Exo 31:1-5 | Clarke | STEP | Bezaleel appointed for the work of the tabernacle, . Aholiab appointed for the same, . The particular things on which they were to be employed, the ark and mercy-seat, . Table, candlestick, and altar of incense, . Altar of burnt-offering and the laver, . Priest's garments, . Anointing oil and sweet incense, . God renews the command relative to the sanctification of the Sabbath, . Delivers to Moses the two tables of stone, .

Exodus 31:1-5

Introduction

Bezaleel appointed for the work of the tabernacle, Exo 31:1-5. Aholiab appointed for the same, Exo 31:6. The particular things on which they were to be employed, the ark and mercy-seat, Exo 31:7. Table, candlestick, and altar of incense, Exo 31:8. Altar of burnt-offering and the laver, Exo 31:9. Priest's garments, Exo 31:10. Anointing oil and sweet incense, Exo 31:11. God renews the command relative to the sanctification of the Sabbath, Exo 31:12-17. Delivers to Moses the two tables of stone, Exo 31:18. Verse 2

I have called by name Bezaleel - That is, I have particularly appointed this person to be the chief superintendent of the whole work. His name is significant, בצלאל betsal-el, in or under the shadow of God, meaning, under the especial protection of the Most High. He was the son of Uri, the son of Hur, the son of Caleb or Chelubai, the son of Esron, the son of Pharez, the son of Judah. See 1Chr 2:5, 1Chr 2:9,1Chr 2:18, 1Chr 2:19, 1Chr 2:20, and see Clarke's note on Exo 17:10. Verse 3

I have filled him with the spirit of God - See Clarke's note on Exo 28:3.

In wisdom - חכמה, chochmah, from חכם chacham, to be wise, skillful, or prudent, denoting the compass of mind and strength of capacity necessary to form a wise man: hence our word wisdom, the power of judging what is wise or best to be done; from the Saxon, to teach, to advise, and to judge; hence the doom or judgment of the well taught, wise, or prudent man.

Understanding - תבונה tebunah, from בן ban or bun, to separate, distinguish, discern; capacity to comprehend the different parts of a work, how to connect, arrange, etc., in order to make a complete whole.

Knowledge - דעת daath, denoting particular acquaintance with a person or thing; practical, experimental knowledge. Verse 4

Cunning works - מחשבת machashaboth, works of invention or genius, in the goldsmith and silversmith line. Verse 5

In cutting of stones, etc. - Every thing that concerned the lapidary's, jeweler's, and carver's art.