Bob (Bezalel) The Builder

Bob (Bezalel), the Builder

In his book “The Fall of Fortress”, Elmer Bendiner describes one bombing run over the city of Kassel:

Our B-17 (the Tondelayo) was barraged by flak from Nazi​​ anti-aircraft​​ guns. That was not unusual, but on this​​ occasion​​ our gas tanks were hit. Later, as I reflected on the miracle of a twenty-millimeter shell piercing the fuel tank without touching off an explosion, our pilot, Bohn Fawkes, told me it was not quite that simple. On the morning following the raid, Bohn had gone down to ask our crew chief for that shell as a souvenir of unbelievable luck. The crew chief told Bohn that not just one shell but eleven had been found in the gas tanks—eleven unexploded shells where only one was sufficient to blast us out of the sky. It was as if the sea had been parted​​ by​​ us. Even after thirty-five years, such an awesome event leaves me shaken, especially after I heard the rest of the story from Bohn. He was told that the shells had been sent to the armorers to be defused. The armorers told him that Intelligence had picked them up. They could not say why at the time, but Bohn eventually sought out the answer.

Apparently when the armorers opened each of those shells, they found no explosive charge. They were as clean as a whistle and just as harmless. Empty? Not all of them. One contained a carefully rolled piece of paper. On it was a scrawl in Czech. The Intelligence people scoured our base for a man who could read Czech. Eventually, they found one to decipher the note. It set us marveling. Translated, the note read: “This is all we can do for you now.”​​ What an incredible story of sacrifice and service! “That’s all we can do; we wish we could do more.” These are the people God will bless, people who will do whatever they can with whatever they have to serve God and others. The Israelites were those people. The funds for the Tabernacle were raised​​ through willing hearts.

The priests served God and the people with willing hearts and the tabernacle was built by willing servants. God continues to search for Spirit-filled workmen and women today who are willing to submit to His call on their lives. And who will serve Him and others for His glory alone and not their own. God desires willing servants who have willing hearts and are motivated by His love for them.

The instructions for the Lord’s “tent” that would dwell​​ amid​​ his people, that was started back in Exodus 25, is now coming to completion. God has given Moses detailed instructions for how his “house,” the tabernacle and the courtyard, is supposed to look when finished and has given detailed instructions about the materials that are to be used to construct it. The same is true for the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Shewbread, the Lampstand, the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Altar of Incense and all the accessories, implements, etc. that go along with them. God also gave detailed instructions on the clothing that the High Priest and “assistant priests” were to wear as they ministered before the Lord and exactly what materials were to be used to make them.

Now, as we turn the page to Exodus 31, the Lord will specifically appoint and equip two workmen to oversee all the construction and manufacturing of everything discussed in the last six chapters. The Lord will also equip those who have not been specifically called but will have very important parts to play in making his “tent” according to everything the Lord commanded. Why is the first part of this chapter important to us today? It’s because “we,” everyone in this place this morning, are the Lord’s workmen and women. We have all been called and given gifts, abilities and talents by the Lord and His Holy Spirit to “build up” his house and kingdom in the place He has put us, which is here at Idaville Church. And we are to use those gifts, abilities and talents to serve Him​​ and others. So don’t be mistaken, dismayed or discouraged; we all have God-given abilities that we have had from birth, and we all have God-given gifts that we have had since our conversion. God is pleased to give us all distinct gifts and abilities to be used for His glory, praise and honor. Now, we may think our contribution is insignificant but that’s not true. Everyone’s work and service are significant and important. What God desires is willing and obedient servants who will submit to His call on their lives. And who He can then lead and guide in the task He has set before them, which is to Pursue, Grow and Multiply Disciples! That brings us to our big idea this morning that God is communicating to us through this passage:​​ God desires to call and fill His people with His Spirit so they can serve Him and others for His glory.​​ Now I am not talking about being filled with the Spirit at conversion but a daily filling of the Spirit to accomplish the calling God has placed on our lives.

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, we want to glorify you this morning with our praise, honor and worship. Help us through your Holy Spirit give you the awe and holy fear that you deserve. We pray that you would open up your Word to us so that we can fall deeper in love with you, so that we can better serve and obey you and so that we can spread you Gospel in all the places each of us work, play and live. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We have two points this morning. The first is,​​ Skilled Craftsmen, found in Exodus 31:1-6. This is what God’s Word says, “Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship. And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the​​ tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you.”

