Bible Strands
Exodus 31:6
Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God addresses Moses on Mount Sinai while finalizing the directives for the Tabernacle's construction and the Sabbath command. He names Oholiab to serve as Bezalel's assistant in executing the divine blueprint.
The words — The Hebrew phrase נָתַתִּי אֶת־אָהֳלִיאָב (natatti et-Aholiab) literally renders "I have appointed Oholiab" or "I have given Oholiab." The verb denotes a direct divine allocation of authority and capacity.
The thread — The mobilization of skilled workers recurs in Exodus 35:10 and Exodus 35:34, with the latter explicitly naming Oholiab as a teacher alongside Bezalel. Exodus 28:3 parallels the theme of God filling craftsmen with wisdom for sacred work.
Why it lands — The text establishes that sacred construction depends on divinely granted skill and appointed leadership rather than human initiative. It requires readers to align their labor with specific instructions and recognize God's direct provision for the work.
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 I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
Cross-references
- Exodus 28:3 You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron’s consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest.
- Exodus 35:10 Let every skilled craftsman among you come and make everything that the LORD has commanded:
- Exodus 35:34 And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.
- Exodus 35:25 Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun: blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen.
- Luke 10:1 After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit.
- Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
- James 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
- Exodus 4:14 Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well, and he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
- Exodus 37:1 Bezalel went on to construct the ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.
- 1 Kings 3:12 behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.