To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
The verse describes the Spirit-given ability to devise intricate designs and to work them in gold and silver and brass for the tabernacle sanctuary sacred to God's service. God Himself devised the plan for that work and showed Moses its size and form and materials and every article of furniture according to the pattern of the heavenly sanctuary, leaving neither Moses nor the workmen to plan it. Though it was the Lord's own work done under His supervision, it gave no excuse to work on the Sabbath, which remains a holy sign of loyalty to be kept from beginning to close of the day. Such artistic and practical craftsmanship is a gift of the Spirit to be used for God's glory rather than self-exaltation, with humility and exactness and perfection, and it stands as the pattern for every kind of work in His service today. That same endowment still equips workers and artisans in His institutions, but skill intended for sacred service can be dishonored when it is turned toward selfish gain, as when the skilled descendants in Judah and Dan grew covetous, asked higher wages, and served heathen kings with God-given ability.
Skill Given for Tabernacle
Through the Spirit of God in wisdom and understanding and knowledge and workmanship, Bezaleel was given skill to devise intricate, cunning works and to work in gold and in silver and in brass for the tabernacle sanctuary sacred to God's service. This craftsmanship was part of the ability God supplied for the work, wisdom and skill to design and make artistic work for the sanctuary through the Spirit. Everything done in that work was to represent God's perfection and to be carried out carefully and perfectly in every detail.
Israel had not been trained in these crafts, so at the time of deliverance God specially raised up, called, and appointed chosen men and qualified them with more than natural ability to do the most ingenious work commanded by Him. He stirred hearts to put talents to use, specially endowed chosen men with skill and wisdom for construction of the sacred building, and assigned different people different kinds of work suited to their abilities as a coordinated whole under His direction. Bezaleel of the tribe of Judah and Aholiab of the tribe of Dan were filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, and were given ability to teach, with wisdom of heart to work all manner of work of the engraver and of the cunning workman and of the embroiderer and of the weaver and of those that devise cunning work. Every wise-hearted man in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding wrought with them, human workers aided by heavenly intelligence, while heavenly intelligences cooperated with the workmen God chose.
Neither Moses nor the workmen were left to plan the form and workmanship, for God Himself devised the plan and gave Moses particular directions as to its size and form and the materials to be used and specified every article of furniture to be in it. He presented before Moses a miniature model of the heavenly sanctuary and commanded him to make all things according to the pattern shown him in the mount. Moses wrote all the directions in a book and read them to the most influential of the people, and the skilled work for the tabernacle built in the wilderness for the service of God was done under that divine direction with God as designer and educator of the workmen.
Sabbath Guarding the Work
The chapter where this direction to devise skilled work appears leaves not a shade of doubt about the duty to keep holy the seventh day. That seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, to be honored with the heart opened to God in conversation with Him from beginning to close of the day. God means just what He says about that day, and keeping it is a sign of the loyalty of His people.
The verse belongs to the special directions given by the Lord Jesus for building the tabernacle, detailing skilled work in gold and in silver and in brass. Though this was the Lord's own work done under His supervision, it gave no excuse to work on the Sabbath. Israel as slaves in Egypt had been compelled to work on the Sabbath and had largely lost the knowledge of the Sabbath, so God guarded the Sabbath in particular in connection with this building work. He did this knowing the workmen in their zeal would say they could do His work without observing the Sabbath.
Meaning of God-Given Skill
Strength, skill, and education come from God, who equips people for the work He appoints them to do. The ability to learn and to work skillfully in devising intricate work and crafting objects from gold and silver and bronze or brass for the tabernacle was His gift to Bezaleel, given with understanding, wisdom, and knowledge supplied by His Spirit. With that gift comes wisdom to use it rightly, and those who cooperate with Him can gain greater understanding and learn to overcome difficulties. He gives tact and skill for His work today as He gave it for the tabernacle, aids human workers, makes Himself their Teacher through the Spirit's guidance, and calls them to depend on Him and follow His direction.
Artistic and practical craftsmanship for the sanctuary is a gift of the Spirit and a form of service to God, a talent and special ability suited to the appointed task. It is meant to serve the work He appoints and to be used for His glory rather than for self-exaltation, with ingenuity and discernment, and even a small faithful beginning can be blessed and multiplied. Those called already had qualifications of character, and He gave them aptitude and skill in all manner of workmanship in metals and did not leave them to their own human wisdom. Because the work was to be a special representation of the exalted character of His service and of the sacredness of the human temple, those given ability for the most skillful work must not become exalted because of skill and aptitude but must show humility, refinement, and true Christian courtesy.
