Exodus 36:1

The Tabernacle Underwritten

1 "Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful * person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded."

Exodus 36:1 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 36:1

Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted
man
Or every ingenious artificer under them: when they began to work is not precisely said, but it is very probable they set about it directly, as soon as they were furnished with materials for it, nor is it said where they wrought; it is very likely there was a particular place, where they were ranged according to their respective manufactories, and where they did their work under the inspection, and by the direction of these two men:

in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding, to know how to work
all manner of work, for the service of the sanctuary, according to
all that the Lord had commanded;
for as all the wisdom and understanding, which Bezaleel and Aholiab had for the building of the tabernacle, and making everything appertaining to it, and for instructing others to do the same, were from the Lord; so all the wisdom, understanding, and capacity in the artificers to learn of them, and work according to their directions, were also from him; who in a very extraordinary manner enlarged their faculties, and increased their natural abilities, to take in what was suggested to them, and perform their work exactly agreeable thereunto.

Exodus 36:1 In-Context

1 "Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded."
2 Then Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful person in whom the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it.
3 They received from Moses all the contributions which the sons of Israel had brought to perform the work in the construction of the sanctuary. And they still continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning.
4 And all the skillful men who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which he was performing,
5 and they said to Moses, "The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform."

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Lit "man wise of heart"
  • [b]. Lit "wisdom"
  • [c]. Or "connected with the service of;" lit "of the service of"
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