Exodus 35:34

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary on Exodus 35:34 (KJV)

Exodus 35:34 highlights a crucial aspect of God's provision for the Tabernacle construction: the divine equipping of specific individuals not only to perform skilled work but also to teach others. This verse focuses on Bezalel (mentioned in the preceding verses, Exodus 35:30-33) and Aholiab, designating them as divinely inspired instructors.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is situated within the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that would serve as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The work required immense skill in various crafts, from metalwork and carving to weaving and embroidery. In ancient cultures, specialized skills were often passed down through apprenticeship. Here, God ensures that the knowledge and ability are not only present but also transferrable.

Bezalel, from the tribe of Judah, was explicitly identified in Exodus 31:3 as being "filled with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in all manner of workmanship." Aholiab, from the tribe of Dan, is presented as his equally gifted co-laborer. The collaboration between these two men, representing different tribes (Judah, the leading tribe, and Dan, one of the smaller tribes), underscores the unity and shared purpose God intended for His people in this grand endeavor.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Gifting for Sacred Service: God Himself empowers individuals with the necessary skills and wisdom for the tasks He calls them to perform. The phrase "he hath put in his heart" signifies a direct, divine impartation of ability and insight, far beyond mere human talent.
  • The Purpose of Gifting โ€“ Teaching and Mentorship: The gifts are not meant to be hoarded or used in isolation. A key aspect of Bezalel and Aholiab's divine endowment was the ability "that he may teach." This emphasizes the importance of passing on knowledge and skills, ensuring continuity and equipping the community for ongoing work. It highlights God's desire for His people to learn from one another and for wisdom to be shared.
  • Collaboration and Unity: God uses diverse individuals and tribes to accomplish His will. The partnership between Bezalel and Aholiab demonstrates that God's work is often a collaborative effort, bringing together different strengths for a common, holy purpose.
  • Excellence in God's Work: The intricate and beautiful design of the Tabernacle required exceptional craftsmanship. This verse underscores that God desires excellence in the work done for Him, and He provides the means to achieve it through divine wisdom and skill.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "put in his heart" (ื ึธืชึทืŸ ื‘ึผึฐืœึดื‘ึผื•ึน - *nathan b'libbo*) is significant. It implies more than just putting an idea into someone's mind; it suggests a deep, internal infusion of ability, understanding, and even the desire to carry out the work. It denotes a divine initiative that equips the individual for the task at hand. The word for "teach" (ืœึฐื”ื•ึนืจึนืช - *l'horot*) carries the sense of instructing, guiding, and demonstrating, indicating a practical, hands-on transmission of skills.

Practical Application

Exodus 35:34 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Recognize God-Given Talents: Every skill and talent we possess, whether artistic, administrative, communicative, or practical, can be seen as a divine gift. We should acknowledge God as the source of our abilities.
  • Use Gifts for God's Glory and Others' Benefit: Our gifts are not solely for personal gain but are intended to serve God and build up the community. Like Bezalel and Aholiab, we are called to use our skills in ways that honor God and benefit others.
  • Embrace Mentorship and Teaching: If you have a skill or knowledge, consider how you can pass it on to others. The act of teaching and mentoring is a vital way to multiply impact and strengthen the body of believers.
  • God Equips Whom He Calls: If God has called you to a task, rest assured that He will also provide the necessary abilities, wisdom, and resources to accomplish it. We can trust in His provision for our service.
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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

  • Exodus 31:6 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 1:7 (2 votes)

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

  • James 1:16 (2 votes)

    Do not err, my beloved brethren.

  • James 1:17 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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