CHARACTER STUDY: Bezaleel And Oholiab
See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah,
And I have filled him with the SPIRIT of GOD, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
To devise cunning work, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee; Exo31:1-6
In Ex chapters 25 -27, we saw how the children of Israel gave willingly towards the building of the tabernacle. We also saw where GOD elaborately described to Moses exactly what he expected them to build with these offerings.
A look at these chapters will blow the mind on the sheer intricacy and design that GOD described for the tabernacle, almost like impossible to achieve, beyond the ordinary. Who can do that?
3 chapters down the line, GOD informed Moses that HE has just the person to achieve what was described in chapters 27- 28.
How? Bezaleel was called for the purpose of being the person that will do the works described in Chapter 27 – 28.
Bezaleel was not known before now. He was neither an elder nor a statesman.
GOD must have seen something in Bezaleel to call him out and specially single him out to fill him with the HOLY SPIRIT in wisdom, understanding and knowledge in craftsmanship.
And Chapters 32-39 showcased the elaborate works he did exactly as the LORD described it to Moses.
What makes Bezaleel special?
1. He was gifted beyond the ordinary
2. He was not proud because of it
3. He was willing and patient to transfer to others what he knows about the skill
4. He was willing and available.
5. He has never done any of these intricate works but he was willing to start off
6. He willingly worked with others. He was a team worker.
7. He did not arrogate any position to himself; neither did he try to do shortcut or veer from the design and introduce his own style into the work. He kept it just as specified.
7. He was not greedy. He was quick to declare the excess supplies that he had of materials that the children of Israel brought. He didn’t keep anything back for filthy lucre.
8. He did everything just as the LORD specified, nothing added, nothing deleted ex39:42
9. He put good use of the wisdom, understanding and knowledge that GOD gave him to achieve purpose.
This study also shows us that as long as it is GOD’s work, no matter how difficult and unattainable it might appear, GOD HIMSELF will equip and provide able men and women to do it effectively. GOD is able to do what HE said HE will do. GOD provided the lamb when Abraham was about to sacrifice his son. GOD provided Saul at a time when the Apostles needed a radical approach.
We also notice the importance of being skilled. Skill could be gifted as with Bezaleel and Oholiab, Skills could also be learnt like the wise hearted men. It is the wise hearted who know the importance of acquiring a skill. What skill do we have that can benefit the work of GOD?
Much more than the skills is the Spirit behind the skill. The right spirit will give the right direction and application, glorify GOD and bring about a blessing.
We see in this character study, men who were able to identify their skills and when called upon were willing to put it to the service of GOD and were also willing to teach others.
We also see men who though knew their abilities, were willing to wait patiently until the LORD HIMSELF called them forth.
As we look at the lives and achievements of Bezaleel and his team, may the LORD stir in us the spirit to be willing and available when HE calls us to do the seemingly impossible because we know as we take the first step, HE is there to provide whatsoever might be lagging behind to ensure that his work is done just the way HE wants it.
Shared by sis Wendy