God’s Craftsmen

See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.

Exodus 31:2-5

God chose Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:6) to be the main artisans in charge of building the tabernacle and its furnishings according to God’s blueprint given to Moses. They were gifted by Him specifically for this purpose. They were filled with God’s Spirit for the task. Beyond that, there where certain natural gifts that come into play: ability, knowledge, intelligence. artistic design, metallurgic skill, wood-carving, jewelry, and general craftsmanship. These were hard-working men with skills that God called and used.

How many times have we really considered that God needs these kinds of skills for His worship and work? We tend to focus on theological training, personal charisma, or business acumen. But God needs good-hearted people who will work hard. He needs people He can fill with His Spirit and use for His purposes. And that is really it.

God called Moses to lead the people. But Moses could not build the tabernacle. For that task He wanted Bezalel and Oholiab. They were the men that God could use. They were the men who would build the tabernacle where Israel would sacrifice to God. And the result would be a place where God’s presence would visibly rest in the camp. It took more than Moses and Aaron to bring the worship of God to the tabernacle. It took hard-working craftsmen and builders. God wants calloused hands to worship Him.

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