God has finished showing Moses the specs for His “tent” where He will dwell among His people, and for all its furnishings, etc. God has been giving Moses very specific instructions using words and pictures. Nothing has been left to​​ chance,​​ and He expects his instructions to be followed to the letter. The Lord then tells Moses who will build this magnificent structure and again God will be very specific, and nothing will be left to chance. As we studied chapter 30, we noticed that four times it stated, “Then the Lord said to Moses.” And after each time, the Lord showed Moses another important part of the tabernacle and its purpose. And we see it again in the beginning of chapter 31. We know it’s significant because it is its own verse. God is about to say something important again and he needs Moses and us to take notice and to pay attention, so we miss it. The word “see” emphasizes this same point. Moses is to notice who the Lord is putting in charge of the building project.

It may have come as a shock to Moses that he would not be building God’s “tent.” But he would be the consultant, so to speak, for the entire project as he was the one who received the instructions directly from God. And this will be important as we continue our study: Moses had not been chosen and equipped to build God’s tent. He was not gifted with those abilities. Moses had been chosen and equipped to lead God’s people just as Aaron had been chosen and equipped to be the high priest of the Lord’s chosen people. God chose and equipped His willing servant, Bezalel, to build the tabernacle. Bezalel was the son of Uri, who was the son of Hur of the tribe of Judah.​​ So,​​ who was Bezalel? He wasn’t a priest. He doesn’t seem to be an elder of the Israelites. He seems to be an ordinary Israelite that God has specifically chosen for a certain task. “Chosen” literally means “called” by God. God personally​​ knew this individual and specially chose him for a specific purpose. I just want to remind you all that if you are a Christ-follower this morning, God knows you personally and has specially called you for a specific purpose, as well.

Like we have seen other times in the Bible, names matter, and here is no exception. The name, Bezalel, means “in the shadow of God” or “in the protection of God.” Then we get a short genealogy of Bezalel. His father was Uri, whose name means “light” or “light of Jehovah.” And then his grandfather is Hur, whose name means “free” or “at liberty.” Hur is probably the same person who was an elder of the Israelites and helped Aaron hold up Moses’ arms as Joseph and the Israelites fought the Amalekites back in Exodus 17. Hur is also mentioned as being left in co-charge with Aaron when God called Moses to come up the mountain. And as we continue back in Bezalel’s lineage, we have his great-grandfather, Caleb, g-g grandfather, Hezron, 3rd​​ g-grandfather, Perez, and finally his 4th​​ g-grandfather Judah the son of Jacob. This is important because Bezalel is the seventh in the line from Judah. Seven is the number of​​ perfections​​ in the Bible meaning that Bezalel was God’s perfect choice to be in charge of building his “tent.”

Now, we know that the tabernacle and all its furnishings and purposes point us to Christ and so do the names mentioned here. “In the shadow or protection of God” is familiar to us from Psalms 17:8 which says, “Hide me in the shadow of your wings” and Psalms 57:1 which says, “And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by” and Psalms 63:7, “Because you are my help, I sing or rejoice in the shadow of your wings.” The “shadow of your wings” speaks of a place of intimacy, of protection, and of fellowship with the Lord. And this point us to Christ because Jesus is the one who occupies the closest relationship with the Father. John 1:18 says, “The only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father.” Next, “the light of Jehovah” is​​ familiar as Jesus calls Himself “the light of the world” in John 8:12 and in 1 John 1:5 it says, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” Finally, “free” or “at liberty” tells us of Christ always doing the will of His Father and voluntarily going to the cross to save us from our sins. Hebrews 10:9 says, “Then he said (Jesus), ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will” and John 10:17 says, “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.” Finally, Judah means “praise” and Jesus was the praise of His Father and was always praising His Father. We​​ saw​​ this in Luke 10:21.

Next, we see God equipping his servant, Bezalel. God filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God meaning that God was the source of his gifts, abilities, talents and skills. And they were also under the control of the Spirit, enabling Bezalel to design, construct and oversee the building of the tabernacle, etc. and to do it according to God’s perfect will and instructions. Now, this was not a NT being “filled with the Holy Spirit” at conversion. This was God endowing His Spirit onto a person so His purposes could be fulfilled. This is the first time in the Bible that anyone has been filled with the Spirit of God. And it wasn’t Adam, Abel, any of the Patriarchs, Moses or Aaron but an ordinary Israelite that God chose to do His work by His Spirit.

