Exodus 35:35
Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
Exodus 35:35 (KJV)
Context
Exodus 35 opens with Moses gathering the whole congregation of Israel. He repeats the command to keep the Sabbath, a day of rest from work. Then he calls the people to bring offerings for the Tabernacle, including gold, silver, precious stones, and fine materials. Moses also invites everyone who is skilled to come and help build the sanctuary.
In the verses just before this one, God names two master craftsmen: Bezaleel of the tribe of Judah and Aholiab of the tribe of Dan. God says He has filled them with His Spirit, giving them wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. He also gives them the ability to teach others. This shows that the work of the Tabernacle was not left to human effort alone; God Himself equipped the workers.
Meaning
The phrase “wisdom of heart” is important. In the Bible, the heart is the center of a person’s will, mind, and emotions. So this wisdom is not just technical skill. It is a deep, God-given ability to understand and create. The craftsmen did not rely on their own natural talent. God filled them with the capacity to do the work well.
The verse lists several kinds of work: engraving, cunning workmanship, embroidery, and weaving. Engravers carve designs into wood, metal, or stone. Cunning workmen are skilled in many crafts, such as carpentry and metalwork. Embroiderers use blue, purple, and scarlet thread to decorate fine linen. Weavers make the fabric itself. Each skill was necessary for the beauty and function of the Tabernacle.
The last part of the verse says “even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.” This means God’s gift covered both the doing and the planning. The workers could not only perform the tasks; they could also design and invent patterns. This divine enablement included every part of the construction, from the most practical to the most artistic.
Biblical connections
This verse connects to the New Testament teaching about spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul explains that the Holy Spirit gives different abilities to believers for the common good. Just as God filled the craftsmen with wisdom for the Tabernacle, He gives His people gifts to serve the church today. The same Spirit who empowered Bezaleel and Aholiab also empowers believers to do the work God has called them to do.
Application
God still equips His people for His service. He gives some the gift of teaching, others the gift of helping, and others the gift of creating. No skill is too small or too ordinary for God to use. Whether a person works with wood, thread, words, or numbers, that ability can be dedicated to God’s glory.
Unity in Diversity: The craftsmen had different skills, but they worked together to build one Tabernacle. In the church, believers have different gifts, but they are meant to work in harmony for God’s kingdom.
Stewardship of Talents: This verse reminds us to use our God-given abilities for His purposes. We should not undervalue our skills, whether they are artistic, administrative, or practical. When we offer them to God, He uses them to build up His people.
Divine Enablement: Just as God filled the craftsmen with wisdom, we should rely on His strength to do what He asks. Our abilities are not only from our own effort; God’s Spirit works in us and through us.
Reflection
God’s calling always comes with His provision. He does not ask us to serve Him without giving us what we need. The same God who filled the craftsmen with wisdom of heart is ready to fill us with His Spirit. As we offer our talents and trust in His enabling, we take part in building something that honors Him.
