What qualities did God see in Bezalel to appoint him for His work? God’s Personal Choice • Exodus 31:1-2: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.’” • Qualities highlighted: – God Himself singled Bezalel out—divine initiative, not human nomination. – Clear identification by name, lineage, and tribe signals God’s intentional, precise selection. • Related truth: Isaiah 43:1—God calls by name those He appoints. Filled with the Spirit of God • Exodus 31:3: “And I have filled him with the Spirit of God…” • Key emphasis: empowerment precedes assignment. • Parallels: – Numbers 11:17—God places His Spirit on the seventy elders to enable service. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7—spiritual gifts distributed by the same Spirit for the common good. Endowed with Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge • Exodus 31:3 goes on: “…with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship.” • Triple description: – Wisdom (ḥokmah): the practical skill to apply truth. – Understanding (tᵉbunah): discernment to grasp complex tasks. – Knowledge (daʿath): mastery of information and technique. • Proverbs 2:6 affirms that the LORD is the source of each of these qualities. Gifted for Artistic Excellence • Exodus 31:4-5 lists capabilities: designing in gold, silver, bronze; cutting gemstones; carving wood; working “in all manner of craftsmanship.” • God values beauty and precision in worship (cf. Exodus 25:40). • Skills are a stewardship—talent refined for God’s glory. Trustworthiness and Heritage • Mention of Bezalel’s father Uri and grandfather Hur (Exodus 31:2) hints at a lineage of faithfulness—Hur upheld Moses’ arms in Exodus 17:10-12. • A proven family testimony likely cultivated reliability and respect among Israel. Summary of Qualities God Saw • Personally chosen and named by God. • Spirit-filled and Spirit-led. • Possessed divinely granted wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. • Skilled in a broad range of artistic crafts. • Rooted in a trustworthy heritage within the tribe of Judah. Living It Out Today • God still calls individuals by name and equips them through His Spirit. • Practical skills matter to the Lord when offered for His worship and mission. • Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge remain gifts He willingly supplies to those He appoints (James 1:5). |
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