Topical Bible: Wisdom of Other Skilled Artisans

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The Bible frequently acknowledges the wisdom and skill of artisans, recognizing their contributions to the construction and beautification of sacred spaces, as well as their role in the broader community. This wisdom is often portrayed as a divine gift, enabling artisans to fulfill specific purposes within God's plan.

Bezalel and Oholiab

One of the most prominent examples of skilled artisans in the Bible is found in the construction of the Tabernacle. Bezalel and Oholiab were specifically chosen by God to lead this monumental task. In Exodus 31:1-6 , the Lord speaks to Moses, saying, "See, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft. Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to work with him." This passage highlights that their wisdom and skill were divinely inspired, enabling them to execute the intricate designs required for the Tabernacle.

Solomon's Temple

The construction of Solomon's Temple also showcases the wisdom of skilled artisans. In 1 Kings 7:13-14 , Hiram of Tyre is introduced as a craftsman of exceptional ability: "Now King Solomon sent to bring Huram from Tyre. He was a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill to do all kinds of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and performed all his work." Hiram's expertise was crucial in creating the bronze pillars, the Sea, and other intricate items for the Temple, reflecting the importance of skilled artisans in the service of God.

Artisans in the Community

Beyond the construction of sacred spaces, artisans played a vital role in the community. Proverbs 22:29 states, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." This proverb underscores the value of skill and diligence, suggesting that those who excel in their craft will gain recognition and honor.

The Role of Wisdom

The wisdom of artisans is often linked to the broader biblical theme of wisdom as a divine gift. In Exodus 35:30-35 , Moses reiterates the divine endowment of wisdom to Bezalel and Oholiab, emphasizing that their skills were not merely human achievements but gifts from God: "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—designers of every work and artistic craft."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, while the focus shifts more towards spiritual gifts, the value of skilled work remains evident. The Apostle Paul, a tentmaker by trade, exemplifies the integration of skilled labor with ministry. Acts 18:3 notes, "and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade." This indicates that skilled work was respected and seen as compatible with spiritual service.

The Bible's recognition of the wisdom of skilled artisans highlights the integration of divine inspiration with human creativity, underscoring the belief that all talents and skills are ultimately gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory and the benefit of the community.

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Exodus 36:2
And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it:
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Library

Gifts and Talents.
... says also: "Then hath he filled with wisdom of heart ... working shows not only in ordinary
skilled labor, but ... not of man but from God like all other blessings, but ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/viii gifts and talents.htm

The Israelites
... and reduce it to tribute from one end to the other. ... was elected, and events soon
proved the wisdom of the ... king, and to furnish him with skilled workmen and ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... his own contingent.* Their armies were made up of regiments of skilled archers and ...
David and his men, without being called to account by the other princes (1 ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... and thus gained for himself a reputation as the incarnation of wisdom, all his ... Harmhabi,
on the other hand, was devoted to Amon, who had moulded him in embryo ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... like the trade-marks employed by certain guilds of artisans, to testify ... There were
two kinds of coinage, differing considerably from each other; one consisted ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm