Exodus 35:34: “And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.”

Extended Explanation

Exodus 35:34 reveals that God not only gifted Bezalel with skills for crafting the Tabernacle but also gave him and Oholiab, from the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. This ability to teach was crucial because the construction of the Tabernacle was a massive project that required the work of many skilled artisans. Bezalel and Oholiab were not just skilled craftsmen; they were also leaders and instructors who could pass on their knowledge to others, ensuring that the work was done according to God’s precise instructions.

The verse emphasizes the importance of discipleship and mentorship in God’s work. The ability to teach others is presented as a divine gift, highlighting that God’s plan often involves raising up leaders who can train and equip others to carry out His purposes. This was essential for the Tabernacle, where the quality of the craftsmanship directly reflected the reverence and obedience of the Israelites to God’s commands.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. God had instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where His presence would dwell among His people. The construction of the Tabernacle required a diverse set of skills, and God specifically chose and equipped individuals like Bezalel and Oholiab to lead this work.

Oholiab, mentioned here alongside Bezalel, was from the tribe of Dan, which was not one of the more prominent tribes like Judah or Levi. His inclusion shows that God calls people from all backgrounds and tribes to participate in His work. The ability to teach others was critical because it ensured that the entire community could contribute to the construction, following the detailed plans God had given to Moses.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 35:34 underscores the importance of teaching and mentorship in the life of God’s people. The ability to teach others is a gift from God, vital for the transmission of skills, knowledge, and faith. This verse shows that God’s work is often accomplished through communities of people who are trained and equipped by those with more experience and knowledge.

This verse also highlights the principle of multiplication in God’s kingdom. By giving Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to teach, God ensured that their skills could be passed on, expanding the number of people capable of contributing to the Tabernacle’s construction. This principle applies to spiritual leadership and discipleship as well, where teaching and mentoring others are key to the growth and health of the church.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, this verse serves to link the skilled craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab with the broader community effort required to construct the Tabernacle. The mention of their ability to teach others adds depth to their roles, showing that their work was not just about completing the project but also about empowering others to participate in it.

The verse also highlights the importance of community and collaboration in accomplishing God’s work. The inclusion of Oholiab, a less prominent figure compared to Bezalel, reinforces the idea that God uses a diverse range of people to fulfill His purposes, and that leadership in God’s kingdom often involves raising up others to share in the work.

Biblical Cross-References

• 2 Timothy 2:2 – Paul instructs Timothy to entrust what he has learned to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others, reflecting the same principle of teaching and mentoring seen in Exodus 35:34.
• Exodus 31:6 – The earlier mention of Oholiab as someone who is filled with the Spirit of God and given skills to work on the Tabernacle, emphasizing his role in the project.
• Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to teach others to obey everything He has commanded, showing the ongoing importance of teaching in the life of the church.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Exodus 35:34 serves as a reminder that the ability to teach and mentor others is a valuable gift from God. Whether in the context of church, work, or everyday life, the capacity to pass on knowledge and skills to others is essential for the growth and development of individuals and communities. This verse challenges us to consider how we can use our gifts and abilities not just for our benefit, but to equip others to serve God more effectively.

This verse also encourages us to seek out mentors and to be willing to mentor others. Just as Bezalel and Oholiab were given the ability to teach, we too are called to invest in the lives of others, helping them to grow in their faith and their abilities.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s love in the way He equips His people to serve Him and others. By giving Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to teach, God was ensuring that the skills needed to build the Tabernacle were not confined to a few individuals but could be shared with others. This act of empowerment shows God’s desire for His people to work together in unity and for His work to be a collaborative effort, reflecting His love for community and cooperation.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 35:34 connects to Jesus Christ in the way that Jesus Himself was a teacher and mentor to His disciples. Just as Bezalel and Oholiab were given the ability to teach others, Jesus spent much of His ministry teaching His followers and preparing them to continue His work after His ascension. The process of discipleship that Jesus modeled involved not just teaching but also empowering others to go and teach, reflecting the principle seen in this verse.

Moreover, the idea of passing on skills and knowledge to others in the context of the Tabernacle points to the New Testament concept of building up the body of Christ. The church, described as a spiritual house, is built up as believers teach and encourage one another, with Christ as the cornerstone.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the example of Bezalel and Oholiab challenge you to use your skills to teach and mentor others in your community?
2. What are some ways you can seek out opportunities to learn from others or to pass on your knowledge and experience to those who are less experienced?
3. How does this verse influence your understanding of the importance of teaching and mentorship in the life of the church?
4. In what ways can you contribute to the growth and development of others in your church, workplace, or community, following the example of Bezalel and Oholiab?
5. How does Jesus’ role as a teacher and mentor inspire you to invest in the lives of others and help them grow in their faith and abilities?