Exodus 31:2-11 ESV [2] See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, [3] and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, [4] to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, [5] in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. [6] And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: [7] the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, [8] the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, [9] and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, [10] and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests, [11] and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do.
Introduction
In Exodus 31:2-11, we encounter a profound passage where God reveals His divine plan by calling Bezalel, the son of Uri, from the tribe of Judah. This narrative not only unfolds the specific tasks assigned to Bezalel and his companion Oholiab but also sheds light on the broader theme of God’s call and gifting in both the Old and New Testaments.
God Calls by Name
The passage begins with God explicitly stating that He has called Bezalel by name, emphasizing a personal and intentional selection. As Ephesians 2:10 affirms, believers are indeed God’s workmanship, created for good works.”[2] “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah,” God calls him to perform works to be remembered and admired through the ages. We are invited into God’s eternal work. Works that will have a beautiful impact through the ages. The ultimate beauty of our work is in the saving of a lost soul from eternal separation from God. What could be more beautiful than building God’s kingdom?
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, there are several instances where God calls individuals by name to carry out specific tasks or missions. Here are a few notable examples:
Old Testament
Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3):
In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (later named Abraham) by name and instructs him to leave his country and go to a land that God would show him. This marks the beginning of God’s covenant with Abraham.
Moses (Exodus 3:4-10):
In the burning bush encounter, God calls Moses by name and commissions him to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. “Moses, Moses!” is how God initiates this significant calling in Exodus 3:4.
Samuel (1 Samuel 3:4-10):
As a young boy, Samuel hears his name called multiple times by God. God calls Samuel, revealing His plans to judge the house of Eli and anointing Samuel as a prophet.
New Testament
Mary (Luke 1:30-31):
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and addresses her by name, saying, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” God calls Mary to be the mother of Jesus, the Savior.
Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5):
In Luke 19:5, Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name and invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house. This encounter leads to Zacchaeus’ repentance and salvation.
Saul (Acts 9:4):
Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, experiences a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Jesus calls Saul by name, leading to his conversion and commissioning as an apostle (Acts 9:4-6).
Peter (John 21:15-17):
After His resurrection, Jesus calls Peter by name three times by the sea, reaffirming Peter’s love and commissioning him to feed His sheep. This encounter marks Peter’s restoration and role in the early church.
God’s personal callings are deeply relational and purposeful in the Old and New Testaments. These examples demonstrate God’s intentionality in choosing individuals by name for specific tasks, showcasing His sovereignty and the uniqueness of His plan for each person. God’s callings always lead to significant events of salvation and service, but only as we respond to them.
Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'”
We also have been called by name, called by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and called to minister. Regardless of our function in His Church, we are called according to His purpose.
Gifts of the Spirit
God not only calls Bezalel but also fills him with the Spirit of God, providing him with abilities, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship. This notion of divine empowerment is not confined to the Old Testament. In 1 Corinthians 12, believers are introduced to the concept of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the Church.”[3] and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship,”
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (ESV): “4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”
This passage outlines the diversity of spiritual gifts, all given by the same Spirit, for the common good of the body of Christ. Regardless of the gifts that God gives we are to use them for His glory and honor.
Artistic Designs and Craftsmanship
Bezalel’s call involves specific tasks related to artistic designs and craftsmanship, working with materials such as gold, silver, bronze, stones, and wood. The craftsmanship displayed by Bezalel is extraordinary, reflecting his God-given talent and the precision required for the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings.”[4] to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, “Bezalel’s work goes beyond mere functionality; it embodies a sacred artistry that elevates the tabernacle into a place of beauty and reverence.”[5] in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.”
The New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, the theme of God’s calling and gifting is further emphasized. Romans 12:6-8 mentions different gifts given according to the grace given to each believer. Ephesians 4:11-12 speaks of Christ giving gifts to the Church for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the body of Christ. Romans 12:6-8 – “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…”This parallel between Bezalel’s craftsmanship and the diverse gifts within the Church highlights the multifaceted nature of God’s creative expression. Ephesians 4:11-12 – “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry.
Have you been called by God?
If so, you have received the gift of His Holy Spirit and receive gifts as you perform the work for which He called you. Rarely does God call the “gifted” yet He always “gifts” the called. Feel inadequate? Good! For without faith, it is impossible to please God.
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): “And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Exodus 31:2-11 provides a glimpse into God’s intricate plan, where He calls and equips individuals for specific purposes. The exceptional craftsmanship displayed by Bezalel serves as a testament to the intersection of divine calling and human skill. As believers, we are not only recipients of God’s gifts but also called to employ our skills and talents in ways that glorify Him and contribute to the beauty and functionality of His kingdom.