John Calvin Commentary Exodus 36:2

"And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart Jehovah had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:" — Exodus 36:2 (ASV)

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab. It is not without reason that Moses so often exalts the grace of God’s Spirit in the ingenuity and artistic skill of the workers. First, he speaks of them as skillful architects, and then, by way of correction, adds that they were equipped from above with such intelligence.

Thus, the absurdity of the Papists is refuted, who, to prove free will, think it sufficient to cite passages in which uprightness of will is commended. However, even though people may will rightly, it is foolish to infer that they therefore possess free will, unless it is proven that this will originates from themselves.

Consequently, what follows in the text—that everyone contributed either their labor or their possessions to the building of the tabernacle, according as their hearts stirred them up—does not make people the authors of pious affections in such a way as to defraud God of His praise.

It is true that people understand, are willing, and encourage themselves to holy endeavors; but the question is, from where do their intelligence, their will, and their zeal in doing good come? Scripture decides that these are the gifts of God and the Spirit; the Papists improperly arrogate these to themselves.