From Sacred Skill to Selfish Gain: The Tabernacle Artisans

It is quite true that the descendants of the master workmen who built the wilderness tabernacle eventually lost their unselfish spirit, demanding higher wages and seeking employment in surrounding heathen nations when their requests were not metRR 23.4+1.

While the original builders like Bezaleel and Aholiab were filled with the Spirit of God and a noble spirit of self-sacrifice, their posterity gradually lost their hold upon GodRR 23.4+2. Because of their superior skill in the finer arts, these descendants began to prioritize personal gain over divine serviceRR 23.4+1. When their demands for higher pay were not granted, they often found work among surrounding nations, using their God-given talents to serve heathen kings and create works that actually dishonored their MakerRR 23.4+1.

This decline in spiritual integrity had long-lasting effects, as seen centuries later during the construction of Solomon’s templeRR 23.4+1. Solomon hired a master workman named Huram from Tyre, who was a descendant of Aholiab on his mother's sideRR 23.4+2. Unlike his ancestor, Huram was an unsanctified man prompted by selfishness rather than a desire to serve God, and he demanded large wages for his unusual skillRR 23.4+2.

The Lord continues to call for workmen today who will labor with a spirit of self-denial and consecration, recognizing that all talent is a gift from Him to be used for His gloryLUJ 101.2+2.

For the construction of the wilderness tabernacle, chosen men were endowed by God with special skill and wisdom. “Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel, ...— PK 62.2 (1917)

... In place of their ancestors’ noble spirit, they became covetous, grasping for more and more. To gratify their selfish desires, they used their God-given skill in the service of heathen kings and bent their talent to create works that dishonored their Maker. The Phoenician king sent Huram, “the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father w...— RR 23.4 (2008)

The Phenician king responded by sending Huram, “a cunning man, endued with understanding, ... the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre.” This master workman, Huram, was a descendant, on h...— 2BC 1027.6 (1953)

Exodus 31:2-6+2.