Who Was Ahisamach in the Bible?
Ahisamach is a relatively lesser-known figure in the Bible, but his role is significant due to his connection with the construction of the Tabernacle, a pivotal element in Israelite worship during their journey through the wilderness. The name Ahisamach (אָחִיסָמָךְ) in Hebrew means “brother of support” or “brother of strength.” He is notably recognized as the father of Oholiab, who played a crucial role in the creation of the Tabernacle.
Man Living at the Time of Egypt and the Wilderness
Ahisamach is first mentioned in Exodus 31:6, where he is identified as the father of Oholiab. This period marks the time when the Israelites were in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The context of this era is essential to understanding the significance of Ahisamach and his son, Oholiab.
The Role of Oholiab
Oholiab, whose name means “father’s tent” or “father’s tabernacle,” was endowed with extraordinary skills by God. In Exodus 31:6, God specifically calls Bezalel and Oholiab, stating, “Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him.” This highlights Oholiab’s vital role as an assistant to Bezalel in the artistic and skilled construction of the Tabernacle.
God’s Choice and Empowerment
In Exodus 35:30-35, we read about how God chose and empowered Bezalel and Oholiab for the task of building the Tabernacle. They were filled “with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.” This divine empowerment was crucial for the intricate and holy work they were to undertake.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The story of Ahisamach and his son Oholiab offers several lessons for modern Christians:
Using God-Given Talents
Just as Ahisamach’s son was equipped with unique talents for a specific purpose, Christians today are reminded that God equips each person with gifts and skills. These talents are not for personal glorification but for the service of God and His people. Romans 12:6-8 emphasizes the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ and the importance of using them faithfully.
Importance of Collaboration
The partnership between Bezalel and Oholiab underscores the importance of collaboration in God’s work. No one is called to serve alone; rather, God’s work often involves working alongside others, complementing each other’s strengths and weaknesses to fulfill His purposes.
Faithfulness in Small Roles
Ahisamach may not be a prominent biblical figure, but his mention in connection with the Tabernacle’s construction indicates the value of every role in God’s plan. Faithfulness in small roles can have significant impacts, as seen through the contributions of Ahisamach and Oholiab.
Connection to a Loving God
Ahisamach’s story, though brief, points to a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people. By equipping and empowering individuals like Oholiab, God demonstrates His loving care and attention to detail. This reassures modern Christians that God sees and values each person’s contribution, no matter how small it may seem.
God’s Personal Involvement
The selection and empowerment of Ahisamach’s son illustrate God’s personal involvement in the lives of His followers. Psalm 139:13-14 speaks of how God intricately forms each individual, further reinforcing the idea that He has a unique plan and purpose for everyone.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The construction of the Tabernacle, which Ahisamach and Oholiab contributed to, ultimately points to Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle was the place where God’s presence dwelled among His people, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus, Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Jesus as the True Tabernacle
In John 1:14, we read that “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The Greek word for “dwelling” here is σκηνόω (skenoo), which means “to pitch a tent” or “to tabernacle.” This signifies that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of what the Tabernacle represented—the dwelling place of God among His people.
The Role of Believers
Just as Ahisamach and Oholiab were instrumental in building the physical Tabernacle, believers today are called to build the spiritual house of God. 1 Peter 2:5 describes Christians as “living stones” being built into a spiritual house, highlighting the ongoing work of the Church in reflecting God’s presence in the world.
Conclusion
Ahisamach, though a minor character in the Bible, plays a part in the grand narrative of God’s plan for His people. Through his son Oholiab’s contributions to the Tabernacle, we see the importance of using God-given talents, the necessity of collaboration, and the value of faithfulness in all roles. These lessons, coupled with the deeper connections to a loving God and the fulfillment in Jesus Christ, offer rich insights for modern Christians.
References:
– Exodus 31:6
– Exodus 35:34
– Exodus 38:23