Exodus 36:2

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, [even] every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

And Moses {H4872} called {H7121} Bezaleel {H1212} and Aholiab {H171}, and every wise {H2450} hearted {H3820} man {H376}, in whose heart {H3820} the LORD {H3068} had put {H5414} wisdom {H2451}, even every one whose heart {H3820} stirred him up {H5375} to come {H7126} unto the work {H4399} to do {H6213} it:

Moshe summoned B'tzal'el, Oholi'av and every craftsman to whom ADONAI had given wisdom, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come and take part in the work.

Then Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person whom the LORD had giftedโ€”everyone whose heart stirred him to come and do the work.

And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart Jehovah had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

Commentary

Context

Exodus 36:2 is part of the extensive narrative detailing the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites in the wilderness. Following God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (chapters 25-31), and Moses' subsequent relaying of these commands to the people (chapter 35), this verse marks the commencement of the actual work. Moses is now gathering the individuals specifically chosen and gifted by God for this monumental task, signalling the transition from planning and instruction to active execution.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment and Giftedness: The verse highlights that the wisdom and skill for the Tabernacle's construction were not merely natural talents but divinely bestowed. It explicitly states that "the LORD had put wisdom" in their hearts, underscoring that God equips those He calls for His work. This concept is further emphasized by the specific naming of Bezaleel and Aholiab, who were previously identified as being filled with the Spirit of God for this very purpose.
  • Voluntary and Willing Service: Beyond divine gifting, the verse stresses the element of human willingness: "every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it." This demonstrates that God values not just skill, but also a joyful and eager spirit in service, echoing the call for offerings given from a willing heart.
  • Collaboration and Leadership: Moses, as God's chosen leader, acts to gather and organize the workforce, demonstrating the importance of leadership in facilitating God's work. The project required a collaborative effort from many "wise hearted" individuals, each contributing their God-given abilities to a common, sacred goal.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wise hearted man" translates from the Hebrew `chakam lev` (ื—ื›ื ืœื‘). This term denotes more than just intellectual knowledge; it signifies practical skill, discernment, and ingenuity, particularly in craftsmanship and artistic endeavors. It points to a deep understanding and ability to execute complex tasks, which in this context, was supernaturally imparted by God, as seen in Exodus 35:31.

The expression "whose heart stirred him up" comes from the Hebrew `nasa' libbo` (ื ืฉื ืœื‘ื•), literally meaning "lifted his heart." This idiom conveys a sense of being moved, prompted, or eagerly inclined towards a task. It highlights an internal motivation that complements the external call from Moses and the divine gifting.

Practical Application

Exodus 36:2 offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us that God equips His people with diverse gifts and talents, whether in ministry, the arts, business, or service, all of which are intended to be used for His glory and the building up of His kingdom. It challenges us to identify our God-given abilities and to offer them with a willing and eager heart, not out of compulsion but out of a genuine desire to serve. Every task, when undertaken with divine wisdom and a willing spirit, can be a sacred act of worship and contribution to God's ongoing work in the world.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 5:4

    And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron.

  • Colossians 4:17

    And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

  • 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;

  • Acts 14:23

    And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

  • Exodus 35:10

    And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded;

  • 1 Chronicles 29:5

    The gold for [things] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and for all manner of work [to be made] by the hands of artificers. And who [then] is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?

  • Acts 6:3

    Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
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