What is the meaning of Exodus 35:34? And the LORD has given - The verse opens by stating who the Giver is—“the LORD.” The skills, insight, and authority that follow are not self-generated; they are divine gifts. - Exodus 31:3 echoes the same truth: “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship.” - Every good gift is “from above” (James 1:17), and here that principle is worked out in real time. - The emphasis on God’s initiative encourages us to rely on Him for whatever task He assigns, just as 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 reminds us that “there are different gifts, but the same Spirit.” both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach - “Him” points back to Bezalel (Exodus 35:30-33). God does not isolate workmanship in a single individual; He raises up a team. - Exodus 31:6 confirms the pairing: “Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to work with him.” - By naming both men, the text highlights cooperative ministry rather than celebrity craftsmanship—mirroring Jesus’ two-by-two pattern in Mark 6:7 and Paul’s frequent use of coworkers like Timothy in Philippians 2:19-22. - We see the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 4:9—“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” of the tribe of Dan - Bezalel was from Judah (Exodus 35:30); Oholiab is from Dan. God’s project for the tabernacle deliberately crosses tribal lines. - This inclusion demonstrates that no tribe—and by extension, no believer—is too minor to serve. Judges 5:18 praises Dan’s courage; here Dan’s skill is spotlighted. - The pattern anticipates 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, where every member of the body is necessary, regardless of perceived prominence. - It also prevents any single tribe from claiming exclusive ownership of God’s dwelling place, underscoring Romans 12:3—“do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” the ability to teach others - Craftsmanship alone is not enough; transmission matters. God equips Bezalel and Oholiab to pass on what He has given. - Moses models the same flow in Deuteronomy 6:7—“Impress them on your children”—and Paul repeats it in 2 Timothy 2:2: “The things you have heard from me… entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” - Teaching ensures the skills outlive the craftsmen, just as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:20, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” - Practical takeaways: • Teaching is itself a spiritual gift (Romans 12:7). • Skill without mentorship dies; skill with mentorship multiplies. • The work of the tabernacle becomes a community project, mirroring Ephesians 4:11-12, where leaders equip the saints “for works of service.” summary God personally gifts His people, pairs them with co-laborers, includes every tribe, and commands them to replicate their skills through teaching. Exodus 35:34 shows that divine calling is communal, inclusive, and designed for multiplication—ensuring God’s work thrives from one generation to the next. |
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