Our text takes us to the construction of the tabernacle in Israel at Mount Horeb. The book of Exodus tells us about this in great detail. In the chapters 25 to 31 we find the instructions the LORD gave for building the tabernacle. Chapters 35 to 40 tell us exactly how everything was carried out according to God’s command.

The building of the tabernacle is the second great event that took place at Mount Horeb. First, the LORD established his covenant with Israel. After that, he gave instructions to prepare a dwelling place for him  in the midst of Israel. These two things were inseparable. That Israel was privileged to be God’s own people came to expression in the LORD’s dwelling among his children. Yes, we may even say that this is what the LORD was after: to dwell among them. For the LORD said to Moses at Mount Sinai: “They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.” (Ex 29:46.)

It is remarkable that Israel was allowed to give to God the tabernacle and everything that belonged to it. Moses receives instructions for an offering whereby everyone can make a completely voluntary contribution. Israel may erect the tabernacle for the LORD as a tangible thank offering (cf. Ex 25:1-9). We are deeply impressed when we read what precious materials are used and how skillfully the sanctuary is built.

Even though Israel was allowed to give the tabernacle to God out of thankfulness, this does not mean however, that they could build it according to human design. We read continually that everything had to be made as the LORD had commanded it. The whole construction was under God’s command: “Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” (Ex 25:9.)

A group of choice craftsmen carried out the grand work of building the sanctuary (cf. Ex 36:2, 4). The whole project was clearly under the leadership of Bezalel, a man of the tribe of Judah, who was assisted by Oholiab of the tribe of Dan. 

We read in our text that God had filled Bezalel with his Spirit, with skill, ability and knowledge in “all kinds of crafts.” This last addition points to his craftsmanship and skill necessary for building the tabernacle. For “craftsmen” in Exodus 36:4 the Hebrew reads “wise men”.

It is striking that the chapters dealing with the building of the tabernacle tell us repeatedly that the LORD gave this wisdom (cf. Ex 28:3; 31:6; 36:2). Our text points out that the ability, skill and knowledge of Bezalel were gifts of the Holy Spirit. Bezalel could give leadership in this great work because the Spirit of God had filled him in a special way and equipped him with exquisite gifts.

The Israelites were allowed to build the sanctuary for the LORD. But their gift to God was, from beginning to end, God’s gift to them. Also this service of thankfulness was a gift from God. The Holy Spirit granted all the craftsmanship, skill and artistic ability that were indispensable for this work.

Calvin has rightly drawn our attention to this work of the Holy Spirit. Our text shows us again how far and wide the work of the Holy Spirit extends. It includes more than what we usually sum up in the word “sanctification.” The Spirit also equipped men with craftsmanship and artistic ability in order to be able to complete the magnificent work of building the tabernacle.

Our text plays an important role in Calvin’s speaking about the work of the Holy Spirit. He repeatedly points to our text to impress upon us how much man depends on the Holy Spirit in the fields of science and art. Speaking about the different sciences, Calvin notes:

“Meanwhile, we ought not to forget those most excellent benefits of the divine Spirit, which he distributes to whomever he wills, for the common good of mankind. The understanding and knowledge of Bezalel and Oholiab, needed to construct the Tabernacle, had to be instilled in them by the Spirit of God [Ex. 31:2-11; 35:30-35]. It is no wonder then, that the knowledge of all that is most excellent in human life is said to be communicated to us through the Spirit of God.” ¹ Calvin warns us not to make light of these gifts of the Spirit, for whoever does that, despises and holds the Spirit him self in contempt.

It seems to me that Calvin jumps too easily from Bezalel and Oholiab to mankind in general. The Holy Spirit equipped Bezalel and Oholiab for a very special purpose in a particular situation. In these chapters we hear how the LORD through his Spirit gives what he asks in a particular situation. Also Israel’s service of thankfulness with regard to the building of the tabernacle is a gift from God. Moreover, it may not escape our notice that God’s Spirit had “filled” Bezalel. This indicates that the Spirit had made this Israelite completely into a useful instrument in his hand.

It seems to me too big a jump when Calvin indiscriminately calls all kinds of sciences “gifts of the Spirit.” Scripture never speaks that way about the gifts of the Spirit. Moreover, we may not lose sight of the influence of sin in all that man invents and makes. That Calvin forgets certain limits is also apparent in his commentary on our text. There he states that 1 Corinthians 12:4 not only applies to the Spiritual gifts that follow regeneration but to all sciences that serve the benefit of society.

It should strike us nevertheless that our text mentions the Holy Spirit in one breath with craftsmanship, skill and artistic ability. Here we may also refer to the words of Elihu: “But it is the spirit in a man, the breath (Spirit) of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.” (Cf. Job 32:8.)

It is the LORD who gives man wisdom, knowledge and insight. Calvin rightly underlines the total dependence of man in this respect. In Isaiah 28:26 we read that the LORD instructs and teaches even the farmer for his work in the field. Man, also after the fall into sin, is still capable of many things and the world of men is full of art and science; this is not to be ascribed to man’s ability but to God who gives his good gifts and so upholds this world.

From our text and also from Job 32:8 we learn that the LORD does this by his Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit of God who makes man discover the truth, adorns him with artistic ability and enables him to accomplish great things.

Also in this respect we will have to honor the Holy Spirit. He gives gifts to human beings, gifts which can be shamefully misused. We are also familiar with idolatrous science and pagan art!

If man wants to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit properly, that is, in accordance with God’s purpose, he will have to let himself be guided by this great Giver. Here too the word of the apostle Paul applies: “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Tim 4:4, 5.)