---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Exodus 31"
description: "CHAPTER 31   :-. BEZALEEL AND
AHOLIAB. 2. See, I have called—Though
the instructions about the tabernacle were privately communicated to
Moses, it was pla"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/exodus/31"
---

CHAPTER 31

. BEZALEEL AND
AHOLIAB.

**2. See, I have called**—Though
the instructions about the tabernacle were privately communicated to
Moses, it was plainly impossible that he could superintend the work
in person, amid the multiplicity of his other duties. A head director
or builder was selected by God Himself; and the nomination by such
high authority removed all ground of jealousy or discontent on the
part of any who might have thought their merits overlooked (compare
[Matthew 18:1](../../../kjv/matthew/18/1)).
**by name Bezaleel**—signifying
"in the shadow or protection of God"; and, as called to
discharge a duty of great magnitude—to execute a confidential trust
in the ancient Church of God, he has his family and lineage recorded
with marked distinction. He belonged to the tribe of Judah, which,
doubtless for wise and weighty reasons, God all along delighted to
honor; and he was the grandson of Hur, a pious patriot ([Matthew 18:1](../../../kjv/matthew/18/1)), who was associated, by a special commission, with Aaron
in the government of the people during the absence of Moses.
Moreover, it may be noticed that a Jewish tradition affirms Hur to be
the husband of Miriam; and if this tradition may be relied on, it
affords an additional reason for the appointment of Bezaleel
emanating from the direct authority of God.

**3-5. I have filled him with the
spirit of God**—It is probable that he was naturally endowed with
a mechanical genius, and had acquired in Egypt great knowledge and
skill in the useful, as well as liberal, arts so as to be a
first-class artisan, competent to take charge of both the plain and
ornamental work, which the building of the sacred edifice required.
When God has any special work to be accomplished, He always raises up
instruments capable of doing it; and it is likely that He had given
to the son of Uri that strong natural aptitude and those
opportunities of gaining mechanical skill, with an ultimate view to
this responsible office. Notwithstanding that his grand duty was to
conform with scrupulous fidelity to the pattern furnished, there was
still plenty of room for inventive talent and tasteful exactness in
the execution; and his natural and acquired gifts were enlarged and
invigorated for the important work.

**6. I have given with him Aholiab**—He
belonged to the tribe of Dan, one of the least influential and
honorable in Israel; and here, too, we can trace the evidence of wise
and paternal design, in choosing the colleague or assistant of
Bezaleel from an inferior tribe (compare [1 Corinthians 12:14-25](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/12/14-25);
[Mark 6:7](../../../kjv/mark/6/7)).
**all that are wise-hearted I
have put wisdom**—At that period, when one spirit pervaded all
Israel, it was not the man full of heavenly genius who presided over
the work; but all who contributed their skill, experience, and labor,
in rendering the smallest assistance, showed their piety and
devotedness to the divine service. In like manner, it was at the
commencement of the Christian Church ([Acts 6:5](../../../kjv/acts/6/5);
[Acts 18:2](../../../kjv/acts/18/2)).

**12-17. Verily my sabbaths ye shall
keep**—The reason for the fresh inculcation of the fourth
commandment at this particular period was, that the great ardor and
eagerness, with which all classes betook themselves to the
construction of the tabernacle, exposed them to the temptation of
encroaching on the sanctity of the appointed day of rest. They might
suppose that the erection of the tabernacle was a sacred work, and
that it would be a high merit, an acceptable tribute, to prosecute
the undertaking without the interruption of a day's repose; and
therefore the caution here given, at the commencement of the
undertaking, was a seasonable admonition.

**18. tables of stone, written with
the finger of God**—containing the ten commandments (), called "tables of testimony," because God
testified His will in them.

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