“And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;”
This verse is part of the larger context of the instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. In the previous chapters of Exodus, God gave Moses detailed specifications for building the Tabernacle, which would serve as a sacred dwelling place for God’s presence among the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
In this particular verse, we encounter a specific person, Bezalel, who has been chosen and filled with the Spirit of God to lead the craftsmanship and construction of the Tabernacle. Let’s break down the verse into key points for our Bible study:
Divine Filling:The verse begins with the statement, “And he hath filled him with the spirit of God.” Here, we see that Bezalel is not simply relying on his natural abilities or skills; rather, he is divinely empowered by the Spirit of God. This highlights the importance of being filled with God’s Spirit when undertaking significant tasks in service to God and His kingdom.
Spiritual Gifts:Bezalel is filled with specific spiritual gifts: “in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge.” These gifts are essential for his role as the chief artisan in constructing the Tabernacle. It reminds us that God equips and empowers individuals with unique gifts for the tasks He calls them to do. In a broader context, as believers, we should seek and utilize the gifts and talents God has given us to honor Him and serve others effectively.
All Manner of Workmanship:The verse further emphasizes that Bezalel’s divine filling enables him to excel in “all manner of workmanship.” This implies that his skill set is not limited to one area but extends to various crafts and artistic expressions required for the construction of the Tabernacle. It shows that when God anoints someone for a specific purpose, He can enable them to perform various tasks with excellence.
Application:
- God’s Empowerment:We are reminded of the importance of seeking the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in all that we do. When we rely on God’s Spirit and allow Him to work through us, our efforts can bear fruit that goes beyond our natural abilities.
- Spiritual Gifts:Each believer has been given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). We should discover and utilize these gifts for the edification of the Church and the glory of God. Just as Bezalel was uniquely gifted for the task of building the Tabernacle, we also have a specific purpose and calling in God’s kingdom.
- Excellence in Service:Bezalel’s skillfulness and excellence in craftsmanship teach us the value of dedicating our best efforts to the Lord’s work. Whatever we do, we should do it with excellence as if we are doing it for the Lord Himself (Colossians 3:23).
- Divine Call and Preparation:Bezalel’s appointment and filling with the Spirit highlight how God calls and prepares specific individuals for particular roles. This should encourage us to trust in God’s leading and be open to how He may want to use us in His service.
In conclusion, Exodus 35:31 teaches us about the importance of relying on God’s Spirit, utilizing our spiritual gifts, striving for excellence, and recognizing God’s unique call and preparation for the tasks He entrusts to us. Through the example of Bezalel, we are reminded of the significance of our service to God and the impact it can have when we are willing vessels empowered by His Spirit.
