Exodus 35:10 - 36:2

This section is matched to Exodus 31:2-6. In chapter 31 we see God telling Moses who was going to be the skilled craftsmen in charge of building the tent of meeting. In this section we have Moses bringing the people together and telling them that Bezalel and Oholiab were going to be in charge of all aspects of crafting the tent of meeting. We see in this passage that there are others involved in building this tent. Aside from the people bringing their gifts other craftsmen would assist.

Notice that both of these men are talented in all types of trades and crafts. They were skilled craftsmen. It appears in this passage that Bezalel is going to be the chief craftsmen guiding the rest in the construction of the tent. We get a hint of Oholiab’s other reason for being chosen. Look at verse 34, it says that along with being a skilled craftsman he also had the ability to teach. So as I look at this Bezalel was going to oversee all construction and Oholiab was going to teach those that were not as skilled in how to do some of the construction.

The most important thing to notice above all things is where their skills come from. Check out verses 31 and 35. In both these verses it speaks of being given or being filled with, verse 31, “The LORD has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, making him highly skilled….” Verse 35 says, “The LORD has made these men highly skilled in all trades.” Their abilities were not attributed to being raised with these skills. It doesn’t come from their own abilities or observing their father’s it came from God.

The Application: We must not forget where our abilities come from. We are to care for them, hone them, and use them for his glory and always give him the praise for our abilities. You are gifted in various ways. Scripture says that there is one Spirit but different gifts are given. Your capabilities are not a mistake but a gift from God. The minute you forget this is when you are headed for a fall. Give God praise today for those abilities you have been given no matter how simple or complex they may seem.