What did the Spirit fill Bezalel with? According to the NASB, the Spirit filled him with wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Bezalel was born with innate talents and abilities given to him by God at birth which probably had to do with overseeing, construction, designing, etc. Now he was being supernaturally filled and empowered by the Spirit of God to perfectly complete the purposes of God. According to Ryken’s commentary, “wisdom, is the gift to understand what is needed to fulfill Yahweh’s instructions; discernment, is the talent for solving the inevitable problems involved in the creation of so complex a series of objects and materials; and skill, is the experienced hand needed to guide​​ and accomplish the labor itself.” Again, these three giftings point us to Jesus Christ. Isaiah 11:1-2 says, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on​​ him,​​ the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the​​ Lord.

Bezalel was also gifted with “all kinds of craftsmanship.” He would be able to make artistic designs for working in gold, silver, bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and any other craftsmanship that would be needed to accomplish his task. Bezalel, by the Spirit of God, became an expert in all the ways needed to build the tabernacle. As we have stated before, even the metals used in constructing the tabernacle points us to Christ. Gold speaks of the “divinity of Jesus” and “glorifying the Father” seen in John 10:30 which says, “I and the Father are one” and in John 17:4, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” Silver speaks of “redemption” and of course Jesus was the only one through whom our redemption could come. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”

Bronze speaks of “divine judgment” and of course Jesus was the only one who could carry the weight and judgment of our sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” To “cut and set stones” also points us to Christ. The stones refer to the two stones which would be on the shoulders of the high priest’s ephod symbolizing the twelve tribes being carried on his shoulders into the presence of God as he interceded on their behalf. Jesus Christ is the one who now intercedes on our behalf before God. It also speaks to the twelve stones on the breast piece of the high priest. This symbolized that the high priest loved the​​ people of God and had their best interest at heart. This is true of Jesus as well.

Next, God, specifically mentions another person who would play a major role in the building of the tabernacle. The word, “behold,” is like the word “see” earlier in that what follows is important. God appoints Oholiab, son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan to assist Bezalel. Again, names are important. The name Oholiab means “the tent of the Father.” Isn’t that amazing? Oholiab’s name looked forward to him one day helping to construct the “tent” of the Lord in which He would dwell in among his people as they traveled through the wilderness. This name also points us to Christ as John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling (Greek, tented) among us.” And now today the Holy Spirit dwells inside of every Christ-follower. This was all foreshadowed by the person God appointed to assist Bezalel. Oholiab’s father’s name is also interesting. The name Ahisamach means “brother of support” which would refer to the fact that Oholiab was a fellow-helper to Bezalel in the work of the tabernacle.

We see the sovereignty of God in His choices of these two men. Oholiab was from the tribe of Dan, the smallest of the Israelite tribes and when Jacob blessed him, he called him a “snake by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward.” This refers to the tribe of Dan being involved in apostasy and idolatrous worship. Judah was arguably the most influential tribe in that Jesus came from the tribe of Judah. Also, when the Israelites marched out at God’s command, the tribe of Judah led Israel, and the tribe of Dan brought up the rear. This signifies that all of Israel was represented in the work of building God’s “tent” and that God can use anyone and everyone He chooses and who submits to His calling on their lives. We see this truth in verse 6. These two men were not the only ones who worked and served to build the tabernacle and its furnishings, etc. There are others​​ who were not mentioned specifically but notice that God also gave them ability and skill to make everything He had commanded. They were divinely​​ empowered,​​ which was more than simply given skills. God put wisdom into those who already had wise minds meaning they were in tune with God’s desires and would make the right decisions and choices.

This is all true for us as well. God has given us abilities and talents at birth. As Christ-followers, we have been gifted by the Holy Spirit with certain gifts that are to be used to serve the Lord and His people in the church. Also, God can use anyone and everyone he chooses but we must be willing to submit to Him and His calling on our lives. And He gives wisdom to those of us who are wise and in tune with His desires so we can make the right decisions and choices in furthering His kingdom on earth. (Big Idea) That brings us to our first next step on the back of your communication card which is​​ Submit to God’s​​ will​​ and​​ calling​​ on my life in order to​​ accomplish​​ the task He has for me.

That brings us to our second point,​​ Special Assignment, found in Exodus 31:7-11. This is what God’s Word says, “the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent—the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand—and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.”

After the Lord informed Moses about the skilled craftsmen who would build the tabernacle, he reinformed Moses of the special assignment He called them to. This special assignment was to build His house, His “tent,” that the Lord would dwell in among His people. Talk about​​ honor​​ and a privilege. He is the one, true and living God and he deigned to come down from Heaven and dwell with His sinful creation. The building of this beautiful and magnificent structure was the most special of assignments. The Lord then listed the items again that were to be built, constructed, designed, etc. I am not going to go over them again, but I don’t want us to forget that everything listed points us back to Christ. The tabernacle points us to the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. The Ark of the Covenant points us to His throne in Heaven. The mercy seat points us to His grace. The lampstand points to Him being the “light of the world.” The table of the shewbread points to His provision. The bronze laver points us to His power to wash our sin away. The altar of burnt offering points us to His forgiveness and the altar of incense points us to His intercession for us before the Father.

