By Danae Styles
When
listing our favorite and most prominent men in the Bible, the names Bezalel and
Oholiab are not likely the first names to come to anyone's mind. However, these
individuals were outstanding men of their day and both are excellent examples
of the intelligence of ancient man.
A Tale of Two Craftsmen
Found
within the pages of Exodus, Bezalel and Oholiab are two of the men whom God
appointed to build the tabernacle in the desert. God called Bezalel by name
and, “filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in
knowledge and in all kinds of craftsmanship to make artistic designs for work
in gold, in silver, an in bronze, and in the cutting of stones or settings, and
in the carving of wood, that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship.” (Ex.
31:3-5). And he was not alone; God told Moses that He put skill, “in the hearts
of all who are skillful” (Ex. 31:6), specifically appointing Oholiab with
Bezalel, to be able to make everything as He had instructed Moses. This
included the tent of meeting, the ark of testimony, the mercy seat, the
furniture, the utensils, the golden lampstand, both the altar of incense and of
burnt offering, the laver, the garments of the priests, the oil and even the
fragrant incense.
God
gave Moses very specific instructions regarding the construction of His
tabernacle and these craftsmen were undertaking a huge and very important task.
Sometimes we forget as we read through the somewhat tedious chapters of
instructions that the Israelites actually had to put these things together in
the wilderness! There was no room for error - this was God’s holy dwelling
place among His people. Moses records chapter after chapter of details and
tasks and then describes the process of constructing the different elements –
weaving, carving, overlaying with gold, etc (Ex 36-39). How can one help but
recognize the intelligence and skill of these craftsmen!
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| Artist's impression of the Tabernacle http://www.zionministry.com/12tribes_2.html |
Where does intelligence really come from?
Man
is intelligent not because we have achieved a certain level of evolution, but
because we are made in the image of an intelligent God. He designed us the way
we are, and as this section in Exodus explains, He gives us skills to be able
to do what He desires us to. God specifically gifts His people with abilities
and wisdom to accomplish His works.
Another
application can be drawn from this account of Bezalel and Oholiab. According to
the beautiful sovereignty of our God, He chooses to use mankind for His glory, all
mankind. His Holy Spirit inspired and gifted Moses, the prophet, lawgiver, and
great leader of the nation, and the Spirit also filled Bezalel and Oholiab with
wisdom and skill in craftsmanship and artistry. God chooses and uses the rulers
of the nations as well as the builders, weavers, and metalworkers. He is not
limited to using only the individuals who will part seas and lead armies; He
also gives gifts to those who work behind the scenes. Each position is known
and valued by God, and each individual is required to be faithful with what
they have been given. Some He calls to lead, others He calls to follow; but all
He calls.
Meet more ancient men:
Meet more ancient men:
Thank you for this write up.
ReplyDeleteLara from Nigeria