God cares about who He chooses without any partiality


The special craftsmen combination of Bezalel and Oholiab as Builders of the Tabernacle, should encourage us in this Lockdown to Unlock our Creativity…. Exodus 36:1-2

⛏️In Exodus 25-31 the Lord gave Moses specific instructions regarding building the tabernacle and its furnishings. He even told him the names of the skilled craftsmen who He wanted as lead persons in the construction, choosing Bezalel and Oholiab who began the work as instructed.

⛏️The workers and builders of the Tabernacle lacked no raw materials because of the generosity of the people, who were told to stop supplying any more items because of the surplus supply, Exodus 36:4-7.

⛏️What is so noticeable is the conduct of the workers. The level of group obedience was remarkable and their attitude to work was excellent. Over many months they had to intricately weave, skilfully carve, and meticulously overlay with gold according to God’s exact instructions, like a clockwork, Exodus 36-39.

⛏️Let us focus on two of the lead craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab. Bezalel, son of Uri son of Hur, was of the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab, son of Ahisamach was of the tribe of Dan, Exodus 31:2-6, 35:30-35. Bezalel, in Hebrew means, In the shadow or protection of God and Oholiab, in Hebrew means, father’s tent. The Tabernacle was the Father’s Tent being built under God’s own shadow and protection.

⛏️The tribe of Judah birthed by Leah, Genesis 29:35, was the tribe of the monarchy, and the lineage of the Messiah, whereas Dan, the son born to Rachel’s maidservant, Bilahah, was one of the lowest of the tribes, Genesis 30-5-6. The tribe of Judah marched at the head of the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness, Numbers10:14, and the tribe of Dan was at the tail end, Numbers 10:25. 

⛏️Choosing both these tribes symbolizes God drawing together the entire people of Israel, from one end to the other, and in the work of the Tabernacle God gave them equal opportunity and status irrespective of their tribal position.

⛏️This shows that small and great alike are equal before God. We see a parallel of this combination of choosing from the noblest and the lowliest, in the Temple construction, where King Solomon, from the tribe of Judah, and Huram-Abi, the builder incharge, whose mother was from Dan, 2 Chronicles 2:13-14 

⛏️The story of Bezalel and Oholiab shows us that God cares about who He chooses without any partiality and gives them craftsmen skills and talents for various artistic endeavors as a gift from Him. Bezalel and Oholiab should encourage Christians today to be creative in every domain for the glory of God.

⛏️In this lockdown we should be encouraged that in Christ Jesus God will empower us to do His work as Family Builders, Community Builders and Nation Builders with His Holy Spirit. Bezalel in particular was filled with God’s Spirit, Exodus 31:2–3, a rare occurrence in Old Testament times, giving them the ability to work in every kind of crafting, including woodwork, stonework, metalwork, engraving, embroidery, and weaving. Both were given the ability to teach all the other craftsmen who had been given special skill by God, to complete the tabernacle according to God’s specifications, Exodus 36:8–39:43.

⛏️Child of God, Remember this, many craftsmen were needed for the work, of building the Tabernacle. God specifically choose two people by name. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus and equipped for His good purpose before the foundation of the earth, Ephesians 2:10.

God has sown His design for building for His Kingdom here on earth in us through our gifts, talents and creativity. He will equip us and empower us to do His work. We need to tap into His Presence to bring down His Plan for each of us on our drawing board. Get busy, unlock your potential in this lockdown, discover your creativity in the time God has given us.

⛏️Both Judah and Dan are referred to as the Lion’s Cub by Jacob and Moses, in Genesis 49:9 and Deuteronomy 33:22, reflecting their boldness, courage, determination and leadership qualities for the good of the other tribes. We have the Lion of Judah to help us finish our unfinished task. Let this lockdown be a time of beautiful creativity for God’s Glory…. Amen🙏

anniekoshy@God’s Thirstydeer🦌 Breaking the Chain with You….⛓️