Exodus 31:5

5 cutting precious stones to be set, woodcarving and every other craft.

Exodus 31:5 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 31:5

And in cutting of stones to set them
Not of marble stones, or of any common stones used in building, and the cutting and hewing of them to be laid therein, for of those there was no use in the tabernacle; but of precious stones, and the cutting of them, and setting of them in their ouches or enclosures, as the onyx stones on the shoulders of the high priest, and the twelve precious stones in his breastplate: Bezaleel was taught by the Spirit of God the art of jewelling, and instructed others in it:

and in carving of timber;
or rather, "in cutting timber" F15; for it is the same word as before, for we have no account of any carved work in the tabernacle; and therefore this must design the work of carpenters and joiners in cutting the shittim wood, making planks and boards of it, and of them the sides of the tabernacle, jointed into sockets; the ark of the testimony, the shewbread table, and altar of incense, which were of timber, and the workmanship of such persons:

to work in all manner of workmanship;
in all other manufactories; as spinning, weaving, embroidery, dying various colours, compounding ointment, perfume


FOOTNOTES:

F15 (Ue tvrhb) "in fabrefactione ligni", Montanus; so Tigurine version.

Exodus 31:5 In-Context

3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God - with wisdom, understanding and knowledge concerning every kind of artisanry.
4 He is a master of design in gold, silver, bronze,
5 cutting precious stones to be set, woodcarving and every other craft.
6 "I have also appointed as his assistant Oholi'av the son of Achisamakh, of the tribe of Dan. Moreover, I have endowed all the craftsmen with the wisdom to make everything I have ordered you -
7 the tent of meeting, the ark for the testimony, the ark-cover above it, all the furnishings of the tent,
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.