God Himself designed the work of the wilderness tabernacle built for His service and educated its workmen, who were taught by Him and labored under His direction. They put heart and soul and strength into it, using strength and skill with heart and soul in demanding labor in which even the sturdy mechanic taxed muscle and sinew. Such strenuous craftsmanship and toil honored God, manifested love to Him, and expressed that love in service done for His honor.
Sanctuary Reveals Greater Truths
Exodus 31:4 shows the Spirit giving Bezaleel wisdom and skill to devise intricate work and to shape gold and silver and bronze for the tabernacle, a practical artistic ability bestowed as a gift for sacred service because Israel had not been trained in these crafts and God appointed and equipped particular workers for the task. Everything done in that work was to represent God's perfection and was to be carried out carefully and perfectly in every detail. Set continually before more than a million people, the tabernacle illustrated the perfection and completeness of Christ's work.
In its construction every detail was arranged to give a representation of God's power and majesty, and the work was to be a special representation of the exalted character of His service and of the sacredness of the human temple. The men called to it were not left to their own human wisdom but were chosen for character and given aptitude and skill in all manner of workmanship. That same wisdom and skill for skilled work was among the advantages by which God would teach and ennoble and elevate Israel, and their obedience to His laws would bring prosperity and make them a witness among the nations.
Pattern for Work Today
To devise cunning works in gold and silver and brass sets the standard of skill, precision, wisdom, excellence, exactness, tact, and perfection required for building the tabernacle as the pattern for every kind of work in God's service. Work done for Him must honor His name and must not move forward shabbily, but be marked by faithfulness, stability, and fitness seen in every line and every part. Even mechanical work is included, and every transaction is to be pure and precious in His sight. Buildings erected for Him must correspond with His providence and with their relation to the work to be done in other places.
That same endowment belongs to present workers and artisans in God's institutions, even when their labor looks like worldly business and commercial work. Their work and merchandise and hire are to be holiness unto the Lord. When they are of the right spirit their Spirit-given work will call out questions from others and enable them to speak a timely word of witness. God likewise gives people wisdom and skill for His work today, and they must depend on Him and be willing to follow His guidance. Christ first bestows the gift and then the power to improve it, for the advancement of His cause and not for selfish interest.
The same God who communicated with His people of old and gave them wisdom to do His will in building the tabernacle communicates with His people today and gives wisdom and skill for necessary practical work. Different people were assigned different kinds of work under God's direction, each to do the work suited to abilities as part of a coordinated whole. This includes building a meeting-house where needed, and erecting sanitariums and publishing houses for Him. He watches the work done and by His word, by His Spirit, and by His providence designs to direct it. Those who build must represent the truth by working in the spirit and love of God, take time to ask His counsel, pray and sing, realize entire dependence upon Him, seek the constant help of Christ, and labor together with God in a work of eternal consequence whose faithful doing preaches sermons that convict and convert hearts, and the Lord is pleased when such gifted ones perform it.
Making the sanctuary required high artistic skill in designing and making artistic work, and its preparation was a task in which the people were to use their abilities and cooperate with God and one another. This shows the aim of education to develop practical God-given ability for His work, equipped through the Spirit in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
Just as He gave tact and skill to devise and work in gold and silver and brass, He now gives tact, intelligence, skill, and understanding in combining natural food products and manufacturing health foods. When the helpers are controlled by the Holy Spirit, the Lord gives them tact and intelligence to do solid, right work. That work builds up the tabernacle of the body. Workers are to use ingenuity to prepare healthful foods that will bless those who cannot afford expensive specially prepared health foods. That same God now teaches many minds in many localities how to make healthful foods, so that properly combined and prepared products of fruits, seeds, grains, and roots become wholesome foods and show His people how to secure a wholesome, healthful diet.
The same giving sends men to carry truth to people of a strange tongue and opens the minds of missionaries to quickly learn the language, so the natives are prepared to receive the gospel message when given in their own tongue.
