Exodus 35:31: “and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 35:31 speaks about Bezalel, a craftsman chosen by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle. The verse emphasizes that Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God, which endowed him with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and various skills. These gifts were essential for the intricate and detailed work required to build the Tabernacle, where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites.
This filling with the Spirit of God was not just a momentary empowerment; it was a divine equipping that enabled Bezalel to accomplish the tasks set before him. The mention of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge indicates that Bezalel’s abilities were not solely natural talents but were enhanced by the Spirit of God to fulfill a specific purpose. This verse highlights the connection between divine inspiration and human craftsmanship, showing that when God calls someone to a task, He also provides the necessary resources and abilities to complete it.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is during the period when the Israelites were in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. God had given Moses detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where God’s presence would reside among His people. The construction of the Tabernacle required skilled labor, and God specifically chose and equipped Bezalel for this work.
Bezalel was a member of the tribe of Judah, and his role in the construction of the Tabernacle was pivotal. The work he was called to do was not only practical but also sacred, as the Tabernacle was the physical representation of God’s covenant with Israel. Bezalel’s skills, enhanced by the Spirit of God, were crucial for ensuring that the Tabernacle was built according to the divine specifications given to Moses.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 35:31 teaches us about the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering individuals for specific tasks in God’s kingdom. The Spirit of God is not limited to spiritual or religious activities but is involved in every aspect of life, including work and craftsmanship. This verse shows that God values excellence and precision in the work done for His glory, and He provides the wisdom and skill needed to accomplish it.
This verse also highlights the importance of calling and equipping in God’s plan. Bezalel was not just chosen randomly; he was specifically called and filled with the Spirit to fulfill a unique role in the construction of the Tabernacle. This emphasizes that God’s calling comes with His provision, and those whom He calls, He also equips.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, this verse serves to underscore the divine origin of Bezalel’s abilities. The repetition of the phrase “filled him with the Spirit of God” emphasizes the source of his wisdom and skills, making it clear that his work on the Tabernacle was a direct result of God’s empowerment. The mention of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skills creates a comprehensive picture of the abilities that Bezalel possessed, suggesting that he was equipped in every way necessary for the task.
The verse also serves as a transition in the narrative, moving from the instructions given by God to Moses to the actual execution of those instructions by Bezalel and his team. This transition highlights the connection between divine command and human obedience, facilitated by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 31:3 – The earlier mention of Bezalel being filled with the Spirit of God, reinforcing the idea that his abilities were divinely given.
- Isaiah 11:2 – Describes the Spirit of the Lord resting on the Messiah, giving Him wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might, drawing a parallel to the gifts given to Bezalel.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts, emphasizing that the Spirit gives different gifts to different people for the common good, much like Bezalel’s gifts were for the benefit of Israel.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 35:31 serves as a reminder that God equips His people for the work He calls them to do. Just as Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God and given wisdom, understanding, and skills for the construction of the Tabernacle, we too can trust that God will provide us with the abilities we need to fulfill our calling. This verse encourages us to seek God’s guidance and empowerment in all that we do, recognizing that our talents and abilities are gifts from Him, to be used for His glory.
This verse also challenges us to strive for excellence in our work, knowing that when we do so with God’s help, our efforts are not just for ourselves but for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in the way He equips His people for the tasks He assigns to them. God’s choice to fill Bezalel with His Spirit and give him the necessary skills shows His care and provision for His people. God didn’t just command the construction of the Tabernacle; He also provided the resources—both material and human—needed to accomplish it. This demonstrates God’s loving involvement in the details of His people’s lives, ensuring that they have what they need to serve Him effectively.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 35:31 connects to Jesus Christ in that the gifts of the Spirit, including wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, are also seen in the life of Jesus. Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, demonstrated perfect wisdom and understanding in His ministry. Just as Bezalel was empowered by the Spirit to build the Tabernacle, Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s presence among His people, was empowered by the Spirit to accomplish His redemptive work on earth (Luke 4:18).
Moreover, the concept of being filled with the Spirit for a specific task finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who, through the Holy Spirit, equips His followers to continue His work on earth. The gifts given to Bezalel foreshadow the spiritual gifts given to believers in the New Testament, empowering them to build up the body of Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Bezalel’s calling and equipping challenge you to consider how God might be calling and equipping you for His work today?
- In what ways can you seek God’s wisdom and understanding in your daily tasks, recognizing that all work done for God’s glory is sacred?
- How does this verse influence your view of the Holy Spirit’s role in empowering believers for various forms of service?
- What steps can you take to develop and use your God-given talents and skills for the benefit of others and the advancement of God’s kingdom?
- How does Jesus’ example of being filled with the Spirit inspire you to seek the Holy Spirit’s empowerment in your own life and ministry?