What does Exodus 31:1-6 mean?
"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 in the King James Version of the Bible 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."
This passage from the book of Exodus describes a specific instance in which God speaks to Moses and gives him specific instructions about creating the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that was used by the Israelites during their period of wandering in the wilderness. The verses mention two individuals, Bezaleel and Aholiab, who have been selected and given divine skills to carry out the detailed craftsmanship required for the construction of the tabernacle.
One of the main themes in this passage is the idea of divine selection and empowerment. The text emphasizes that Bezaleel and Aholiab were chosen by God and filled with the spirit of God to carry out the work required for the tabernacle. This highlights the biblical belief that God chooses and equips individuals for specific tasks and purposes. It also serves as a reminder that God values and empowers the skills and talents of individuals, and that these abilities can be used for the service of God and the community.
Another important theme in this passage is the concept of wisdom and skill. The text states that Bezaleel and Aholiab were filled with the spirit of God in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, as well as in all manner of workmanship. This emphasizes the idea that craftsmanship and the ability to work with materials such as gold, silver, brass, stones, and timber are gifts from God. It also underscores the importance of using these skills to create beauty and reverence in the service of God.
In a broader context, this passage from Exodus is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. It reflects the many detailed instructions that God gives to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle, as well as the specific roles and responsibilities of the Israelite community in the worship and service of God. The passage also highlights the importance of collaboration and community, as it mentions that God has put wisdom in the hearts of all those who are wise-hearted, emphasizing that the work of the tabernacle requires a collective effort and the contribution of many skilled individuals.
Symbolically, Bezaleel and Aholiab can be seen as representations of the diverse skills and talents that are valued and necessary for the service of God. Their empowerment by the spirit of God represents the idea that all skills and abilities can be used for sacred and meaningful purposes. The materials mentioned in the passage, such as gold, silver, brass, and stones, can be seen as symbols of the beauty and sanctity that is meant to be present in the worship of God.
In conclusion, Exodus 31:1-6 is a passage that emphasizes the divine selection and empowerment of individuals for specific tasks, the value of wisdom and skill in the service of God, and the importance of collaboration and community in the worship of God. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness of craftsmanship and the diverse talents that are valued in the service of God, and it highlights the rich symbolism and meaning present in the construction of the tabernacle.
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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:"