Exodus 35:30 - Meaning and Application

Here is God’s appointment of the chief craftsmen, so there would be no rivalry over the office. All who worked on the tabernacle were to take direction from these leaders and also answer to them, because God is a God of order, not confusion.

Notice first that those whom God called by name for this task, he also filled with the Spirit of God, so they were fit for it (Exodus 35:30, 35:31). Skill in ordinary work is also God’s gift, and it comes from above (James 1:17). The ability itself is from him, and so is the growth of that ability. For that reason, every kind of knowledge should be used for his honor, and we should learn how to serve him with it. The work Bezaleel was chosen for was unusual, so God gave him unusual help. In the same way, when the apostles were chosen to build up the gospel tabernacle, God filled them with the Spirit, with wisdom and understanding.

Second, they were appointed not only to plan, but also to work (Exodus 35:32), to do all kinds of skilled labor (Exodus 35:35). Those with great gifts, who are able to guide others, must not think that those gifts excuse them from hard work. Many people are clever at assigning work to others and can say what this person or that person should do, but they will not touch the burden themselves. Such people show the character of lazy servants.

Third, they were not only to plan and work themselves, but also to teach others (Exodus 35:34). Bezaleel had authority to direct, but he also had to take the trouble to instruct. Those who lead should also teach. Those to whom God has given knowledge should be ready to pass it on for the good of others, not trying to keep it for themselves.