The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

THE CALL OF BEZALEEL AND AHOLIAB. The directions for the construction of the tabernacle and its furniture being now complete, and the composition of the holy oil and the holy incense having been laid down minutely, it only remained to designate the persons to whom the oversight of the work was to be especially entrusted. These were to be two—Bezaleel, of the tribe of Judah, as head and chief; Aholiab, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. There can be no doubt that they were selected, primarily, as already possessing superior artistic powers and acquirements; but in appointing them God promised an infusion of special wisdom and knowledge, so that they were at once naturally and supernaturally fitted for their task. It is important to note that artistic ability is thus distinctly recognised as being quite as much a gift of God as any other, and indeed as coming to man through the Spirit of God (Exodus 31:3). Artistic excellence is not a thing to be despised. It is very capable of abuse; but in itself it is a high gift, bestowed by God on a few only, with the special intent that it should be used to his honour and glory—not indeed in his direct service only—but always so as to improve, elevate, refine mankind, and thus help towards the advancement of God's kingdom

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Matthew Henry on Exodus 31:1-11Exodus 31:1-11 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThe Israelites, who had been masons and bricklayers in Egypt, were not qualified for curious workmanship; but the Spirit who gave the apostles utterance in divers tongues, miraculously gave Bezaleel and Aholiab the skil…Appointment of Bezaleel and Aholiab. (b. c. 1491.)Exodus 31:1-11 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleAPPOINTMENT OF BEZALEEL AND AHOLIAB. (B. C. 1491.) A great deal of fine work God had ordered to be done about the tabernacle; the materials the people were to provide, but who must put them into form? Moses himself was…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Exodus 31:1-11The Israelites, who had been masons and bricklayers in Egypt, were not qualified for curious workmanship; but the Spirit who gave the apostles utterance in divers tongues, miraculously gave Bezaleel and Aholiab the skil…Matthew Henry commentaryAppointment of Bezaleel and Aholiab. (b. c. 1491.)APPOINTMENT OF BEZALEEL AND AHOLIAB. (B. C. 1491.) A great deal of fine work God had ordered to be done about the tabernacle; the materials the people were to provide, but who must put them into form? Moses himself was…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:2I have called by name. God "calls by name" only those whom he appoints to some high office, as Moses (Exodus 3:4; Exodus 33:12), Cyrus (Isaiah 45:3, Isaiah 45:4), and here Bezaleel and Aholiab. He honours us highly in e…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:3-6Artistic excellence. I. ITS FOUNDATION A NATURAL GIFT. God singled out from the mass of the people such as were "wise hearted." A natural foundation was necessary for his spirit to work upon. It is generally allowed, in…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:3The Spirit of God. There is no article in the Hebrew, any more than in Genesis 1:1; and some would therefore translate "a Divine Spirit"; but no change is needed. Ruakh elohim contains in itself the idea of singularity,…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:5In cutting of stones—i.e; "in Genesis-curling." The fabric of the tabernacle was entirely of metal, cloth, and wood. In carving of timber. Rather "cutting." The word is the same as that used of the stones. And no orname…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:6Aholiab appears to have had the entire charge of the textile fabrics, both woven and embroidered (Exodus 38:23). Of the tribe of Ban. It is remarkable that Hiram, the chief artist employed by Solomon for the ornamental…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:7-11Contain an enumeration of the various works already commanded to be made The same order is observed, except that here the tabernacle itself is placed first, and the altar of incense takes its natural position next to th…Joseph S. Exell and contributors