In the biblical context, "skillful men" refers to individuals endowed with exceptional abilities and talents, often attributed to divine inspiration or blessing. These skills are typically used for the service of God and the community, reflecting the belief that all talents are gifts from God to be used for His glory.

Old Testament References

1. Bezalel and Oholiab: Among the most notable examples of skillful men in the Bible are Bezalel and Oholiab, who were chosen by God to construct the Tabernacle. 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." These men were divinely equipped to lead the construction of the sacred space where God would dwell among His people.

2. Craftsmen of Solomon's Temple: The construction of Solomon's Temple also involved skillful men. In 1 Kings 7:13-14 , Hiram of Tyre is mentioned: "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 the creation of the temple's intricate bronze furnishings.

3. Musicians and Singers: Skillful men also include musicians and singers who played a vital role in worship. In 1 Chronicles 25:6-7 , it is recorded, "All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD, with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king. Together with their relatives, all of them trained and skilled in singing to the LORD, they numbered 288."

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus as explicitly on craftsmanship, the concept of skillful men extends to spiritual gifts and talents used for the edification of the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 , Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." This passage highlights the diversity of skills and gifts within the body of Christ, all intended for the common good and the building up of the church.

Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of skillful men underscores the belief that all abilities are divinely bestowed and should be used in service to God and others. This perspective encourages believers to recognize and develop their talents, understanding them as part of God's provision for His purposes. The emphasis on skillful men in Scripture serves as a reminder of the importance of using one's gifts responsibly and for the benefit of the community, reflecting the broader biblical theme of stewardship.2 Chronicles 26:15
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and on the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones with. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.
Topicalbible.org

2450. chakam -- wise
... sage (1), shrewd (2), skilled (2), skilled men (3), skilled men and with those
(1), skilled* (1), skillful (1), skillful man* (1), skillful men (1), skillful ...
/hebrew/2450.htm - 6k

3820. leb -- inner man, mind, will, heart
... 1), regard* (1), self-exaltation* (1), sense (10), senseless* (1), seriously (1),
skill* (1), skilled* (1), skillful man* (1), skillful men* (1), skillful ...
/hebrew/3820.htm - 7k

Men as Trees
... And he looked up, and said, I see men; for I behold them as trees ... stages of a miracle
were like the subdivisions by which a skillful architect increases the ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 8 22-26 men as trees.htm

Bethesda and the Sanhedrin
... mount. Moses was full of zeal to do God's work; the most talented, skillful
men were at hand to carry out his suggestions. Yet he ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 21 bethesda and the.htm

Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ...
... on right or even on the semblance of justice, but on a skillful organization carried ...
circle is made up now of four methods of working upon men, joined together ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter viii doctrine of non-resistance.htm

What was Prophetically Prefigured in the Sons of Noah.
... wicked brother is, in the person of his son (ie, his work), the boy, or slave, of
his good brothers, when good men make a skillful use of bad men, either for ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 2 what was prophetically prefigured.htm

The Tower of Babel.
... These men were skillful in building, else they never could have gone as far as they
did in their stupendous work, and God was willing that they should exercise ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/the tower of babel.htm

Accordingly, the Emperor Orders a Synod to Assemble at Ariminum...
... our people, young men of but little learning and little prudence had been selected;
while, on the side of the Arians, old men were sent, skillful and abounding ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xli accordingly the emperor.htm

The Call by the Sea
... that he possesses powers which, if called into action, would raise him to an equality
with the world's most honored men. The touch of a skillful hand is needed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 25 the call by.htm

That all Marvels are not of Nature's Production, but that Some are ...
... of that lamp of Venus which we already mentioned as being a skillful adaptation
of ... given to stones and all other things their virtue, and to men their skill to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 6 that all marvels are.htm

What Things King Agrippa did for Claudius; and How Claudius when ...
... and those such as have been unexpectedly made free from slavery, and ungovernable;
we must then fight against those that are skillful in war, with men who know ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 what things king.htm

Carried Captive into Babylon
... pour out Mine indignation upon thee, I will blow against thee in the fire of My
wrath, and deliver thee into the hand of brutish men, and skillful to destroy ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 37 carried captive into.htm

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