“And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.”
Context:The book of Exodus is part of the Old Testament and tells the story of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses. In this particular passage, Moses is instructing the people on the construction of the tabernacle, which was to be a portable place of worship for the Lord.
Key Points:The Setting: Prior to this verse, God had given specific instructions to Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. The tabernacle was to be a sacred space where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. Skilled Artisans: In Exodus 35:30-31, it is mentioned that God filled Bezalel and Oholiab with His Spirit, giving them wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship. These two individuals were appointed by God to be the chief artisans who would lead the construction of the tabernacle and its components. Cutting of Stones: The verse mentions “cutting of stones” and “setting them.” This refers to the process of shaping and arranging stones to be used in the construction of the tabernacle. Stones were a crucial building material for the tabernacle’s foundation and certain parts of its structure. Carving of Timber: The verse also talks about “carving of timber,” which involves the skillful cutting and shaping of wood. The Israelites were to use wood for various parts of the tabernacle, including the framework and certain furnishings. All Manner of Workmanship: This phrase emphasizes that the artisans were skilled in a wide range of craftsmanship. The construction of the tabernacle required expertise in various trades, such as carpentry, stonemasonry, metalwork, weaving, and more.
Spiritual Lessons:
God Values Skill and Craftsmanship:In this passage, we see that God values the talents and skills He has given to individuals. He not only provides the raw materials needed for the tabernacle but also empowers artisans with the ability to work skillfully. This highlights the importance of using our God-given talents to serve Him and His purposes.
Collaboration and Leadership:The construction of the tabernacle involved teamwork and leadership. Bezalel and Oholiab were appointed by God to lead the project, but they couldn’t do it alone. They needed the collective effort of the people, each contributing their skills and talents to accomplish the task. This reflects the unity and cooperation required in serving God’s purposes.
Symbolism of the Tabernacle:The tabernacle itself holds significant spiritual symbolism. It represented God’s dwelling place among His people and served as a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would be Immanuel, “God with us.” The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in constructing the tabernacle show the importance of dedicating our best efforts to worship and honor God.
In conclusion, Exodus 35:33 emphasizes the skill and craftsmanship required to construct the tabernacle, a sacred place where God’s presence would dwell among His people. This passage teaches us the value of using our God-given talents to serve Him and the importance of collaboration in fulfilling His purposes. Moreover, the tabernacle itself serves as a symbolic representation of God’s desire to dwell with His people, foreshadowing the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
