Exodus 36:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then wrought {H6213} Bezaleel {H1212} and Aholiab {H171}, and every wise {H2450} hearted {H3820} man {H376}, in whom {H1992} the LORD {H3068} put {H5414} wisdom {H2451} and understanding {H8394} to know {H3045} how to work {H6213} all manner of work {H4399} for the service {H5656} of the sanctuary {H6944}, according to all that the LORD {H3068} had commanded {H6680}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"B'tzal'el and Oholi'av, along with all the craftsmen whom ADONAI has endowed with the wisdom and skill necessary to carry out the work needed for the sanctuary, are to do exactly according to everything ADONAI has ordered."

Berean Standard Bible

“So Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person are to carry out everything commanded by the LORD, who has given them skill and ability to know how to perform all the work of constructing the sanctuary.”

American Standard Version

And Bezalel and Oholiab shall work, and every wise-hearted man, in whom Jehovah hath put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that Jehovah hath commanded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:1 marks the crucial transition from the divine blueprint and communal contributions to the tangible construction of the Tabernacle. This verse spotlights Bezaleel, Aholiab, and all other "wise hearted" artisans, emphasizing that their exceptional skills for the intricate work of the sanctuary were not merely human talent but a direct, supernatural impartation of wisdom and understanding from the LORD. It profoundly underscores their unwavering commitment to execute every detail "according to all that the LORD had commanded," ensuring the sacred dwelling was built precisely as God had intended, reflecting His absolute holiness and precise will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the pivotal commencement of the Tabernacle's construction, following a detailed narrative arc. God's initial instructions for the Tabernacle's design were meticulously laid out in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Call of Bezaleel and Aholiab"), culminating in the divine appointment of Bezaleel and Aholiab as chief craftsmen. The dramatic interlude of the golden calf incident in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf") and the subsequent renewal of the covenant in [Exodus 34](/exodus/34 "Exodus 34 - The Renewed Covenant") reaffirmed God's commitment to dwelling among His people. [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Call for Offerings and Workers") then details Moses' re-gathering of the congregation, reiterating the Sabbath commands, calling for freewill offerings, and formally presenting the divinely appointed artisans. Therefore, Exodus 36:1 is the direct narrative consequence, signaling the shift from preparation and instruction to the active, physical implementation of God's dwelling place, setting the stage for the detailed construction accounts that follow in the remainder of the chapter and into [Exodus 37](/exodus/37 "Exodus 37 - Construction of the Tabernacle Furnishings").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, having recently been liberated from centuries of slavery in Egypt, were a newly formed nation on a nomadic journey through the wilderness. The Tabernacle was designed to be a portable, central symbol of Yahweh's presence among them, serving as the focal point of their worship and covenant relationship. In the broader ancient Near Eastern world, the construction of temples and sacred spaces was common, often reflecting human conceptions of cosmic order or divine power. However, the Israelite Tabernacle stood apart due to its unique, divinely revealed blueprint, which emphasized God's absolute sovereignty, holiness, and meticulous standards. The skills necessary for such intricate work—including fine metalworking, elaborate weaving, precise carving, and delicate gem-setting—were highly specialized and esteemed in ancient societies. The text's explicit declaration that the LORD "put wisdom and understanding" into these artisans highlights that their abilities transcended mere human talent; they were a supernatural endowment, specifically purposed for the sacred task of constructing a dwelling fit for the holy God of Israel, thereby distinguishing this endeavor from all other human architectural achievements.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Empowerment**, demonstrating that God not only issues commands but also supernaturally equips His people to fulfill them. The skills of the artisans are not innate but divinely bestowed, highlighting God's active involvement in the details of His redemptive plan. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Fidelity to God's Word**. The repeated emphasis on "according to all that the LORD had commanded" throughout the Tabernacle narrative, including here in [Exodus 36:1](/exodus/36-1 "Exodus 36:1 - The Start of Tabernacle Construction"), stresses the paramount importance of precise adherence to divine instructions in all matters of worship and service. This theme is foundational, as seen in earlier commands like those concerning the Passover in [Exodus 12:28](/exodus/12-28 "Exodus 12:28 - Obedience to Passover Instructions"). Finally, it speaks to the theme of **God's Desire to Dwell with His People**, as the construction of the Tabernacle is the physical manifestation of God's covenant promise to reside in the midst of Israel, a foundational concept that permeates the entire biblical narrative from [Eden](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall and Expulsion from Eden") to the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrought (Hebrew, עָשָׂה _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root verb carries a broad semantic range, encompassing "to do or make" in the widest sense. In this context, it signifies more than simple fabrication; it denotes the diligent, purposeful, and skilled execution of complex tasks. It implies a comprehensive process of crafting, shaping, and assembling the intricate components of the Tabernacle, reflecting the detailed nature of the divine instructions. This word emphasizes the active, expert labor involved in bringing the divine blueprint to tangible reality.
