I have
filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship.
Exodus 31:3
Exodus 31 [1.] Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship, to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of workmanship. Behold, I myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you: the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on it, all the furniture of the Tent, the table and its vessels, the pure lamp stand with all its vessels, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering with all its vessels, the basin and its base, the finely worked garments—the holy garments for Aaron the priest—the garments of his sons to minister in the priest’s office, the anointing oil, and the incense of sweet spices for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded you they shall do.”
Meaning:
This verse occurs in the context of God’s instructions to Moses about building the Tabernacle. God specifically chooses Bezalel, a skilled artisan, to lead the construction of this sacred space. What makes Bezalel’s work extraordinary is that God empowers him with His Spirit, enabling him to perform his tasks with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge—qualities essential for building something that would reflect God's holiness.
- The Tabernacle as a Dwelling Place for God
In the chapters surrounding this verse, God provides Moses with detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites. The Tabernacle was more than just a tent; it was a sacred space where the Israelites could offer sacrifices, worship, and meet with God. Everything about it, from the materials used to the structure’s design, had deep symbolic and theological meaning. This was where heaven touched earth for the Israelites.
The task of building the Tabernacle was monumental. It required not only practical craftsmanship but also spiritual insight to create something that reflected the holiness and majesty of God. Thus, God equips Bezalel and his team with more than just human skill; He fills Bezalel with His Spirit.
- The Significance of Being “Filled with the Spirit of God”
The phrase “I have filled him with the Spirit of God” stands out as remarkable because it shows that God is personally involved in the work being done. The Holy Spirit empowers Bezalel for a specific task—building the Tabernacle. This filling wasn’t limited to religious or prophetic duties, but it extended to artistry and craftsmanship, which tells us something profound about how God views all kinds of work.
Wisdom: In the Bible, wisdom is more than just intellectual knowledge; it’s the practical application of knowledge in ways that align with God’s purposes. Bezalel was given divine wisdom to understand how to craft each element of the Tabernacle according to God’s exact specifications.
Understanding: This goes beyond skill to a deep comprehension of the work at hand. Bezalel would need to understand not just how to make something, but why it was being made a certain way. This understanding allowed him to align his work with God’s overall plan for the Tabernacle as a place of worship and divine encounter.
Knowledge: The knowledge Bezalel received likely involved technical expertise. Whether it was working with gold, silver, wood, or fabric, Bezalel was equipped with the know-how to execute complex designs that would glorify God.
Workmanship: God’s Spirit doesn’t only inspire spiritual or intellectual endeavors but also craftsmanship. Bezalel’s workmanship—his ability to work with his hands—was an essential part of this divine calling.
- Bezalel’s Calling: The Intersection of Creativity and Spirituality
Bezalel’s appointment highlights the sacredness of creativity and workmanship. Often, we think of spiritual work as something that happens only in religious or ministerial contexts, but this passage challenges that idea. Here, artistry and craftsmanship are given divine significance. Building the Tabernacle required precision, beauty, and artistry, and God chose to fill Bezalel with His Spirit to accomplish this.
This can be a reminder to us that our own creative and practical work, when done for God’s glory, is a form of worship. Whether it’s art, music, construction, teaching, or even organizing a space, when we approach our work with a heart of service to God, we are participating in the creative nature of God. Colossians 3:23 echoes this idea: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
- A Broader Picture of Spiritual Empowerment
While Bezalel’s calling was unique, the broader principle is that God equips His people for the tasks He calls them to. In Bezalel’s case, the task was the construction of the Tabernacle, but throughout Scripture, we see God empowering His people for various roles:
In the Old Testament, leaders like Moses, prophets like Elijah, and judges like Gideon were filled with the Spirit for specific tasks.
In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit filled the apostles and early believers to spread the gospel and perform miracles (Acts 2:4).
In both cases, the common thread is that God never calls someone without also equipping them for the task. Bezalel wasn’t left to rely on his own abilities; he was divinely empowered to accomplish the work God had set before him.
Application for Us
God Equips Us for Our Calling: Just as God filled Bezalel with His Spirit to accomplish a specific task, He equips us for whatever He calls us to do. Whether our work is in ministry, business, the arts, or any other field, God provides the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge we need to fulfill His purpose.
All Work Can Glorify God: Bezalel’s craftsmanship was elevated to a spiritual level because it was done for God’s glory. This shows us that all work can be sacred when it’s done for the Lord. Whether we are artists, builders, teachers, or accountants, our work matters to God, and when done with the right heart, it becomes a form of worship.
Creative Work is a Reflection of God’s Nature: The fact that God filled Bezalel with the Spirit for the purpose of craftsmanship highlights that creativity is a reflection of God’s own nature. Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are made in the image of God, who is the ultimate Creator. Our ability to create, design, and build is a reflection of His creative power, and when we use our gifts for His glory, we are participating in His work in the world.
Conclusion: Exodus 31:3 reminds us of the incredible ways God works through His people. Bezalel’s filling with the Spirit of God for the purpose of building the Tabernacle shows that no task is too practical or too creative for God to be involved in. Whether we are working with our hands, our minds, or our hearts, God’s Spirit can empower us to fulfill His purposes.
This verse encourages us to seek God’s empowerment in our daily work, recognizing that when we do, our efforts can become part of something much greater than ourselves. Just as Bezalel’s work on the Tabernacle was part of creating a space for God’s presence, our work can also reflect God’s glory and contribute to His kingdom purposes.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible