Charles Ellicott Commentary Exodus 31:6

"And I, behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee:" — Exodus 31:6 (ASV)

Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach. —It has been observed above (see the first Note on the chapter) that Bezaleel’s work was general, Aholiab’s, special. Our version, indeed, styles the latter an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer (Exodus 38:23), from which it might be supposed that, like Bezaleel, he cultivated various branches of art. In the original, however, nothing is said of engraving, and the true meaning seems to be that Aholiab had the charge of the textile fabrics needed for the sanctuary, and directed both the weaving and the embroidery, but did not concern himself with other matters. (See Note on Exodus 38:23).

Of the tribe of Dan. —The tribe of Dan is among the most undistinguished; but it produced two great artists—Aholiab, the skilful maker of the textile fabrics of the tabernacle, and Hiram, the master workman employed in the ornamentation of Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 2:14).

All that are wise hearted. —On the expression wise hearted, see Note 1 on Exodus 28:3.