Exodus 31:6 - Behold, I myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you:

Generated Verse: Exodus 31:6

What does "Exodus 31:6" mean?


This verse, Exodus 31:6, is part of God's instructions to Moses regarding the building of the Tabernacle. Let's break down its meaning:

"Behold, I myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan;"
"Behold": This word draws attention to the importance of what's about to be said.
"I myself have appointed with him Oholiab": God is specifically designating Oholiab to work alongside Bezalel (who was appointed earlier in the chapter as the chief artisan). This highlights that God is directly involved in choosing the people to perform the sacred work.
"Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan": Identifying Oholiab's lineage and tribal affiliation signifies that he is chosen from within the Israelite community. The tribe of Dan wasn't necessarily known for artistry or craftsmanship, so this suggests that God's choice wasn't based on traditional qualifications but on divine selection.

"and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you:"
"in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom": This doesn't mean everyone automatically receives wisdom, but rather that God has bestowed the necessary skill, understanding, and insight upon those who are willing and capable to work on the Tabernacle. This wisdom is divinely inspired, going beyond natural talent.
"that they may make all that I have commanded you": The purpose of this divinely granted wisdom is to enable the artisans to create everything according to God's specific instructions. It emphasizes the importance of following God's design precisely. The Tabernacle isn't just any building; it's a representation of God's presence among the Israelites, and therefore must be constructed according to His specifications.

In essence, this verse conveys the following key ideas:

Divine Appointment: God is actively selecting and appointing individuals for specific tasks related to His purposes.
Empowerment: God provides the necessary skills, wisdom, and understanding for these chosen individuals to fulfill their roles.
Obedience: The purpose of the divine empowerment is to enable obedience to God's commands and instructions.
Inclusivity: The reference to the tribe of Dan suggests that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or perceived abilities, as long as they are willing and open to receiving His guidance.
Importance of God's Design: The construction of the Tabernacle must be according to God's precise design, highlighting the significance of adhering to His will in all aspects of worship and service.

In short, God is ensuring that the Tabernacle is built according to His specifications by divinely equipping chosen individuals with the necessary skills and wisdom. This showcases His active involvement and meticulous planning in establishing His presence among the Israelites.