Bible Strands
Exodus 36:2
Then Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person whom the LORD had gifted—everyone whose heart stirred him to come and do the work.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses acts as the earthly administrator, summoning Bezalel, Oholiab, and all skilled workers at the moment of tabernacle construction. This occurs after God’s initial commissioning and immediately before the collection of materials for the sanctuary.
The words — The verb וַ/יִּקְרָ֣א (va/yiqrāʾ) means “he called” or “summoned,” indicating a deliberate, authoritative summons rather than a casual invitation. The word כָּל־ (kol) emphasizes that the call extended to “every” skilled person, not just the named leaders.
The thread — The pattern of divine appointment followed by human execution recurs in Exodus 31:6, where God selects Oholiab as an assistant, and in Colossians 4:17, which commands Archippus to complete his received ministry. Hebrews 5:4 reinforces that such roles require divine calling, not self-appointment.
Why it lands — The text states that service originates with God’s gifting and a stirred heart, preceding human action. Readers must examine whether their own involvement in sacred work stems from divine initiative rather than personal ambition.
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 Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:
Cross-references
- Colossians 4:17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
- 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:
- Hebrews 5:4 No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.
- 1 Chronicles 29:5 for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now who is willing to consecrate himself to the LORD today?”
- Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
- Exodus 25:2 “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.
- 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 35:2 For six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death.
- Exodus 35:10 Let every skilled craftsman among you come and make everything that the LORD has commanded:
- Exodus 35:21 And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.