Meaning of Exodus 31:6

This verse, Exodus 31:6, is part of God's detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that would serve as His dwelling place among the Israelites in the wilderness. It specifically highlights the appointment of Oholiab, from the tribe of Dan, to assist Bezalel, who was previously designated as the chief craftsman. Furthermore, it emphasizes that God Himself imparts the necessary skills and abilities to all the artisans involved, ensuring that every aspect of the Tabernacle would be crafted according to His divine specifications. This underscores a crucial principle: God not only commands tasks but also equips His chosen people for their execution, demonstrating His sovereign involvement in His redemptive plan and His desire for a place of worship that perfectly reflects His holiness.

Context and Background

The preceding verses (Exodus 31:1-5) introduce Bezalel as the divinely appointed chief architect and craftsman for the Tabernacle. Exodus 31:6 then expands upon this by naming his primary assistant, Oholiab, and crucially, by stating that God has given skill to all the skilled workers. This entire section is situated within the larger narrative of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land. The Tabernacle, with its intricate furnishings and sacred rituals, was to be the focal point of their worship and a constant reminder of God's presence among them. The meticulous detail in these instructions reflects the importance God placed on this sacred space and the need for its perfect construction.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Appointment and Assistance: God doesn't just assign tasks; He appoints individuals and provides them with the necessary support. Bezalel is the lead, but Oholiab is specifically named as a helper, indicating the importance of teamwork and collaboration under divine direction.
• God as the Source of Skill: The verse explicitly states that God "has given ability to all the skilled workers." This emphasizes that all human talents, creativity, and craftsmanship are ultimately gifts from God, to be used for His purposes.
• Obedience Through Competence: The Israelites were commanded to build the Tabernacle, but God ensured they had the competence to do so. This highlights that obedience to God often involves utilizing the skills He has bestowed.
• Holiness and Precision: The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle underscore the holiness of God and the need for precision in approaching Him. Every element was to be constructed exactly as commanded.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse has profound spiritual implications. It teaches that when God calls individuals to serve Him, He equips them. Whether in ministry, vocations, or daily life, our abilities are not merely innate but are divine endowments to be consecrated to God's service. The appointment of specific individuals and the provision of general skill for all involved illustrate God's structured approach to His work. It also serves as a reminder that even the most mundane or technical tasks can be acts of worship if performed with a heart devoted to God and according to His will. The unity of purpose and skill in building the Tabernacle foreshadows the unity of believers in Christ for building up the church.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The construction of the Tabernacle is a pivotal event in the Old Testament, laying the groundwork for the concept of God's dwelling place among His people. This act of building and equipping directly anticipates the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity (John 1:14, Colossians 2:9). The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, were temporary structures pointing towards a more perfect and eternal reality. The principle of God empowering His people for His purposes continues throughout Scripture, from the prophets and apostles to the equipping of every believer for their unique role in the Body of Christ.

Analogies

• A Master Builder and His Crew: Imagine a master architect designing a magnificent cathedral. He not only has the vision but also carefully selects and empowers skilled stonemasons, carpenters, and artists to bring his design to life, ensuring each contributes their best according to his plan.
• A Symphony Orchestra: A conductor leads an orchestra, but the music is only possible because each musician, from the principal violinist to the percussionist, has been gifted with skill and diligently practices their instrument. The conductor's role is to unify their talents towards a harmonious whole, much like God directs His people.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 31:1-5: This passage directly precedes and sets the stage for verse 6, introducing Bezalel and the overall divine mandate for the Tabernacle's construction.
• Exodus 35:30-35: This passage reiterates the divine endowment of skill, stating, "Then Moses said to the Israelites, 'See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts... And he has filled them with skill to do every kind of work done by an engraver and by a designer and by an embroiderer in blue, purple and fine linen and by a weaver—all working with the skill of weavers and designers.'" This reinforces that the ability comes directly from God.
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-11: This New Testament passage speaks of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the common good of the church, paralleling the idea of God imparting specific abilities for His purposes.
• Ephesians 4:11-12: This verse describes Christ giving apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers "to equip God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." This echoes the principle of divine appointment and equipping for the building of God's kingdom.