Bible Strands
Exodus 31:5
to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — God addresses Moses at Sinai, specifying Bezalel's qualifications immediately after listing the tabernacle's materials. This directive follows the command to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze.
The words — The phrase לְמַלֹּאת אֶבֶן (le.ma.Lot 'E.ven) literally means "to fill a stone," describing the setting of gemstones. The term בַּחֲרֹשֶׁת עֵץ (ba.cha.Ro.shet 'Etz) denotes the specific act of carving wood.
The thread — This emphasis on stone setting and wood carving recurs in the priestly garments, where onyx stones are engraved with the names of Israel's sons (Exodus 28:9). The same skilled workmanship is then extended to Oholiab and all appointed craftsmen (Exodus 31:6).
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that specialized manual labor is divinely appointed rather than merely human achievement. It requires the reader to treat skilled craftsmanship as a consecrated function within the tabernacle's construction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
Cross-references
- Exodus 28:9 Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: