Exodus 35:33
And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַלֹּ֖את
to set
H4390
לְמַלֹּ֖את
to set
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
3 of 9
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
לַֽעֲשׂ֖וֹת
to make
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֖וֹת
to make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Bezaleel came from Judah's tribe, from which Israel's kings would come—including David who planned the temple and Christ who builds God's eternal house. His selection demonstrates God's sovereignty in choosing and equipping leaders regardless of their background or training.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of Bezaleel's name ('in God's shadow') for one called to build God's dwelling?
- How does God's sovereign choice and equipping of Bezaleel illustrate the principle that ministry calling comes from God, not human credentials?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses introduces Bezaleel (בְּצַלְאֵל, 'in the shadow/protection of God') of Judah's tribe as the chief artisan, immediately establishing both his divine calling and tribal identity. This formal announcement by Moses emphasizes that leadership in building God's house comes through divine appointment, not self-promotion. Bezaleel's name itself testifies to God's protective presence—the one building God's dwelling dwells in God's shadow, prefiguring Jesus who worked as carpenter (Mark 6:3) before constructing God's spiritual house, the church.