Exodus 31 Bezalel and Aholiab

How does God give us our daily bread? Is your job a necessary evil? Do you love your job? What makes a job a Christian job? GOD’S PROVISION OF THE SKILLED WORKERS 31 The Lord also spoke to Moses: 2 “Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with God’s Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft 4 to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 to cut gemstones for mounting, and to carve wood for work in every craft. 6 I have also selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be with him. I have put wisdom in the heart of every skilled artisan in order to make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on top of it, and all the other furnishings of the tent—8 the table with its utensils, the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, the altar of incense, 9 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, the basin with its stand—10 the specially woven garments, both the holy garments for the priest Aaron and the garments for his sons to serve as priests, 11 the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense for the sanctuary. They must make them according to all that I have commanded you.” Bezalel Bezalel was the son of Uri, the grandson of Hur (who held up Moses’ arms), and the great-grandson of Caleb. Bezalel is described as being from the tribe of Judah, but we know that Caleb was half Kenizzite, a tribe of Edomites who converted to worship the Lord. [*Genealogies for Jephunneh and Hezron] Skills in Ex. 38 include creative engraving in precious metals, stone and wood carving, carpentry. Oholiab Some translations are Aholiab. The deputy to Bezalel. His skills in Ex. 28 include carpentry, weaving, and embroidery. • Tabernacle – spaces I and II. “dwelling pace”. Where the priests would meet God. A portable Eden. • Holy Place –space II. Close worship of God was conducted here. • Most Holy Place—space I. Moses would speak to God here and priests once a year. • Courtyard—space IIIA. The average Israelite could enter here if he were clean. Gentiles could also participate in the courtyard! In the Temple, this space will be called the court of the Gentiles. 0.25 acres. • The Ark of the Testimony. This holds the two stone tablets (10 commandments written by God’s own finger), Aaron’s staff, and a pot of manna. God appears in a cloud to Moses, and later priests, above the Ark. The covenant binds God and man together. • Altar of Incense. This represents the cloud, the cover that protected Moses from death and that protects Israel from death when worshiping God. Zachariah, father of John the Baptist, was making the incense offering when the Angel of the Lord appeared to him. Christ is called a fragrant offering (aka incense) to God in Eph. 5:2. In Rev. 5:80 • Basin (calls seas later). Washing for the hands and feet of the priests. Enter God’s house without shoes. • Lampstand. Seven branched pure gold. Oil should never go out. Symbolizes the brightness/glory of the Lord. • Table of Bread (showbread). 12 loaves represented Israel’s dependence on the Lord. • Alter of Burnt Offerings. Animal sacrifices for forgiveness of sins. Very near the entrance, prior to being in the presence of God. Application Proverbs 3:2. Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Bezalel and Oholiab were empowered by the Spirit to build the tabernacle, and also every skilled worker.