How was the Holy Spirit involved in the building of the Tabernacle?
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| Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh (painting by Benjamin West) (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
It is true that at the burning bush Moses complained that he could not speak well and God designated Aaron as Moses’ prophet or spokesman. But God still spoke to Moses, and Moses would then speak to Aaron. Thus, Moses was still the real prophet (Exodus 3:4; 4:10–16).
At every point in Moses’ dealings with Pharaoh and Israel, God continued to speak to Moses. At Mt. Sinai God did speak directly to the people in the initial giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17). But the people were so filled with terror and awe caused by the voice of God and all the accompanying sights and sounds that they backed off to the far side of the valley. Then they begged Moses to speak with them instead of having God speak (Exodus 20:18, 19). Thus, Moses alone was permitted to ascend to the top of Mount Sinai where he received the Law written on tables of stone, as well as directions for the tabernacle.
The tabernacle was a project intended to help the Israelites learn to work together, as well as a place where God would continually manifest His presence. All could participate. Those whose hearts made them willing could bring gold or silver. If they had none, they could bring brass (copper). Blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen were needed, but so was goat’s hair. They could also bring their skills (Exodus 25:1–9; 35:5–9, 20–26). But in every situation there are always people who do not have anything and cannot do anything. These were to come and be taught. God promised to fill two men, Bezalel and Oholiab, with the Spirit to sharpen their own skills and to enable them to teach others also (Exodus 31:2, 3; 35:30, 31).
This filling with the Spirit would be the source of “skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts” (Exodus 31:3) In other words, the Spirit would supply them with supernatural help in connection with the practical tasks of preparing materials for the tabernacle that would be both useful and beautiful.
“Skill” in the Old Testament usually includes practical wisdom that makes it possible to reach one’s goals. “Ability,” also translated “understanding,” usually includes insight and intelligent decisions. “Knowledge” includes “know-how” that sees what needs to be done and how best to do it. All this came from the Spirit. Bezalel and Oholiab were not to depend on their natural abilities and skills alone. They would still work hard, but at the same time they would depend on the Spirit and receive help from Him. Note, however, that not all the workers were filled—only those two who were specially named and chosen by the Lord.
Horton, S. M. (2005). What the Bible Says about the Holy Spirit (pp. 25–26). Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House.
