Exodus 31:7
The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֣ת׀
H853
אֵ֣ת׀
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאֹֽהֶל׃
The tabernacle
H168
הָאֹֽהֶל׃
The tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
2 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֗ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֗ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכַּפֹּ֖רֶת
and the mercy seat
H3727
הַכַּפֹּ֖רֶת
and the mercy seat
Strong's:
H3727
Word #:
8 of 14
a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָלָ֑יו
H5921
עָלָ֑יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
These craftsmen led teams of skilled workers who constructed the tabernacle according to Moses' pattern. Their Spirit-filling for technical work demonstrated that God values and empowers all forms of service, not just spiritual leadership.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Spirit's equipping for artistic work validate creativity and craftsmanship as ministry?
- What talents has God given you that can serve His purposes when consecrated to Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with God's Spirit for artistic work—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit equips not only for preaching/teaching but for creative, technical skills. All talents serve God's purposes when consecrated to Him. The Spirit who designed creation enables artisans to create beauty for worship. Christ, the wisdom of God, is the ultimate craftsman who builds His church.