Warnings and Faithful Use
At Israel's deliverance chosen men were given wisdom, judgment and skill to build the tabernacle, to devise cunning works and to work in gold and silver and brass, and they were guided in their work by the unseen Leader and felt greatly honored that a part in the Lord's work had been assigned them. Love and reverence for God led them to faithful, unselfish service, returning to Him the increase of the talents given them. The same holds today, for capabilities given to men and women are not to be employed for selfish advantage but are bestowed that they may show forth His glory in the smaller as well as the larger matters of life. Christ has a place for all sanctified ability, first bestowing the gift and then the power to improve it, to be exercised not for selfish interest but for the advancement of His cause, with daily surrender of self, every capability used with unselfish love, and the cross of self-denial cheerfully and willingly borne. Work for the sanctuary called for exactness, skill, tact and wisdom in crafting gold, silver and bronze, yet acceptable service also requires devotion to God and a spirit of self-sacrifice, with no selfishness woven into the work, and those who take times apart to rest and commune with God to learn how to work to His greatest glory receive great grace in such labor.
Bezaleel of the tribe of Judah and Aholiab of the tribe of Dan were filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, and were given ability to teach, with wisdom of heart to work all manner of work of the engraver and of the cunning workman and of the embroiderer and of the weaver and of those that devise cunning work, and every wise-hearted man in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding wrought with them while heavenly intelligences cooperated with the workmen God chose. The skill conferred on their forefathers was inherited to a large degree by their descendants in Judah and Dan, who were regarded as especially cunning in the finer arts. They remained humble and unselfish for a time, then gradually lost hold on God and His truth and cherished covetousness and grasping for more and more. Because of superior skill they asked higher wages, and when refused often found employment in surrounding nations, serving heathen kings with God-given skill and dishonoring their Maker, so that grasping for higher wages displaced the self-sacrificing spirit of their forefathers.
Skill in devising and making fine works in gold, silver and brass was given by God and intended for sacred service, including the work of the tabernacle, yet Aholiab's descendants inherited such ability and some later turned it toward selfish gain. Solomon relied on a highly skilled descendant of Aholiab to help build the temple, though that worker's grasping spirit did not honor God.
The verse describes the Spirit-given ability to devise intricate designs and to work them in gold and silver and brass for the tabernacle sanctuary sacred to God's service. God Himself devised the plan for that work and showed Moses its size and form and materials and every article of furniture according to the pattern of the heavenly sanctuary, leaving neither Moses nor the workmen to plan it. Though it was the Lord's own work done under His supervision, it gave no excuse to work on the Sabbath, which remains a holy sign of loyalty to be kept from beginning to close of the day. Such artistic and practical craftsmanship is a gift of the Spirit to be used for God's glory rather than self-exaltation, with humility and exactness and perfection, and it stands as the pattern for every kind of work in His service today. That same endowment still equips workers and artisans in His institutions, but skill intended for sacred service can be dishonored when it is turned toward selfish gain, as when the skilled descendants in Judah and Dan grew covetous, asked higher wages, and served heathen kings with God-given ability.
Skill Given for Tabernacle
Through the Spirit of God in wisdom and understanding and knowledge and workmanship, Bezaleel was given skill to devise intricate, cunning works and to work in gold and in silver and in brass for the tabernacle sanctuary sacred to God's service. This craftsmanship was part of the ability God supplied for the work, wisdom and skill to design and make artistic work for the sanctuary through the Spirit. Everything done in that work was to represent God's perfection and to be carried out carefully and perfectly in every detail.
Israel had not been trained in these crafts, so at the time of deliverance God specially raised up, called, and appointed chosen men and qualified them with more than natural ability to do the most ingenious work commanded by Him. He stirred hearts to put talents to use, specially endowed chosen men with skill and wisdom for construction of the sacred building, and assigned different people different kinds of work suited to their abilities as a coordinated whole under His direction. Bezaleel of the tribe of Judah and Aholiab of the tribe of Dan were filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, and were given ability to teach, with wisdom of heart to work all manner of work of the engraver and of the cunning workman and of the embroiderer and of the weaver and of those that devise cunning work. Every wise-hearted man in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding wrought with them, human workers aided by heavenly intelligence, while heavenly intelligences cooperated with the workmen God chose.
