Exodus 35 32

Exodus 35:32 kjv

And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

Exodus 35:32 nkjv

to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze,

Exodus 35:32 niv

to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze,

Exodus 35:32 esv

to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze,

Exodus 35:32 nlt

He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze.

Exodus 35 verses

Exodus 35 32 Meaning

Exodus 35:32 describes a specific aspect of the divine enablement given to Bezalel, the chief artisan for the Tabernacle. It highlights his Spirit-empowered ability to conceive, design, and skillfully execute intricate craftsmanship in precious metals – gold, silver, and bronze. This verse underscores that the complex and beautiful work for God's sanctuary was not merely human talent, but a supernatural gift for sacred purpose.

Exodus 35 32 Context

Exodus chapter 35, following the detailed commands for the Tabernacle's construction (chapters 25-31) and the covenant renewal after the golden calf incident (chapters 32-34), serves as a transition from divine command to human action. It records Moses summoning the whole congregation of Israel to hear God's instructions for the Tabernacle's building. The chapter opens with a renewed emphasis on Sabbath observance, followed by the call for freewill offerings (Exod 35:4-9) and for skilled artisans. Verse 32, specifically part of Moses' declaration regarding Bezalel (Exod 35:30-35), explains the type of unique abilities Bezalel possessed due to the filling of the Spirit of God. This passage establishes that not only materials but also the requisite human skills are to be supernaturally empowered and devoted entirely to the worship of God according to His prescribed blueprint for the Tabernacle.

Exodus 35 32 Word analysis

• to devise (לַחְשֹׁב, lachshov): From the Hebrew root חָשַׁב (ḥashav), meaning to think, compute, consider, plan, design, or invent. The prefix la- denotes purpose ("to do"). This isn't mere manual labor but intellectual and creative insight—the ability to conceive complex, detailed plans. It implies intelligence, ingenuity, and forethought necessary for intricate craftsmanship.
• artistic designs (מַחֲשָׁבֹת, machashavot): This plural noun, derived from the same root ḥashav, means "thoughts," "inventions," "devices," or "designs." In this context, it refers to the detailed plans, patterns, and complex aesthetic elements Bezalel was able to conceive in his mind for the Tabernacle's objects. It underscores the precision and beauty required for sacred articles.
• for working (לַעֲשׂוֹת, laʿasot): From the root עָשָׂה (ʿasa), meaning "to do," "to make," or "to perform." The la- prefix again indicates purpose. This highlights the practical execution of the conceived designs, turning abstract ideas into tangible sacred objects. It connects mental conceptualization with physical labor.
• in gold (בַּזָּהָב, bazahav): Gold (zahav) was the most precious and resistant to tarnish, signifying divine glory, purity, holiness, and incorruptibility. Its use throughout the Tabernacle emphasized the majesty and sacredness of God's dwelling.
• in silver (וּבַכֶּסֶף, uvakesef): Silver (kesef) held significant monetary and symbolic value. It was often associated with redemption (e.g., redemption of the firstborn). In the Tabernacle, it was used for bases of pillars and hooks, signifying foundations and connections.
• and in bronze (וּבַנְּחֹשֶׁת, uvanechoshet): Bronze (nechoshet) or copper, while less valuable than gold or silver, was durable and used for sacrificial elements like the altar of burnt offering, signifying strength, judgment, and cleansing from sin. Its practical robustness was essential for certain implements.

Words-group analysis:

• to devise artistic designs: This phrase emphasizes both the intellectual and creative dimensions of Bezalel's gifts. It highlights his ability to generate complex, aesthetically pleasing, and functionally precise blueprints in his mind before physically creating them. This is the "head" work before the "hand" work. It implies the planning and conceptualizing for the Tabernacle, not simply reproducing something known, but creating specific God-ordained artifacts.
• for working in gold, in silver, and in bronze: This grouping identifies the specific materials of mastery. These three metals were foundational to the Tabernacle's construction, representing different levels of value, strength, and sacred function within the sanctuary. Their combination underscores the versatility and comprehensive nature of Bezalel's metalworking skill, essential for constructing various elements from the Ark of the Covenant to the outer altar.

Exodus 35 32 Bonus section

The gifting of Bezalel illustrates that the Holy Spirit's empowerment in the Old Testament was not solely limited to prophetic, priestly, or kingly functions, but also extended to practical and artistic domains. This comprehensive filling meant that the Tabernacle's construction was not just an impressive feat of human engineering, but a Spirit-directed work of art, a tangible reflection of heavenly design. This understanding establishes a biblical precedent for the sanctity and spiritual significance of vocational skill and craftsmanship, viewing them as genuine spiritual gifts intended for the advancement of God's purposes on earth. It also subtly reinforces God's meticulous nature, desiring excellence and beauty in that which pertains to His dwelling, as only Spirit-filled craftsmen could truly meet His precise, divinely-revealed standards.

Exodus 35 32 Commentary

Exodus 35:32 succinctly encapsulates the profound theological truth that all genuine skill used in God's service originates from God Himself. Bezalel's ability to devise intricate designs and work with demanding materials like gold, silver, and bronze was not merely a result of innate talent or learned expertise; it was a divine impartation. The "filling of the Spirit of God" (Exod 31:3) empowered his mind and hands to perfectly execute the precise, detailed commands for the Tabernacle. This emphasizes that spiritual wisdom isn't just for prophetic utterance or theological insight but extends to practical, vocational artistry when it's purposed for God's glory. The artistry served not human pride but the divine blueprint, transforming raw materials into sacred vessels that facilitated proper worship of Yahweh, distinguishing Israel's crafts from those that formed idols. This serves as a timeless principle: all our abilities, talents, and vocations, when submitted to God's will and filled by His Spirit, can become avenues for holy service and the manifestation of His kingdom. For instance, a skilled musician can compose worship songs, an engineer can design structures for ministries, or an accountant can manage resources for mission, all empowered by divine enablement.