“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.”
Context:Exodus 35 begins with Moses assembling the whole congregation of the children of Israel and instructing them about the observance of the Sabbath. God had commanded that no work should be done on the Sabbath day, and Moses reiterates this command to the people.
Following the Sabbath instructions, Moses addresses the construction of the Tabernacle. He encourages the people to bring offerings to the Lord for the construction, including materials like gold, silver, and various precious resources, as well as their skills and craftsmanship.
The Filling of Wisdom:In verse 35, the focus is on those who possess skills for various forms of craftsmanship required in building the Tabernacle. It emphasises that God has “filled” them with wisdom of heart. The term “wisdom of heart” suggests that their talents and skills are divinely inspired and enabled by God Himself. The abilities they have are not just human talents; they are gifts from God, given for a specific purpose – to create a place of worship and honour for Him.
Various Workmanship:The verse mentions different kinds of skilled workers:
- Engravers: Those who work with carving and engraving on wood, metal, or stone.
- Cunning Workmen: Skilled craftsmen who are adept at various types of work, likely including carpentry and metalwork.
- Embroiderers: Those skilled in the art of embroidery, using precious materials like blue, purple, and scarlet thread.
- Weavers: Those who work with fine linen, creating intricate fabrics and textiles.
These diverse skills are essential for constructing and adorning the Tabernacle with intricate and beautiful craftsmanship, signifying the importance of dedicating the best of their talents to God’s service.
Spiritual Application:The broader spiritual application of Exodus 35:35 can be seen in how God equips and calls His people for various tasks within the Church and the Kingdom of God. Just as God filled the craftsmen with wisdom and skills to build the Tabernacle, He still equips His followers today with spiritual gifts and talents to serve Him and others.
- Unity in Diversity:The craftsmen in Exodus had different skills, but they worked together in harmony to achieve a common goal. In the same way, within the Church, believers may have diverse gifts, but they are meant to work together for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
- Stewardship of Talents:This verse reminds us of the importance of using our God-given talents and skills for His glory. We should not underestimate the value of our abilities, whether they are artistic, administrative, teaching, or serving gifts. When we dedicate our skills to God, they can be used to build up His Church and bless others.
- Divine Enablement:Just as God filled the craftsmen with wisdom, we should rely on God’s guidance and strength to fulfill the tasks He has called us to. Our abilities are not solely the result of our efforts but are empowered by God’s Spirit working within us.
In conclusion, Exodus 35:35 emphasises that God equips His people with the skills and wisdom needed to carry out His plans. As we offer our talents to God and work in unity with other believers, we contribute to the construction of His Kingdom and the advancement of His purposes on earth.
