Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 35:34 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 35:34 stands as a pivotal verse in the narrative of the construction of the Tabernacle, a sacred dwelling place for God among His people in the wilderness. As part of the larger context, this verse highlights the divine provision of skilled artisans, specifically Bezalel, who was endowed with wisdom and knowledge by God Himself to carry out the task of building the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Understanding the significance of Exodus 35:34 can provide rich insights into God’s calling, the empowerment of His people, and the way in which He equips us for His work.
In this article, we will explore the context of Exodus 35:34, its theological meaning, its applications for life, comparisons with other biblical texts, modern-day relevance, and provide a detailed commentary on the verse. By reflecting on this passage, we aim to deepen our understanding of how God equips His people to fulfill His purposes.
The Context of Exodus 35:34 KJV
Exodus 35:34 reads as follows in the King James Version (KJV):
“And he hath put in his heart that he should teach, both he and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.”(Exodus 35:34, KJV)
This verse comes within the context of the broader narrative found in Exodus 35, where Moses is relaying God’s instructions to the Israelites regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred tent where God’s presence would dwell among His people. The Tabernacle was a place of worship, designed according to God’s exact specifications, and its construction required both divine wisdom and human craftsmanship.
In Exodus 35:30–34, Moses calls the Israelites to bring offerings for the Tabernacle, and he mentions the individuals God had specifically chosen for the task of constructing it. Among these individuals are two men, Bezalel and Oholiab, who are uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit for the work. In verse 34, God not only empowers them with wisdom and skill to craft the materials and structures of the Tabernacle, but He also gives them the ability to teach others the craft, ensuring the proper training of other artisans.
This verse marks an important moment in the commissioning of these workers, as God not only empowers them but also appoints them as instructors to pass on their knowledge and skills to others. This speaks to the idea of mentorship and discipleship—passing on God-given wisdom to others so that the work continues to flourish and expand.
The Setting of Exodus 35
The Israelites had recently received the law at Mount Sinai, including the instructions for the Tabernacle in Exodus 25–31. However, after receiving these instructions, they had failed in their faithfulness to God, most notably by creating the golden calf (Exodus 32). The resulting repentance and renewal of the covenant led to the call for the Tabernacle’s construction, beginning with a call for offerings from the people.
Exodus 35 marks a time of restoration, obedience, and dedication to the work of the Lord. Moses stresses that this construction is not only a practical task but a sacred mission to build a dwelling place for the presence of God among His people.
The Meaning of Exodus 35:34
Exodus 35:34 has deep theological and practical implications. The main focus of this verse is the empowerment given to Bezalel and Oholiab by God, enabling them not only to carry out the intricate and holy task of constructing the Tabernacle but also to teach others. Several key themes emerge from this verse:
Divine Empowerment and Wisdom
The passage emphasizes that the skill required for the construction of the Tabernacle was not natural but divinely imparted. Bezalel and Oholiab were not just skilled artisans in their own right; they were specifically endowed by the Holy Spirit with wisdom and understanding (Exodus 31:3). The text highlights that God is the ultimate source of wisdom, and He equips those He calls with the abilities needed to fulfill His will.
This divine empowerment was critical for the task at hand. The construction of the Tabernacle was not just a building project; it was a sacred act that required great attention to detail, precision, and reverence. God’s presence was to dwell in this structure, and therefore, the craftsmanship needed to reflect His holiness.
The Role of Teaching and Mentorship
Another key aspect of Exodus 35:34 is that God not only provides the skills but also gives Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to teach these skills to others. This is a critical aspect of God’s work: the passing on of wisdom and knowledge so that the task can be completed and maintained by successive generations. Bezalel and Oholiab were not just leaders in construction; they were spiritual mentors, entrusted with the responsibility to raise up others in the same craft.
This aspect of teaching is often overlooked in the broader context of the Tabernacle’s construction but is essential. God did not only equip a few individuals; He made provision for the skills to be passed down, ensuring that the work of building the Tabernacle would continue after Bezalel and Oholiab were gone.
Cooperation in God’s Work
Exodus 35:34 shows the cooperative nature of God’s work. Bezalel and Oholiab were not working in isolation. They were teaching others, and the work of building the Tabernacle was to be a collective effort. This cooperation reflects the body of Christ, where every member has a role to play, and all work together for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
In the New Testament, this idea of cooperation is echoed in passages such as 1 Corinthians 12:4–7, where Paul speaks of the diverse gifts within the body of Christ, all working together for the common good.
