Exodus 31:1-15 - Craftsmen: Bezalel and Oholiab 1Then the Lord said to Moses, 2“Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 4He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 5He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft! 6“And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make: 7the Tabernacle; the Ark of the Covenant; the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement; all the furnishings of the Tabernacle; 8the table and its utensils; the pure gold lampstand with all its accessories; the incense altar; 9the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils; the washbasin with its stand; 10the beautifully stitched garments—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests; 11the anointing oil; the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. The craftsmen must make everything as I have commanded you.”

Bezalel and Oholiab were chosen by the Lord to be the craftsmen for the Tabernacle and its furnishings. They were filled with the Spirit of God and given great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. Bezalel was a master craftsman, skilled in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He was also skilled in engraving, mounting gemstones, and carving wood. Oholiab was appointed as Bezalel's assistant. The Lord gave special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they could make everything as He had commanded. This passage shows the importance of using our God-given talents and skills to serve Him and bring glory to His name. Just as Bezalel and Oholiab used their craftsmanship to create the Tabernacle and its furnishings, we too can use our talents and skills to honor God and contribute to His kingdom work. Whether it's through art, music, writing, or any other form of creativity, we can offer our best to the Lord and use our abilities to point others to Him. Let us pray that God would continue to equip and empower us to use our talents for His glory.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Bezalel and Oholiab. Thank You for giving them the skills and abilities to create the Tabernacle and its furnishings. We pray that You would help us to recognize and develop the talents and skills You have given us. Show us how we can use them to bring glory to Your name and further Your kingdom. Empower us, Holy Spirit, to use our creativity and abilities to point others to Jesus. May everything we do be done with excellence and a heart that seeks to honor You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Bezalel and Oholiab. Thank You for giving them the skills and abilities to create the Tabernacle and its furnishings. We pray that You would help us to recognize and develop the talents and skills You have given us. Show us how we can use them to bring glory to Your name and further Your kingdom. Empower us, Holy Spirit, to use our creativity and abilities to point others to Jesus. May everything we do be done with excellence and a heart that seeks to honor You. In Jesus' name, Amen.