* **Wise hearted (Hebrew, חָכָם _châkâm'_ and לֵב _lêb'_):** This compound phrase is profoundly significant. _Châkâm_ (wise) denotes not just intellectual knowledge but practical skill, discernment, and aptitude, often implying an ability to apply knowledge effectively. _Lêb_ (heart) refers to the inner being—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and understanding. Therefore, "wise hearted" describes individuals whose inner disposition and mental faculties are perfectly aligned with practical skill and artistic ability. It is a profound, divinely imparted capacity for excellent craftsmanship, insight, and discernment, specifically consecrated for sacred tasks, indicating a holistic endowment of skill and spiritual perception.
* **Put wisdom and understanding (Hebrew, נָתַן _nâthan'_ חָכְמָה _chokmâh'_ וּתְבוּנָה _tâbûwn'_):** This phrase explicitly states the divine origin of the artisans' extraordinary abilities. The verb _nâthan_ ("to give," "to place," "to bestow") indicates a direct, intentional impartation by God. _Chokmâh_ (wisdom) here refers to practical skill, technical expertise, and the ability to execute complex designs. _Tâbûwn_ (understanding) denotes discernment, insight, and the capacity to comprehend and apply knowledge effectively. Together, these terms signify a comprehensive divine empowerment, a supernatural endowment of both the technical know-how and the perceptive insight required for the intricate and sacred work of the Tabernacle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man":** This opening clause signals the commencement of the physical labor involved in constructing the Tabernacle. Bezaleel and Aholiab are named first, reaffirming their roles as the divinely appointed chief craftsmen and overseers. The inclusion of "every wise hearted man" highlights that the work was a collaborative undertaking involving a broader community of skilled individuals, each possessing a specific, divinely-enabled aptitude for the task, underscoring the communal nature of this sacred project.
* **"in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding":** This crucial phrase identifies the ultimate source of the artisans' exceptional abilities. Their skills were not merely innate human talents, nor were they acquired solely through training or apprenticeship. Instead, they were a direct, supernatural endowment from Yahweh Himself. This divine impartation made them uniquely qualified and supernaturally gifted for the sacred work at hand, ensuring that the Tabernacle would be constructed to God's precise and holy standards.
* **"to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary":** This specifies the purpose and scope of their divinely-given abilities. Their wisdom and understanding were not for general use or personal gain, but were specifically tailored "to know how to work all manner of work" related to the Tabernacle's construction. The concluding phrase "for the service of the sanctuary" underscores the sacred nature of their labor, emphasizing that their craftsmanship was an act of worship and a direct contribution to establishing God's dwelling place among His people.
* **"according to all that the LORD had commanded.":** This concluding phrase is paramount, serving as the guiding principle and ultimate standard for the entire construction process. It emphasizes absolute fidelity and meticulous adherence to God's detailed instructions previously given to Moses. This unwavering obedience ensured that the Tabernacle would be a true and holy reflection of God's will, a fitting place for His presence, and a proper means of worship for His people, leaving no room for human innovation or deviation.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 36:1 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Central to the verse is **Divine Impartation**, as the text explicitly attributes the artisans' skills directly to God ("in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding"). This highlights God's active, sovereign involvement in human endeavors, particularly those related to His sacred purposes, demonstrating that true capability for divine work originates from Him. There is also a powerful use of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy** in the phrase "wise hearted," where the "heart" (Hebrew _lev_) represents not merely a physical organ but the totality of a person's inner being—their intellect, will, emotions, and practical skill—all consecrated and supernaturally enabled for God's work. Furthermore, the phrase "according to all that the LORD had commanded" functions as a **Leitwort** (a guiding word or phrase) throughout the entire Tabernacle narrative in Exodus. Its repeated appearance underscores the unwavering obedience and meticulous precision required in fulfilling God's divine blueprint, emphasizing the supreme importance of divine authority and human fidelity in sacred service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:1 powerfully articulates the foundational theological truth that God not only calls His people to specific tasks but also sovereignly equips them with the necessary abilities to fulfill those assignments. The divine bestowal of "wisdom and understanding" upon Bezaleel, Aholiab, and other "wise hearted" individuals demonstrates that all genuine aptitude for sacred work originates from God's gracious hand. This principle extends far beyond the specific craftsmanship of the Tabernacle, encompassing all forms of ministry and service within the community of faith. It teaches us that our talents and skills, when surrendered and consecrated to God, become instruments for His purposes, enabling us to participate in His redemptive work. The meticulous adherence to "all that the LORD had commanded" further underscores the paramount importance of obedience and fidelity to God's revealed will in all acts of worship and service, ensuring that human efforts align perfectly with divine intention and honor His holiness.

