BEZALEEL AND AHOLIAB SET OVER THE WORK.

(30-35) This passage is the sequel to Exodus 31:1-6, where Bezaleel and Aholiab were designated for their respective offices, and follows closely the order, and even the wording, of that passage. The verbal resemblance is even greater in the original than in the Authorised Version. The only additions made are in Exodus 35:34-35.

(34) He hath put in his heart that he may teach.--It was essential that the two master-craftsmen should be able to instruct their subordinates, to whom the actual accomplishment of the works which they designed had to be committed. God specially qualified them to act as instructors.

Both he and Aholiab.--Aholiab, though subordinate to Bezaleel, was the director of his own department, that of weaving and embroidery (Exodus 38:23), and had to instruct in it as Bezaleel had in his.

(35) Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart.--See Notes 1 and 2 on Exodus 28:3; and comp. Exodus 31:3.

Of the engraver.--Rather, of the artificer. The word used is a generic one, equally applicable to workers in stone, wood, and metal.

Of the cunning workman.--Rather, of the skilful weaver. (See the last Note on Exodus 26:1.) The "skilful weaver" (khosheb) was the man who wove a patterned fabric. The ordinary "weaver" ('oreg) wove a plain one. The "embroiderer" (rokem) adorned a fabric of either kind with the needle.

Verses 30-35. - THE APPOINTMENT OF BEZALEEL AND AHOLIAB TO SUPERINTEND THE WORK. Though, in some real sense, "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians," still Moses was probably devoid of the technical knowledge requisite for a "superintendent of the works" on the present occasion. At any rate, his other duties imperatively required that he should decline to undertake, in addition to them, so onerous an office. And God had told him whom it would be best for him to set over the work (Exodus 31:1-6). Accordingly, he now made known to the people that the construction of the tabernacle and its appurtenances would be committed to two men - Bezaleel, the son of Uri, as principal, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, as his assist-ant - who would "teach" those under them what they were to do (ver. 34). Verse 30. - The Lord hath called, etc See Exodus 31:2: - "I have called by name Bezaleel," etc. Of the tribe of Judah. The descent of Bezaleel from Judah has been already traced. (See the comment on Exodus 31:2.)

35:30-35 Here is the Divine appointment of the master-workmen, that there might be no strife for the office, and that all who were employed in the work might take direction from, and give account to them. Those whom God called by name to his service, he filled with the Spirit of God. Skill, even in worldly employments, is God's gift, and comes from above. But many are ready enough in cutting out work for other people, and can tell what this man or that man should do; but the burdens they bind on others, they themselves will not touch with one of their fingers. Such will fall under the character of slothful servants. These men were not only to devise and to work themselves, but they were to teach others. Those that rule should teach; and those to whom God has given knowledge, should be willing to make it known for the benefit of others.And Moses said unto the children of Israel,.... After they had brought their several freewill offerings:

see; observe, take notice of this, for your encouragement, that your service will not be in vain, for want of proper persons to perform this work, and to guide, direct, and oversee it:

the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; of this man, and of his descent; see Gill on Exodus 31:2.