skilled laborers for God's purposes.
* **"[both] he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan."**: The first "he" implicitly refers to Bezalel, whose primary anointing was detailed in the preceding verses. The verse then explicitly names Aholiab, identifying him by his father and tribe. This pairing emphasizes that both men received this particular gift of teaching, signifying a collaborative leadership in craftsmanship and instruction. Aholiab's inclusion, from the tribe of Dan, showcases God's inclusive nature, utilizing individuals from diverse backgrounds for His holy purposes, demonstrating that divine gifting transcends tribal prominence or social standing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Divine Impartation** as its central literary device, vividly emphasizing God's direct and supernatural intervention in equipping individuals for specific tasks. The phrase "put in his heart" conveys this divine infusion of skill, wisdom, and the very desire to perform the work, elevating human capacity to a divinely enabled one. Furthermore, the text highlights **Purposeful Gifting**, where the divine endowment is explicitly linked to the function of "teaching." This reveals that God's gifts are not random or for individual glorification, but are given with a specific, communal objective: to multiply skill and knowledge among His people for the building of His sanctuary. Finally, the mention of Bezalel (implied) and Aholiab together illustrates **Collaboration** and **Complementary Roles**, demonstrating God's design for diverse individuals to work in unity, combining their divinely empowered abilities for a common, sacred goal, reflecting the unity of God's people in service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:34 powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty in gifting and His meticulous care for the execution of His divine will. It establishes a foundational principle: all true skill and wisdom for sacred service originate from Him, not merely from human effort, training, or inherent talent. The emphasis on teaching underscores a crucial theological truth: divine gifts are not meant for individual glory or isolated use, but for the edification and equipping of the entire community. This foreshadows the New Testament understanding of spiritual gifts, where the Holy Spirit empowers believers with diverse abilities for the common good and the building up of the body of Christ. God's desire is for His people to be fully equipped to carry out His purposes, and He graciously provides the means, including the capacity for leadership and instruction, to ensure His plans are fulfilled with excellence and continuity.

* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of the Spirit")
* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts for Service in the Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound reminder that our talents, skills, and even our inclinations for certain tasks are ultimately gifts from God. Whether we are artists, communicators, administrators, caregivers, or tradespeople, we are called to recognize the divine source of our abilities. The crucial lesson from Bezalel and Aholiab is that these gifts are not meant to be hoarded or used solely for personal gain, but are given with a higher purpose: to serve God and to build up others. We are challenged to consider how we can use our unique endowments not just to perform tasks, but also to mentor, teach, and equip those around us. This might involve formal teaching, informal guidance, or simply demonstrating excellence in a way that inspires and instructs others, fostering a culture of shared learning and growth. Trusting in God's provision means acknowledging that if He has called us to a task, He will also provide the necessary wisdom, skill, and resources to accomplish it, empowering us to contribute effectively to His ongoing work in the world and to multiply His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I identify the specific gifts and abilities that God has "put in my heart" for His service?**
* **Am I actively using my talents not only to perform tasks but also to teach, mentor, or equip others in my community or sphere of influence, reflecting God's communal design for His gifts?**
* **In what areas of my life or service do I need to trust more fully in God's divine equipping rather than relying solely on my own strength or understanding, especially when faced with daunting tasks?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Aholiab being from the tribe of Dan?**

Answer: The tribe of Dan was one of the smaller tribes and not typically associated with leadership or prominence in the same way as Judah, from which Bezalel hailed. Aholiab's inclusion from Dan, alongside Bezalel from Judah, is profoundly significant because it highlights God's inclusive and sovereign nature. It demonstrates that God's divine gifting is not limited to any particular tribe, social status, or human expectation. It emphasizes that God chooses and empowers individuals from all walks of life for His purposes, fostering unity and showing that every part of the community has a vital role to play in His work, regardless of perceived prominence. This selection underscores that God looks at the heart and equips whom He wills, as seen in the broader narrative of His choosing of unlikely individuals throughout biblical history.

**Does "put in his heart" imply more than just practical skill?**

Answer: Yes, the Hebrew phrase "put in his heart" (נָתַן בְּלִבּוֹ, _nathan b'libbo'_) is much richer than simply imparting practical skill. It suggests a comprehensive divine enablement that includes wisdom (the ability to apply knowledge rightly), understanding (discernment and insight), and even the internal disposition or desire to perform the work. It's a holistic infusion of divine capacity that encompasses intellect, will, and practical ability, ensuring that the work for God's dwelling, as described in [Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - Bezalel Filled with the Spirit of God"), is carried out with both excellence and spiritual insight. This divine enablement ensures not only the technical proficiency but also the spiritual discernment necessary for constructing a sacred space according to God's precise instructions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:34, with its emphasis on divine equipping for the construction of God's dwelling place and the crucial role of teaching, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The Tabernacle, for which Bezalel and Aholiab were divinely gifted, was a temporary dwelling and a shadow, pointing to the ultimate reality of God's presence. Jesus Christ is the true and perfect dwelling place of God among humanity, the Word who "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the ultimate craftsman, not of wood and metal, but of salvation, perfectly executing the will of God the Father. As the supreme teacher, Jesus taught with unparalleled authority and wisdom, imparting divine truth and equipping His disciples to carry on His mission, as evidenced by the crowds who were astonished because "he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). Furthermore, the pattern of divine gifting for communal building continues in the Church, which is the spiritual temple where God now dwells by His Spirit, with Christ Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ the Cornerstone of God's Household")). Just as the Spirit empowered Bezalel and Aholiab for the physical Tabernacle, so too does the Holy Spirit empower believers today with diverse spiritual gifts, including teaching, for the building up of the body of Christ and the continuation of God's redemptive work in the world, for "to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" ([1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - The Spirit's Manifestation for the Common Good")). Thus, the divine equipping seen in Exodus 35:34 foreshadows Christ's perfect work and the Spirit's ongoing empowerment of His Church to manifest His presence in the world.

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 31:6

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;

2 Chronicles 2:14

The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

1 Corinthians 1:5

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and [in] all knowledge;

1 Corinthians 1:7

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

James 1:16

Do not err, my beloved brethren.

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 12:7

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.