Exodus 35:31-32 is about God filling Bezalel and Oholiab with His Spirit to equip them with skill, ability, and knowledge to carry out the artistic work needed for constructing the tabernacle, highlighting the importance of being spiritually equipped for fulfilling God’s purposes.
31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship,
32 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze,
Setting the Scene for Exodus 35:31-32
In the scene described in Exodus 35:31-32, we find Moses, the revered leader of the Israelites, in the midst of the camp at the foot of Mount Sinai. The Israelites had recently been freed from slavery in Egypt and were now journeying through the wilderness under the guidance of Moses. The atmosphere is one of anticipation and reverence as Moses gathers the people to relay a message from the Lord.
Surrounded by the vast desert landscape, with the imposing presence of Mount Sinai in the background, Moses addresses the community. He speaks of two individuals, Bezalel and Oholiab, whom the Lord has filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. These skilled artisans are appointed to lead the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place of God among the Israelites.
As Moses shares this divine appointment with the people, there is a sense of awe and gratitude among the Israelites. The scene is filled with a sense of purpose and unity as the community prepares to embark on the task of building a sanctuary for the Lord. The craftsmanship and creativity of Bezalel and Oholiab will play a crucial role in the construction of the Tabernacle, a place where the Israelites will worship and seek guidance from their God.
What is Exodus 35:31-32 about?
This verse from the Bible highlights the divine empowerment of Bezalel by God with wisdom and skill for making the tabernacle. It conveys the message that when we are called to serve a purpose greater than ourselves, God equips us with the necessary gifts and talents to fulfill that mission. Bezalel’s expertise in craftsmanship was not solely his own but a gift from God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and using our abilities in service to others and to God’s greater plan.
Do you think about the talents and skills you possess as gifts from God, meant to be used for a higher purpose? This verse serves as a reminder that our abilities, whether in craftsmanship, leadership, compassion, or any other area, are meant to be utilized for the service of others and the greater good. It challenges us to reflect on how we can align our skills with God’s plan for us and how we can channel our wisdom and talents towards building a better world, just like Bezalel did in constructing the tabernacle. We can consider how to cultivate and use our God-given gifts for the benefit of our communities and the fulfillment of our divine calling.
Understanding what Exodus 35:31-32 really means
In Exodus 35:31-32, we find a pivotal moment where God fills Bezalel with His Spirit, equipping him with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and various skills to craft the tabernacle. This passage is nestled within the detailed instructions for constructing the tabernacle, a sacred space where God would dwell among His people. Bezalel’s role as the chief artisan highlights the importance of craftsmanship and creativity in worship, as he leads the skilled workers in bringing God’s vision to life.
The phrase “filled him with the Spirit of God” holds profound significance in the Old Testament context. Being filled with the Spirit denotes divine empowerment and guidance for a specific task. This parallels the New Testament experiences such as the disciples being filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:4) and the exhortation in Ephesians 5:18 to be continually filled with the Spirit for spiritual vitality and effectiveness in service.
The attributes bestowed upon Bezalel – wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skills – are essential components of his craftsmanship. Each element contributes to his ability to execute intricate designs and workmanship. This mirrors the biblical emphasis on wisdom and understanding in Proverbs 2:6 and the exhortation in James 1:5 to seek God for wisdom in all endeavors.
The directive to “make artistic designs” underscores the value of creativity and excellence in the service of God. Just as God, the ultimate Creator, fashioned the world with beauty and order, humans, made in His image (Genesis 1:27), are called to reflect His creativity in their work and worship.
In exploring related passages, Exodus 31:1-5 provides further insights into Bezalel’s divine calling and craftsmanship, emphasizing God’s specific gifting for service. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 discusses spiritual gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church, highlighting the diversity of talents within the body of Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 encourages wholehearted dedication in all endeavors, recognizing that ultimately, our work is unto the Lord.
Today, the narrative of Bezalel resonates with believers, urging them to identify and utilize their unique gifts for God’s glory. Each individual possesses talents and skills that, when employed in service to others and the church, contribute to the flourishing of the community and the advancement of God’s kingdom. Modern-day examples abound of people leveraging their abilities – be it in art, music, teaching, or other domains – to impact lives and honor God through their work.
Consider the story of a musician who volunteers at a local shelter, using her gift to bring comfort and hope to those in need. By recognizing and employing her talent in this way, she not only finds fulfillment but also becomes a conduit of God’s love and compassion to others. This anecdote illustrates the transformative power of aligning one’s skills with God’s purposes, leading to personal fulfillment and meaningful impact in the world.
In conclusion, Exodus 35:31-32 serves as a reminder of the divine enablement bestowed upon Bezalel and the call for believers to seek and utilize their God-given gifts for His work. Let us reflect on our talents, seeking wisdom and guidance from the Spirit to employ them in ways that honor God and bless others. May we be inspired to embrace our creativity, skills, and passions, offering them wholeheartedly in service to the One who equips us for every good work.
How can we use our gifts for God’s work?
This passage reminds us of the importance of using the gifts and talents that God has given us for his work. We too have been bestowed with unique abilities and talents by God, just as Bezalel and Oholiab were filled with the Spirit of God and given skills in craftsmanship. These gifts are not meant for our own gain or self-glory, but rather to be used in service to Him and for the benefit of others. We, as Christians, are called to be good stewards of the gifts and talents that God has blessed us with. We honor Him and fulfill our purpose in this world by using our abilities to further God’s kingdom and serve others. It is through our willingness to offer our gifts with a spirit of obedience and humility that we can actively participate in God’s work on earth.
Therefore, let us not bury our gifts or shy away from using them, but instead, let us embrace them and allow God to work through us for His glory. Whether it be through acts of service, creative expression, leadership, or any other talent we possess, let us dedicate our gifts to Him and trust that He will use them for His divine purposes.
Application
Unleash the power within you! Embrace the unique gifts you have been given, and let them shine like the brightest star in the sky. Your talents are not meant to be hidden away but to be shared with the world, to make a difference in the lives of others. Through your creativity and hard work, you have the opportunity to build a legacy that will last for generations to come. So, how will you step up and use your talents to leave a mark on this world today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.