* [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1-6 "Exodus 31:1-6 - God Calls and Equips Bezaleel and Aholiab for the Tabernacle")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts, Unity in the Spirit")
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created in Christ Jesus for Good Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 36:1 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that God is intimately involved in equipping His people for His divine purposes. Just as Bezaleel and Aholiab were divinely empowered for the intricate and sacred work of the Tabernacle, so too does God bestow unique gifts, talents, and abilities upon each believer for the building up of His kingdom and the flourishing of His Church. This verse challenges us to recognize that every skill we possess—whether artistic, administrative, intellectual, relational, or practical—can be consecrated and utilized for God's glory. It encourages us to prayerfully discern the specific "wisdom and understanding" God has placed within us and to offer our abilities in humble obedience, always striving to work "according to all that the LORD has commanded" in His Word. Our service, regardless of its nature or visibility, becomes a profound act of worship when performed with a "wise heart" yielded to divine instruction, contributing to the spiritual "sanctuary" of God's presence in the world today—the Church, the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you recognize and affirm the "wisdom and understanding" God has specifically put within you for His service?**
* **In what tangible ways can your unique skills and talents be consecrated for the "service of the sanctuary" today, within your local church and broader community?**
* **Where might you be tempted to rely solely on your own human abilities or preferences, rather than acknowledging God as the ultimate source and guide of your gifts?**
* **How does the emphasis on "according to all that the LORD had commanded" challenge or affirm your current approach to serving God and fulfilling His will?**

### FAQ
**What does "wise hearted man" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Exodus 36:1, the phrase "wise hearted man" (Hebrew: _chakam-lev_) refers to individuals who possess a unique combination of intellectual acumen, practical skill, and spiritual discernment. It signifies more than mere mental intelligence; it denotes a profound inner aptitude and disposition that enables them to perform complex tasks with excellence, insight, and understanding. This "wisdom of heart" is explicitly presented as a divine impartation from the LORD, specifically given for the intricate and sacred work of building the Tabernacle. It highlights a God-given capacity for artistic and technical craftsmanship, consecrated and directed toward God's service.

**Why is it important that the work was "according to all that the LORD had commanded"?**

Answer: The phrase "according to all that the LORD had commanded" is of paramount importance because it underscores the absolute necessity of obedience, precision, and fidelity to God's divine instructions. The Tabernacle was not merely a human construction; it was a sacred dwelling place for God's presence, a tangible symbol of His covenant with Israel, and the divinely ordained means by which atonement could be made and worship offered. Its design and construction had to perfectly reflect God's revealed will to ensure its holiness, efficacy, and suitability as His dwelling. This meticulous adherence set a foundational precedent for all future acts of worship and service within Israel, emphasizing that God's work must be done in God's way, not according to human preferences, innovations, or shortcuts. This principle of unwavering obedience to divine command is a recurring and foundational theme throughout the biblical narrative, exemplified in passages such as Noah's construction of the ark in [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Genesis 6:22 - Noah's Obedience") and the repeated emphasis on obeying God's statutes in [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Obeying God's Commands").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 36:1, with its emphasis on a divinely empowered workforce meticulously constructing a sacred dwelling for God's presence, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, though a physical structure, was always a profound shadow and type of the greater reality to come—God's ultimate desire to dwell intimately with His people. Jesus is the ultimate "Tabernacle," the very embodiment of God dwelling among humanity, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") so powerfully declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Just as Bezaleel and Aholiab were filled with divine wisdom and understanding to build a temporary, earthly sanctuary, Christ, as the Son, perfectly executed the Father's will, becoming the eternal and perfect "sanctuary" through His incarnation, sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. His very body became the true temple, destroyed and raised in three days, as He Himself prophesied in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"). Furthermore, the "wise hearted" individuals empowered by the Spirit to build the Tabernacle foreshadow the New Covenant reality where the Holy Spirit indwells every believer, transforming them into living stones in a spiritual house, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House") and [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")). The meticulous obedience of the Old Testament artisans to God's precise commands prefigures and is ultimately surpassed by Christ's perfect and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, which culminated in His atoning sacrifice on the cross—the ultimate "service of the sanctuary" that truly brought God and humanity together in an eternal covenant ([Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5-7 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Obedience and Sacrifice")).

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 28:3

And thou shalt speak unto all [that are] wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

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;

Exodus 35:30

¶ 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;

Exodus 35:35

Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, [even] of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.

Exodus 25:8

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

Exodus 39:1

¶ And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy [place], and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.