QT 5/14/2026 Exodus 35:30–36:7, We need the whole body

Exodus 35:30–36:7 (ESV) —

30 Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, 32 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, 33 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. 34 And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. 35 He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer.

1 “Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.”

2 And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work. 3 And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, 4 so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, 5 and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” 6 So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, 7 for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.

 

NOTE: In the New Covenant (through Jesus' blood), the Holy Spirit also gives gifts (1 Cor 12:4-11). The Holy Spirit is given upon belief in Jesus.

 

Ephesians 1:13–14 (ESV) — 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Acts 2:38 (ESV) — And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

Not so in the Old Covenant. The Holy Spirit was not given to all. It was not a promise (at least until the Messiah came). It did give gifts apparently, and a few are listed here: skill, intelligence, knowledge, craftsmanship, design, metal work, stone work, wood work, teaching, and other crafts. One can develop these gifts through hard work, apprenticeship, and training. And in fact, God calls other craftsmen to the job, but Bezalel (and Oholiab) were given special gifts for the work of building their worship center.

 

The people also responded, above and beyond the call in their giving.

 

While some had special gifts, they still needed others to do the work for God. Rarely does anyone do something on their own. God just doesn't work that way. The body of Christ is required, not lone rangers. Others have to be a part of the ministry or it will fail.

 

PONDER:

1. What ministry am I a part of and /or supporting?
2. Am I trying to do a ministry on my own?

 

PRAYER: Father, many people are involved in the ministry I lead to make disciples. But I need to do more to create a leadership group. I can't lead on my own, I need to involve others in the body. I pray for leading on who to involve and invite to such a ministry. Lead me and guide me.