Matthew Henry Commentary


Matthew Henry Commentary
"And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, Jehovah hath called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And he hath filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship; and to devise skilful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all manner of skilful workmanship. And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of workmanship, of the engraver, and of the skilful workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any workmanship, and of those that devise skilful works." — Exodus 35:30-35 (ASV)
Here we see the Divine appointment of the lead craftsmen, so that there would be no conflict over the office, and so that all who were employed in the work could receive direction from, and be accountable to, them. Those whom God called by name to his service, he filled with the Spirit of God. Skill, even in ordinary occupations, is God's gift and comes from above.
But many are ready enough to assign work to other people, and can tell what this or that person should do; but the burdens they bind on others, they themselves will not touch with one of their fingers. Such individuals will be characterized as slothful servants.
These men were not only to plan and to work themselves, but they were also to teach others. Those who rule should teach; and those to whom God has given knowledge should be willing to make it known for the benefit of others.