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The Master Craftsmen Engaged
v. 1. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
v. 2. See, I have called by name Bezaleel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, the grandson of the influential man in his tribe, one of Moses' right-hand men, Exo_17:10; Exo_24:14;
v. 3. and I have filled him with the spirit of God in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, in every craft connected with the art of building and equipping the Tabernacle,
v. 4. to devise cunning works, to execute artistic designs, to work in gold and in silver and in brass, the precious and costly metals which were used for the various parts of the equipment,
v. 5. and in cutting of stones, to set them, the work of the jeweler and the silversmith, and in carving of timber, another branch of artistic achievement, to work in all manner of workmanship. In this man technical knowledge was united with practical ability; he could not only devise and plan artistic work in all its details, but he could also supervise its proper execution. His natural talents had been sanctified by the influence of the Lord and consecrated to His service, a combination which, even now, makes the best church architects and the most excellent artists.
v. 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, Aholiab being a master not only in metal, stone, and woodwork, but also an artist in fancy weaving:
v. 7. the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and the Ark of the Testimony, and the mercy-seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture, the sacred vessels, of the Tabernacle,
v. 8. and the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, the instruments and vessels needed for keeping it in order, and the altar of incense,
v. 9. and the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,
v. 10. and the cloths of service, the special garments of the high priest which he alone wore in the service of the Tabernacle and Temple, and the holy garments for Aaron, the priest, which he had in common with the ordinary priests, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
v. 11. and the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the Holy Place; according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do. The entire work was entrusted to the Jewish artisans under the leadership of these two masters, for it was necessary that the workmanship throughout be of the very best. It is well-pleasing to the Lord if work done in His service is performed with painstaking care, as being really worthwhile.