Exodus 35:35
He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers--as artistic designers of every kind of craft.
He has filled them with skill
This phrase highlights the divine endowment of skills and abilities. In the context of Exodus, God specifically equips individuals for the construction of the Tabernacle. This reflects the biblical theme that God provides what is necessary for His purposes, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, where spiritual gifts are given for the common good.

to do all kinds of work
The phrase underscores the variety and diversity of tasks required for the Tabernacle's construction. It emphasizes that God's work encompasses a wide range of skills and talents, reflecting the multifaceted nature of His creation and the body of Christ, as seen in Romans 12:4-8.

as engravers, designers,
Engraving and designing were crucial for the intricate details of the Tabernacle. These roles required precision and creativity, reflecting the beauty and order of God's creation. The skills of Bezalel and Oholiab, mentioned earlier in Exodus 31:1-6, are examples of God equipping individuals for specific tasks.

embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen,
The use of specific colors and materials has deep symbolic meaning. Blue, purple, and scarlet were colors associated with royalty and divinity, often used in the garments of priests and the Tabernacle itself (Exodus 26:1). Fine linen represents purity and righteousness, as seen in Revelation 19:8.

and as weavers
Weaving was an essential skill for creating the fabrics used in the Tabernacle. This craft required patience and attention to detail, symbolizing the intricate and interconnected nature of God's plan and His people, as seen in Psalm 139:13-14, where God is described as weaving us together in the womb.

as artistic designers of every kind of craft.
This phrase highlights the creativity and artistry involved in the Tabernacle's construction. It reflects the image of God as the ultimate Creator, who instills creativity in humanity. The diversity of crafts points to the comprehensive nature of God's work and the unity of diverse gifts in the body of Christ, as seen in Ephesians 2:10, where believers are described as God's workmanship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bezalel and Oholiab
These two individuals were specifically chosen by God and filled with His Spirit to lead the construction of the Tabernacle. They were endowed with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.

2. The Israelites
The broader community of Israelites was called to contribute their skills and resources to the building of the Tabernacle, demonstrating a collective effort in worship and obedience to God.

3. The Tabernacle
This was the portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice.

4. The Wilderness
The setting for the construction of the Tabernacle, representing a place of testing, reliance on God, and preparation for entering the Promised Land.

5. Moses
As the leader of the Israelites, Moses communicated God’s instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and oversaw the work.
Teaching Points
God Equips for His Work
Just as God filled Bezalel and Oholiab with skill, He equips each believer with unique gifts and talents for His purposes. We should seek to identify and use these gifts in service to God and others.

The Role of Community in Worship
The construction of the Tabernacle was a communal effort, highlighting the importance of working together in the body of Christ to achieve God’s purposes.

Excellence in Craftsmanship
The detailed and skilled work required for the Tabernacle reflects the value of excellence in our work. As believers, we should strive to do our best in all tasks as an act of worship.

Obedience to God’s Instructions
The Israelites followed God’s specific instructions for the Tabernacle, reminding us of the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

The Presence of God
The Tabernacle was a symbol of God’s presence among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that honors His presence within us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the example of Bezalel and Oholiab challenge you to use your skills and talents for God’s purposes today?

2. In what ways can you contribute to your local church community, similar to how the Israelites contributed to the building of the Tabernacle?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt particularly equipped by God for a task. How did that experience impact your faith and service?

4. How can the principle of working heartily as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24) change your perspective on your daily tasks and responsibilities?

5. What steps can you take to become more aware of God’s presence in your life, and how can this awareness influence your actions and decisions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 31:1-11
This passage details God's calling of Bezalel and Oholiab, emphasizing their divine appointment and the Spirit's role in equipping them for the work.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Paul speaks about the diversity of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the common good, paralleling the skills given to the craftsmen for the Tabernacle.

Colossians 3:23-24
This passage encourages believers to work heartily as for the Lord, reflecting the dedication and purpose seen in the work on the Tabernacle.
Bezaleel and AholiabJ. Orr Exodus 35:30-35
Bezaleel and AholiabD. Young Exodus 35:30-35
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Israelites, Moses, Shoham, Uri
Places
Sinai
Topics
Ability, Artificer, Artistic, Arts, Best, Blue, Byssus, Cloth, Colours, Craftsman, Craftsmen, Cunning, Curious, Designer, Designers, Designs, Devise, Embroiderer, Embroiderers, Engraver, Expert, Filled, Fine, Handworker, Heart, Kind, Kinds, Linen, Maker, Makers, Manner, Master, Material, Needlework, Perform, Performers, Purple, Red, Scarlet, Skilful, Skill, Skilled, Skillful, Sort, Stuff, Trained, Twined, Weaver, Weavers, Wisdom, Workman, Workmanship, Workmen, Works, Yarn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 35:35

     5272   craftsmen
     5392   linen
     5551   spinning and weaving

Exodus 35:30-35

     3140   Holy Spirit, teacher
     5212   arts and crafts
     5273   creativity
     7459   tabernacle, in OT

Exodus 35:31-35

     3272   Holy Spirit, in OT
     8437   giving, of talents

Library
An Old Subscription List
'And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work....' --EXODUS xxxv. 21. This is the beginning of the catalogue of contributions towards the erection of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. It emphasises the purely spontaneous and voluntary character of the gifts. There was plenty of compulsory work, of statutory contribution, in the Old Testament system of worship. Sacrifices and tithes and other things
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down in the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud.
The terribly exaggerated views of the Rabbis, and their endless, burdensome rules about the Sabbath may best be learned from a brief analysis of the Mishnah, as further explained and enlarged in the Jerusalem Talmud. [6476] For this purpose a brief analysis of what is, confessedly, one of the most difficult tractates may here be given. The Mishnic tractate Sabbath stands at the head of twelve tractates which together from the second of the six sections into which the Mishnah is divided, and which
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Gifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Early Battles
Six months of joyous service amongst the Welsh miners was cut short by a telegram announcing to the sisters the serious illness of Mrs. Lee. Taking the news to their Divisional Commander, they were instructed to Headquarters. It was found that the illness was due to shock. The income from investments of the little estate left by Mr. Lee had dwindled; it now had disappeared altogether. Captain Lucy faced the matter with her usual practical decision. 'Mother, darling, there are two ways out. Either
Minnie L. Carpenter—The Angel Adjutant of "Twice Born Men"

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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