Called to Create: Embracing Divine Craftsmanship
"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel 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 manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee." - Exodus 31:1-6
Exodus 31:1-6 (KJV) reads:
"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel 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 manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee."
In this profound passage, we are introduced to Bezaleel, a craftsman uniquely chosen and empowered by God to fulfill a divine purpose. This scripture reveals the critical role of creativity and craftsmanship within the context of God's divine plan. It serves as an invitation for us to consider how we might also be called to participate in God’s creative work, not merely as artisans but as conduits of divine inspiration.
Firstly, it is essential to note that Bezaleel was not just an ordinary craftsman; he was specifically called by name by God. This intimate calling signifies God's personal involvement in the lives of those He chooses to lead His projects. Like Bezaleel, we are individually called by God to particular roles and purposes. Each of us has unique talents and abilities that He has given us for His glory. Just as God looked upon Bezaleel and saw potential, He looks upon us today and sees our potential to impact the world around us.
God filled Bezaleel “with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.” This deeply illustrates the connection between divine gifting and practical skills. Often, we may perceive spiritual gifts as being exclusive to preaching or missionary work, but here we see that God values and empowers craftsmanship and creativity. The skills we embrace in our work—filling out spreadsheets, designing beautiful spaces, writing, helping others in practical ways—are not just secular tasks; they are sacred acts when we engage them with a heart yielded to God’s calling.
Moreover, the term “cunning works” can be translated as “creative works.
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Exodus 31:1-6 Artwork
Exodus 31:1-6 - "Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you."
"Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you." - Exodus 31:1-6
Exodus 31:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Exodus 31:1
Exodus 25:31
Exodus 26:31
Exodus 26:31
Exodus 26:31
luke 3:1-6
Luke 3:1-6
Luke 3:1-6
Exodus 28:31-43
Exodus 28:31-34
Exodus 28:31-43
Exodus 26:31-33
Exodus 28:31-34
Exodus 28:31-34
Exodus 25:31-40 This is an oil lampstand.
Exodus 25:31 This is an oil lampstand. No actual candles are used.
Exodus 31:6 - "And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;"
Exodus 31: 18
Exodus 1:6 - "And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation."
1 Chronicles 6:31 - "And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest."
1 Samuel 31:6 - "So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together."
1 Kings 6:31 - "¶ And for the entering of the oracle he made doors of olive tree: the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall."
Exodus 31:12 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Exodus 9:31 - "And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled."
Exodus 28:31 - "¶ And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue."
Exodus 31:4 - "To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,"
Exodus 40:31 - "And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:"