An interesting thing that came up in the commentaries I wanted to pass on is in verse 10 that states, “and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests.” In the Hebrew these seem to be three separate phrases, and the first phrase may be speaking about the coverings for the different furnishings that were put on when traveling in the wilderness. These garments have not been mentioned yet in our narrative, but they seem to be alluded to here. Also, this section is framed by the words “Make as I have commanded you.” Everything to do with the tabernacle was divinely appointed beforehand. They were to exactly replicate God’s instructions to Moses. But most commentators believe there was a form and a function to the building of the tabernacle. God gave specific instructions about what He wanted but he also gave wisdom and discernment to the craftsmen and women doing the work.

If you remember, God did not give any dimensions for the bronze laver that the priests were to wash in before serving the Lord in the tabernacle and courtyard. I am sure that God gave Moses words and pictures to​​ guide him, but the craftsmen and women had freedom to take the materials, colors, shapes and sizes and create something beautiful, true, good and worthy of being the Lord’s “tent” and the items that went in it. In God’s sovereign control, everything was done exactly how God instructed. We can see this truth in the writing of God’s Word as well. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “all scripture is God-breathed” and 2 Peter 1:21 says that “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” God inspired men to write His desired​​ product, the Bible, but He clearly used the personalities and grammatical inclinations of the men who wrote. The same is true for the tabernacle.

But God had high standards. What they created had to be good and not idolatrous. What they created had to communicate the truth of God Himself. What they created had to be beautiful and artistic because they were made in the image of God. He is the epitome of perfect goodness, truth and beauty. Lastly, Bezalel, Oholiab, and all the craftsmen and women were obedient to the will of God. They did everything just as God commanded them to. This is seen in Exodus 39-40 where eighteen times it says they did “as the Lord commanded Moses.” Exodus 39:42-43 says, “The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded.​​ So,​​ Moses blessed them.” And we know all this true because when the tabernacle was done and set up the Lord took up residence in it. Exodus 40:34 says, “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” This would not have happened if they didn’t do everything “as the Lord commanded.”

I want to conclude by asking you this question. As we are all workmen and servants of God, given the task to Pursue, Grow and Multiply Disciple – which is the Great Commission, are you using your God-given gifts and abilities for His glory or your own? Listen to these two​​ contrasting illustrations from Ryken. First, when Henri Matisse completed his masterful paintings in the Chapel of the Rosary at Venice, he stepped back and proclaimed, “I did it for myself.” One of the Catholic sisters overheard him and immediately objected, “But you told me you were doing it for God.” “Yes,” Matisse replied, “but I am God.”

Second, Johann Sebastian Bach is famous for signing his works with the letters “sDg,” meaning soli Deo gloria—to God alone be the glory. This was a pious act. However, the important thing was not the letters Bach added to his music, but the notes themselves, which were a testimony to his faith in God. In the same way, every workman and woman whose gifts, abilities and talents are under the lordship of Jesus Christ will use them for God’s glory (Big Idea). Also, there is a warning coming for us in chapter 32, about who we are using our God-given gifts, abilities and talents for. In the next chapter, we will see how the Israelites, Aaron included, used their gifts to make a golden calf for idol worship. So again, will you use your gifts for God’s glory or for your own or Satan’s glory; will you use them for your own gratification or in service to the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength? That brings us to our second and last next step which is to​​ Use my God-given​​ gifts,​​ abilities​​ and​​ talents​​ for God’s glory and not my own.

As the praise team comes to lead in a final song and the ushers prepare to collect the tithes and offerings, let pray, Our Lord and our God, our Savior and King, we thank you for the privilege to read and study Your Word. Help us to obey its words and commands and trust in its promises so that we can serve you and others better as we live our lives in the world. Thank you for choosing and calling us into your service. Help us to daily submit to your will and rely on your Holy Spirit to accomplish the task you have for us. Thank you for the gifts, abilities and talents you’ve given to us, and help us to use them for your glory and not our own. We pray all this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Opening: Glen S. Martin, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, ed. Max Anders, Holman Old Testament Commentary (B&H Publishing Group, 2002), 132–133.

Closing: Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes, Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2005), 970.