“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills… Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him.” (Exodus 31:2-3, 6, New International Version)
In Exodus 31, the LORD calls and equips two craftsmen—Bezalel and Oholiab—to construct the beautiful furnishings and elaborate instruments of the Tabernacle. This divine appointment highlights something important often overlooked by modern Christians: creativity and masterful skill are profound gifts of God’s Spirit.
Here, the Hebrew text vividly notes, “filled him with the Spirit of God” (ruach Elohim). This phrase clearly indicates that being Spirit-filled is not only reserved for what we may classify as “religious” roles such as prophets or priests, but includes artisans and architects, craftsmen whose purpose was holy and whose work was sacred. God’s Spirit provides not just theological knowledge, but also practical wisdom, insight, and artistic creativity.
Church fathers, such as Augustine, acknowledged this divine inspiration in craftsmanship. Augustine believed that our creative capacities reflect the Creator Himself: each masterpiece, however humble, echoes the glory of God’s original creation. Historically, Christians have embraced creativity not merely as talent or hobby, but as a spiritual mandate, a calling to reflect the beauty, order, and holiness of our Creator.
Are you recognizing and honoring creativity—both yours and that in others—as divinely given and spiritually valuable? Our expressions of beauty, craftsmanship, music, and art are forms of worship, inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Suggested Cross-Reference:
- Genesis 1:27 – Created in God’s Image
- Colossians 3:23 – Do All as unto the Lord
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 – Varieties of Spirit-driven gifts
Suggested Hymn: “Take My Life, and Let It Be” by Frances Ridley Havergal.
“Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you… It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from work and rested.” (Exodus 31:14, 17, New International Version)
The second central theme in Exodus 31 is the reiteration of the Sabbath law. Why the repetition here? Because Sabbath holds deep spiritual, theological, and practical significance. The Sabbath law marked the Israelites uniquely apart from all the nations, a visible testimony of their special relationship with the Creator God.
Western readers might easily overlook how counter-cultural and revolutionary this command was. Ancient Near Eastern cultures viewed time primarily as cyclical and bound to agricultural or festive cycles. But the Sabbath, given by God, formed a radical break in the weekly rhythm, teaching God’s people perpetual reliance on Him. Sabbath proclaimed trust—that God would provide enough in six days, enabling His people to rest and enjoy communion with Him on the seventh.
Historically, church traditions vary in interpreting and observing the Sabbath. Reformers like Martin Luther emphasized freedom in Christ from rigid Sabbath laws, while still encouraging rest and worship. John Calvin saw spiritual rest fulfilled perfectly in Christ but still recommended regular observance as beneficial spiritually and physically. Even today, faithful rest remains a counter-cultural, spiritual, and life-giving practice.
The Hebrew word for Sabbath (“shabbat”) literally means “to cease.” How might your life change if you viewed Sabbath not merely as rest from work, but as a deliberate divine pause, acknowledging trust in God’s ultimate provision and care?
Suggested Cross-Reference:
- Mark 2:27 – Jesus affirms the Sabbath was made for man’s benefit
- Hebrews 4:9-11 – Ultimate Sabbath rest found in Christ
Suggested Hymn: “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” (“Drop Thy Still Dews of Quietness”) by John Greenleaf Whittier.
As mature believers interested in historical context, it’s helpful to recall that artistic and religious craftsmanship was prevalent across the ancient Near East. Archaeology supports this: excavations from Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Canaan reveal ornate religious furnishings, intricate textiles, and precisely crafted sacred objects. However, Israel’s Tabernacle stood out because it uniquely honored Yahweh alone. No idol was formed to represent the God of Israel. This remarkable absence communicates a profound theological truth: God’s presence cannot be reduced to an idol. His presence among His people is real but not containable or manipulable.
Notice also that the divinely filled artisans span different social strata, from respected tribal lines such as Judah (Bezalel) to the relatively modest tribe of Dan (Oholiab). God’s distribution of spiritual gifts transcends human constraints and status, pointing to a deeper unity and purpose shared by all believers.
Exodus 31 reminds us beautifully of God’s rich grace in equipping the called, of creativity as a sacred act, and of Sabbath-rest as integral to covenant living. In your spiritual journey today, how does God invite you to embrace creativity and purpose? How might you set aside intentional rhythms of rest and worship that remind you—and others—of your ultimate dependence on Him?
Heavenly Father, Creator of all beauty and giver of every good and perfect gift, thank You for the creative abilities and skills You bestow on each one of us. Grant us the wisdom and humility to use these skills for Your glory. Help us rediscover the sacred rhythms of Sabbath rest, trusting in Your faithful provision. Let our lives be dedicated fully to You. In the name of Christ Jesus, the Master Craftsman and Lord of the Sabbath, we pray. Amen.