Summary of Meaning

Exodus 31:6 highlights God's provision of craftsmanship and wisdom to those tasked with constructing the tabernacle and its furnishings. The passage underscores the importance of divine inspiration in the creative process, revealing that all skills and abilities are ultimately gifts from God.

Commentary Insights

Insights from notable commentaries enhance the understanding of this verse:

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes God’s sovereignty in designating artisans, suggesting that He empowers individuals with specific skills for His service. The notion of "wisehearted" indicates a deep-seated wisdom that goes beyond mere intellectual capability—it involves spiritual insight and understanding.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes that the mention of "Aholiab" serves as a demonstration of God’s inclusive approach, providing leadership roles to members from different tribes. It shows that God's work requires collective participation and diverse gifts, encouraging believers that they too have a role to play in God’s plans.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke explores the idea of how God places wisdom in the hearts of ordinary people, enabling them to perform extraordinary tasks. He suggests that this is a clear link to the New Testament where spiritual gifts are also emphasized, indicating a continuity of God's blessing through the Scriptures.

Bible Verse Cross-References

Thematic connections between Exodus 31:6 and other scripture can illuminate its significance. Here are some key cross-references:

• Exodus 35:30-35: The Lord continues to call upon skilled artisans, emphasizing how He equips them for His work.
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-11: Discusses the diversity of gifts and abilities in the body of Christ, paralleling God’s provision in Exodus.
• Romans 12:6-8: Each believer is given different gifts for ministry, relating to how God has endowed skill and wisdom to specific individuals.
• Proverbs 2:6: "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding," reinforcing the source of true wisdom.
• James 1:5: Indicates that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask of God, highlighting that wisdom is a divine gift.
• Exodus 36:1-7: Further elaborates on the talents given by God for the work on the tabernacle, showcasing community involvement.
• 2 Chronicles 2:7-13: Solomon seeks skilled workers to build the temple, indicating a continued theme in God’s plans for sacred spaces.
• 1 Peter 4:10: Encourages the use of gifts for the service of others, reflecting the communal aspect of the work in Exodus.
• Acts 6:3: Appointing men full of the Spirit and wisdom for service parallels the selecting of skilled artisans by divine guidance.
• Isaiah 28:26: "For He instructs him for right; His God teaches him," establishing God as the ultimate teacher of wisdom and skill.

Thematic Connections

The themes present in Exodus 31:6 resonate throughout the Bible, illustrating God’s persistent pattern of calling individuals according to their gifts. The connections include:

• Divine Empowerment: God equips individuals not only in Exodus but also seen in the New Testament with the apostles and prophets.
• Community and Collaboration: The work of God often involves teamwork—seen in both the building of the tabernacle and in the early church.
• Wisdom and Understanding: Throughout biblical texts, wisdom is portrayed as a crucial gift from God, necessary for fulfilling His commands.

Conclusion

The insights drawn from Exodus 31:6 remind believers of the essential role of God’s divine gifting in the lives of His people, enabling them to fulfill His plans. Understanding this verse not only enriches one’s grasp of the Scriptures but also encourages individuals in their unique contributions to God’s work.