Neither Moses nor the workmen were left to plan the form and workmanship, for God Himself devised the plan and gave Moses particular directions as to its size and form and the materials to be used and specified every article of furniture to be in it. He presented before Moses a miniature model of the heavenly sanctuary and commanded him to make all things according to the pattern shown him in the mount. Moses wrote all the directions in a book and read them to the most influential of the people, and the skilled work for the tabernacle built in the wilderness for the service of God was done under that divine direction with God as designer and educator of the workmen.
Sabbath Guarding the Work
The chapter where this direction to devise skilled work appears leaves not a shade of doubt about the duty to keep holy the seventh day. That seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, to be honored with the heart opened to God in conversation with Him from beginning to close of the day. God means just what He says about that day, and keeping it is a sign of the loyalty of His people.
The verse belongs to the special directions given by the Lord Jesus for building the tabernacle, detailing skilled work in gold and in silver and in brass. Though this was the Lord's own work done under His supervision, it gave no excuse to work on the Sabbath. Israel as slaves in Egypt had been compelled to work on the Sabbath and had largely lost the knowledge of the Sabbath, so God guarded the Sabbath in particular in connection with this building work. He did this knowing the workmen in their zeal would say they could do His work without observing the Sabbath.
Meaning of God-Given Skill
Strength, skill, and education come from God, who equips people for the work He appoints them to do. The ability to learn and to work skillfully in devising intricate work and crafting objects from gold and silver and bronze or brass for the tabernacle was His gift to Bezaleel, given with understanding, wisdom, and knowledge supplied by His Spirit. With that gift comes wisdom to use it rightly, and those who cooperate with Him can gain greater understanding and learn to overcome difficulties. He gives tact and skill for His work today as He gave it for the tabernacle, aids human workers, makes Himself their Teacher through the Spirit's guidance, and calls them to depend on Him and follow His direction.
Artistic and practical craftsmanship for the sanctuary is a gift of the Spirit and a form of service to God, a talent and special ability suited to the appointed task. It is meant to serve the work He appoints and to be used for His glory rather than for self-exaltation, with ingenuity and discernment, and even a small faithful beginning can be blessed and multiplied. Those called already had qualifications of character, and He gave them aptitude and skill in all manner of workmanship in metals and did not leave them to their own human wisdom. Because the work was to be a special representation of the exalted character of His service and of the sacredness of the human temple, those given ability for the most skillful work must not become exalted because of skill and aptitude but must show humility, refinement, and true Christian courtesy.
God Himself designed the work of the wilderness tabernacle built for His service and educated its workmen, who were taught by Him and labored under His direction. They put heart and soul and strength into it, using strength and skill with heart and soul in demanding labor in which even the sturdy mechanic taxed muscle and sinew. Such strenuous craftsmanship and toil honored God, manifested love to Him, and expressed that love in service done for His honor.
Sanctuary Reveals Greater Truths
Exodus 31:4 shows the Spirit giving Bezaleel wisdom and skill to devise intricate work and to shape gold and silver and bronze for the tabernacle, a practical artistic ability bestowed as a gift for sacred service because Israel had not been trained in these crafts and God appointed and equipped particular workers for the task. Everything done in that work was to represent God's perfection and was to be carried out carefully and perfectly in every detail. Set continually before more than a million people, the tabernacle illustrated the perfection and completeness of Christ's work.
In its construction every detail was arranged to give a representation of God's power and majesty, and the work was to be a special representation of the exalted character of His service and of the sacredness of the human temple. The men called to it were not left to their own human wisdom but were chosen for character and given aptitude and skill in all manner of workmanship. That same wisdom and skill for skilled work was among the advantages by which God would teach and ennoble and elevate Israel, and their obedience to His laws would bring prosperity and make them a witness among the nations.
Pattern for Work Today
To devise cunning works in gold and silver and brass sets the standard of skill, precision, wisdom, excellence, exactness, tact, and perfection required for building the tabernacle as the pattern for every kind of work in God's service. Work done for Him must honor His name and must not move forward shabbily, but be marked by faithfulness, stability, and fitness seen in every line and every part. Even mechanical work is included, and every transaction is to be pure and precious in His sight. Buildings erected for Him must correspond with His providence and with their relation to the work to be done in other places.