Exodus 35:34 Application in Life
Exodus 35:34 is not just a historical account but also a passage rich in applications for modern Christians. It teaches us valuable lessons about how God equips His people for His work and the importance of mentorship, cooperation, and wisdom.
God Equips Those He Calls
One of the primary lessons from Exodus 35:34 is that God equips those He calls. Bezalel and Oholiab did not take on the task of building the Tabernacle through their own ability. Instead, God specifically gifted them with the wisdom and skill required. This is an important principle for Christians today: when God calls us to do something, He will provide the tools, wisdom, and strength to accomplish it.
This applies to every area of life, from ministry to secular vocations. Whether you are leading a ministry, serving in your church, or working in your career, God equips you for the tasks He has called you to. Philippians 4:13 affirms this truth: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The Importance of Mentorship
Exodus 35:34 also emphasizes the importance of teaching and mentoring. Bezalel and Oholiab did not just complete the work themselves; they taught others. This is a powerful reminder for Christians that we are called to pass on the wisdom and skills we have received to others. Discipleship is an essential aspect of the Christian life, and it involves not only sharing knowledge but also guiding others in using their gifts for God’s glory.
In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructs Timothy to “entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Mentorship and discipleship are central to the life of the Church, as each generation is called to raise up the next to continue the work of the Kingdom.
Working Together for God’s Glory
Exodus 35:34 also teaches us the value of cooperation in God’s work. The Tabernacle was built not by the work of one person but by a community of believers who each contributed in different ways. Similarly, the work of the Church today is a collective effort. Whether we are serving in the church, in the workplace, or in our communities, we are part of a larger body, and our contributions work together to fulfill God’s purposes.
Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 underscores the importance of every member of the body of Christ working together. Just as the different parts of the body have distinct roles but work together, so too does the Church, with each believer playing an essential part in the fulfillment of God’s mission on earth.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 31:3
Exodus 31:3 is a key verse that complements Exodus 35:34. In Exodus 31:3, God speaks to Moses and says of Bezalel, “And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.” This is the foundational verse that explains how Bezalel was empowered by God to complete the Tabernacle. Exodus 35:34 builds upon this, emphasizing the role of teaching others the skills necessary for the task.
1 Peter 4:10
1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” This passage echoes the idea in Exodus 35:34 that God has gifted individuals with skills and wisdom for the purpose of serving others. Just as Bezalel and Oholiab were given skills for the Tabernacle, believers today are called to use their gifts to serve the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11–12
Ephesians 4:11–12 speaks of the roles within the Church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Like Bezalel and Oholiab, teachers and leaders in the Church today are tasked with equipping others for the work of God’s Kingdom.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 35:34 is incredibly relevant to the modern Christian life. It speaks to how God equips us for service and calls us to teach and mentor others. In an age where individualism often dominates, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of cooperation, mentorship, and shared responsibility in the work of God’s Kingdom.
Today, whether in church leadership, workplace ministry, or personal discipleship, the principles found in Exodus 35:34 challenge us to use our gifts to serve others, to raise up new leaders, and to work together for God’s glory.
Conclusion
Exodus 35:34 teaches us profound truths about how God equips and empowers His people for His work. Like Bezalel and Oholiab, Christians today are called to use their skills and wisdom to serve God’s purposes. This passage encourages us to mentor and teach others, fostering a community of believers who work together to accomplish God’s will. As we apply these lessons in our own lives, we are reminded that every task, whether great or small, can be an act of worship when done for God’s glory.
Exodus 35:34 Commentary
Exodus 35:34 reveals the importance of the Holy Spirit’s work in empowering God’s people for specific tasks. This empowerment involves not just individual skills but also the ability to teach, lead, and mentor others in the work of God’s Kingdom. Bezalel and Oholiab were not only skilled artisans but also leaders and teachers, passing on the divine knowledge they had received to others.
This commentary underscores that the Holy Spirit does not equip us for self-serving purposes but for the service of others. Whether our work is in the church, home, or workplace, we are called to use our gifts for the greater good and the glory of God.
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