Exodus 35:31 - Summary and Interpretation
Bible Verse: "And he hath filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." (Exodus 35:31)
This verse speaks to the divine empowerment bestowed upon skilled artisans, specifically Bezalel, to carry out the intricate work of constructing the Tabernacle. The filling of the Spirit of God signifies not just a general presence but a specific endowment of abilities necessary for God’s service.
Insights from Public Domain Commentaries
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Matthew Henry's Commentary
Divine Empowerment: According to Henry, this verse highlights that skill in craftsmanship is a gift from God, showing that all talents and abilities ultimately come from divine providence. The 'Spirit of God' is seen as a source of wisdom and understanding that enables the craftsman to execute God’s commands. This suggests the importance of spiritual preparation for any service in the Lord’s work.
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Albert Barnes' Notes
Purpose of Skill: Barnes emphasizes that the skills mentioned are not just for personal gain or glory but are particularly for the service of God. He interprets the 'wisdom, understanding, and knowledge' as being necessary for the exacting nature of the work needed in the Tabernacle's construction. This indicates the serious responsibility placed on those God calls to serve Him through their skills.
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Adam Clarke's Commentary
Comprehensive Filling: Clarke notes that the phrase 'filled him with the Spirit of God' suggests a complete endowment of divine qualities. He elaborates that it includes not only natural abilities but also the divine assistance in executing the tasks ahead. This illustrates the harmony between divine assistance and human effort in the context of serving God.
Thematic Connections
This verse can be thematically linked to the notion of divine calling and empowerment. It emphasizes the idea that God equips individuals for specific tasks, which can be seen throughout the Bible.
Bible Verse Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11: Discusses diverse gifts given by the Spirit for the common good.
- Exodus 31:3: God similarly fills Bezalel with the Spirit to equip him for craftsmanship.
- James 1:5: Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, showing that spiritual gifts are available to those who seek them.
- Romans 12:6-8: Talks about various gifts bestowed upon believers according to grace, illustrating the distribution of spiritual talents.
- 1 Peter 4:10: Advises that each person should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, affirming the application of spiritual gifts.
- Acts 6:5-6: Discusses the appointment of deacons who were selected for their wisdom, paralleling the divine qualification found in Exodus 35:31.
- Exodus 36:1: Continues the narrative of Bezalel’s gifting and the actualization of these skills in the building of the Tabernacle.
Inter-Biblical Dialogue
The connection of Exodus 35:31 to New Testament passages shows a continuity of God's methodology. Just as God empowered specific individuals in the Old Testament, the New Testament reflects God's ongoing work through the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives. This inclusivity draws a parallel between the roles of artisans in the Tabernacle and the talents of believers in the church.
Conclusion
Exodus 35:31 serves as a profound reminder of God's active role in empowering individuals for His purpose. Through the study of cross-references, one can see the unfolding narrative of how God equips His chosen people across both Testaments—encouraging us to seek His wisdom and guidance in our service to Him.
In exploring this verse, readers are encouraged to utilize cross-referencing tools and methods to deepen their understanding of the Bible and discover the connections and themes that permeate the scriptural texts.