That same endowment belongs to present workers and artisans in God's institutions, even when their labor looks like worldly business and commercial work. Their work and merchandise and hire are to be holiness unto the Lord. When they are of the right spirit their Spirit-given work will call out questions from others and enable them to speak a timely word of witness. God likewise gives people wisdom and skill for His work today, and they must depend on Him and be willing to follow His guidance. Christ first bestows the gift and then the power to improve it, for the advancement of His cause and not for selfish interest.
The same God who communicated with His people of old and gave them wisdom to do His will in building the tabernacle communicates with His people today and gives wisdom and skill for necessary practical work. Different people were assigned different kinds of work under God's direction, each to do the work suited to abilities as part of a coordinated whole. This includes building a meeting-house where needed, and erecting sanitariums and publishing houses for Him. He watches the work done and by His word, by His Spirit, and by His providence designs to direct it. Those who build must represent the truth by working in the spirit and love of God, take time to ask His counsel, pray and sing, realize entire dependence upon Him, seek the constant help of Christ, and labor together with God in a work of eternal consequence whose faithful doing preaches sermons that convict and convert hearts, and the Lord is pleased when such gifted ones perform it.
Making the sanctuary required high artistic skill in designing and making artistic work, and its preparation was a task in which the people were to use their abilities and cooperate with God and one another. This shows the aim of education to develop practical God-given ability for His work, equipped through the Spirit in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
Just as He gave tact and skill to devise and work in gold and silver and brass, He now gives tact, intelligence, skill, and understanding in combining natural food products and manufacturing health foods. When the helpers are controlled by the Holy Spirit, the Lord gives them tact and intelligence to do solid, right work. That work builds up the tabernacle of the body. Workers are to use ingenuity to prepare healthful foods that will bless those who cannot afford expensive specially prepared health foods. That same God now teaches many minds in many localities how to make healthful foods, so that properly combined and prepared products of fruits, seeds, grains, and roots become wholesome foods and show His people how to secure a wholesome, healthful diet.
The same giving sends men to carry truth to people of a strange tongue and opens the minds of missionaries to quickly learn the language, so the natives are prepared to receive the gospel message when given in their own tongue.
Warnings and Faithful Use
At Israel's deliverance chosen men were given wisdom, judgment and skill to build the tabernacle, to devise cunning works and to work in gold and silver and brass, and they were guided in their work by the unseen Leader and felt greatly honored that a part in the Lord's work had been assigned them. Love and reverence for God led them to faithful, unselfish service, returning to Him the increase of the talents given them. The same holds today, for capabilities given to men and women are not to be employed for selfish advantage but are bestowed that they may show forth His glory in the smaller as well as the larger matters of life. Christ has a place for all sanctified ability, first bestowing the gift and then the power to improve it, to be exercised not for selfish interest but for the advancement of His cause, with daily surrender of self, every capability used with unselfish love, and the cross of self-denial cheerfully and willingly borne. Work for the sanctuary called for exactness, skill, tact and wisdom in crafting gold, silver and bronze, yet acceptable service also requires devotion to God and a spirit of self-sacrifice, with no selfishness woven into the work, and those who take times apart to rest and commune with God to learn how to work to His greatest glory receive great grace in such labor.
Bezaleel of the tribe of Judah and Aholiab of the tribe of Dan were filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, and were given ability to teach, with wisdom of heart to work all manner of work of the engraver and of the cunning workman and of the embroiderer and of the weaver and of those that devise cunning work, and every wise-hearted man in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding wrought with them while heavenly intelligences cooperated with the workmen God chose. The skill conferred on their forefathers was inherited to a large degree by their descendants in Judah and Dan, who were regarded as especially cunning in the finer arts. They remained humble and unselfish for a time, then gradually lost hold on God and His truth and cherished covetousness and grasping for more and more. Because of superior skill they asked higher wages, and when refused often found employment in surrounding nations, serving heathen kings with God-given skill and dishonoring their Maker, so that grasping for higher wages displaced the self-sacrificing spirit of their forefathers.
Skill in devising and making fine works in gold, silver and brass was given by God and intended for sacred service, including the work of the tabernacle, yet Aholiab's descendants inherited such ability and some later turned it toward selfish gain. Solomon relied on a highly skilled descendant of Aholiab to help build the temple, though that worker's grasping spirit did not honor God.