BEZALEEL'S BLUEPRINT: DIVINE CRAFTSMANSHIP IN THE TABERNACLE

In the intricate narrative of the Exodus, one figure stands out not for his leadership or prophetic abilities, but for his divinely inspired artistic skill. Bezaleel, often overlooked in biblical discussions, plays a crucial role in bringing God's vision for the Tabernacle to life.

The Divine Appointment

Bezaleel's calling is uniquely described in the book of Exodus:

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. (Exodus 31:1-3, KJV)

This passage highlights the divine origin of Bezaleel's skills, emphasizing that craftsmanship and artistry can be spiritual gifts.

The Scope of Bezaleel's Skill

The breadth of Bezaleel's God-given talents is astounding:

To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. (Exodus 31:4-5, KJV)

From metalwork to gemstone setting, from woodcarving to textile design, Bezaleel's expertise spans an impressive range of artistic disciplines.

The Tabernacle: A Divine Blueprint

The Tabernacle itself was not of human design. God provided Moses with detailed instructions:

And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount. (Exodus 25:40, KJV)

Bezaleel's task was to faithfully execute this heavenly blueprint, translating divine vision into earthly reality.

Craftsmanship as Worship

Through Bezaleel's work, we see how skilled craftsmanship can be a form of worship and service to God. His dedication to excellence in creating the Tabernacle and its furnishings reflects a profound understanding of the sacred nature of his task.

The Legacy of Divine Craftsmanship

Bezaleel's work set a precedent for the role of artistry in worship. This tradition continued with the construction of Solomon's Temple and finds echoes in the New Testament concept of believers as God's temple:

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16, KJV)

Lessons for Today

Bezaleel's story offers several insights for modern believers:

Conclusion

Bezaleel's divinely inspired craftsmanship in creating the Tabernacle serves as a powerful reminder of the sacred nature of artistic skill when devoted to God's purposes. His story challenges us to view our own talents and abilities as potential instruments for divine work, elevating the concept of craftsmanship to a spiritual calling.
Text by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com). Placed in public domain at ultrafree.org. KJV text is used. Feel free to copy and share, free of charge.