“And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and follows the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In chapter 35, we find the Israelites gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai, where Moses receives instructions from the Lord regarding the construction of the Tabernacle-a portable sanctuary where they would worship and offer sacrifices.
Calling of Bezaleel:In this verse, Moses addresses the children of Israel and informs them that God has specifically called a skilled craftsman named Bezaleel to lead the construction of the Tabernacle. Bezaleel’s lineage is also mentioned, highlighting his family heritage from the tribe of Judah.
Significance of Bezaleel’s Calling:Bezaleel’s appointment is significant for several reasons:
- Divine Selection: The fact that Bezaleel was called by name by the Lord shows that God takes a personal interest in the affairs of His people. God not only chose Israel as His special nation but also appointed individuals with specific gifts and talents for particular tasks.
- Skill and Talents: Bezaleel was endowed with exceptional skills and abilities in craftsmanship and artistic work. In the following verses (Exodus 35:31-35), it is mentioned that God filled Bezaleel with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, making him able to work in various materials such as gold, silver, bronze, and wood.
- Leadership and Service: Bezaleel’s calling also demonstrates that God equips His chosen leaders with the necessary gifts and anointing to fulfill their roles. Bezaleel was not just a skilled artisan but a leader among the craftsmen, overseeing the construction of the Tabernacle and coordinating the efforts of others.
Application:
- God’s Sovereignty:The calling of Bezaleel reminds us of God’s sovereignty in choosing and anointing individuals for specific tasks within His kingdom. Just as God had a plan for Bezaleel, He also has a unique purpose for each one of us.
- Gifts and Talents:Every person has been given talents and abilities by God. We should identify and use these gifts to serve Him and others effectively. Like Bezaleel, we should be willing to use our skills for the glory of God and the benefit of His people.
- Leadership:Leadership is a gift from God. Whether we are leading in a spiritual context or other areas of life, we should seek God’s guidance and rely on His Spirit to lead and empower us.
- Humility:Bezaleel’s calling teaches us the importance of humility. Despite being gifted, he recognized that it was God who gave him the abilities he possessed. As we use our gifts, we must remember that they are ultimately from God and not become prideful in our accomplishments.
In summary, Exodus 35:30 reveals how God called and equipped Bezaleel for the construction of the Tabernacle, highlighting God’s sovereignty, the value of our individual gifts, and the importance of humility and leadership in fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.
