Lexical Summary charosheth: Forest, wood, or thicket Original Word: חֲרשֶׁת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance carving, cutting From charash; mechanical work -- carving, cutting. see HEBREW charash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom charash Definition a carving, skillful working NASB Translation carving (2), cutting (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. חֲר֫שֶׁת noun feminine carving, skilful working, only construct חֲרשֶׁת עֵץ Exodus 31:5; Exodus 35:33; אֶבֶן ׳ח Exodus 31:5; Exodus 35:33. — II.חֲרשֶׁת see below Topical Lexicon Meaning and Semantic Range חֲרֶשֶׁת (charosheth) speaks of artistic craftsmanship, especially the carving or engraving of materials such as wood, stone, and precious metals. It covers both the design phase (“plans” or “devices”) and the manual execution of intricate work. The word therefore gathers into one term the ideas of creativity, skilled labor, and aesthetic beauty pressed into the service of worship. Biblical Usage and Context Charosheth appears only four times, and every occurrence concerns Bezalel’s God‐given abilities for the construction of the tabernacle: Exodus 31:5; Exodus 31:5 (reiterated in the same commissioning speech); Exodus 35:33; Exodus 35:33 (as Moses repeats the charge to the people). Exodus 31:5: “to cut gemstones for settings, to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft.” Exodus 35:33: “to cut gemstones for settings and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every artistic design.” In both passages charosheth is paired with stone cutting and metal work, underlining a comprehensive gifting that equips Bezalel to translate heavenly patterns (Exodus 25:9, Exodus 25:40) into tangible objects. Historical Background in Tabernacle Construction Around the middle of the fifteenth century BC, Israel camped at Sinai received the blueprint for a portable sanctuary. The construction demanded far more than rough carpentry; it called for refined artistry that would proclaim the holiness and glory of the LORD to a watching nation. Charosheth captures that refined side of the labor. The Spirit of God “filled” Bezalel (Exodus 31:3) so that what was produced bore divine excellence rather than merely human adequacy. From the cherubim on the mercy-seat to the almond blossoms on the lampstand, carved and engraved detail transformed common materials into vessels of revelation. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Gifted Artistry Originates in God Bezalel’s charosheth did not arise from private genius alone; it was bestowed by the Spirit (Exodus 31:3). Artistic talent is therefore a stewarded gift, accountable to its Giver and intended for His glory. 2. Beauty Serves Worship Carved acacia boards and engraved onyx stones bore perpetual witness that aesthetic beauty is not peripheral but integral to biblical worship. When skill honors God, it becomes an act of worship equal in dignity to sacrifice or song. 3. Sanctified Skill Prefigures the Incarnation The tabernacle, fashioned through charosheth, was the place where God “dwelt” (Exodus 25:8). John 1:14 later declares, “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.” The meticulous craftsmanship surrounding Israel’s sanctuary thus foreshadows the perfect dwelling of God with humanity in Jesus Christ. Practical Implications for Contemporary Ministry • Encourage artists, woodworkers, graphic designers, and builders to view their abilities as Spirit-given callings, not mere hobbies. Related Biblical Themes – Ruach-empowered craftsmanship (compare Exodus 28:3; 1 Kings 7:13-14). – Wise-hearted artisanship (Exodus 31:6; Exodus 35:35). – The motif of wood in redemption: acacia in the tabernacle, cedar in the temple, the cross of Christ (Acts 5:30). Summary Charosheth is more than an Old Testament technical term; it is a reminder that creative excellence, when surrendered to God, becomes a conduit of revelation. Whether in the wilderness tabernacle or in modern ministry settings, Spirit-filled craftsmanship continues to proclaim the beauty, order, and holiness of the One who gifts and calls. Forms and Transliterations וּבַחֲרֹ֣שֶׁת וּבַחֲרֹ֥שֶׁת ובחרשת ū·ḇa·ḥă·rō·šeṯ ūḇaḥărōšeṯ uvachaRoshetLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 31:5 HEB: וּבַחֲרֹ֥שֶׁת אֶ֛בֶן לְמַלֹּ֖את NAS: and in the cutting of stones KJV: And in cutting of stones, to set INT: the cutting of stones settings Exodus 31:5 Exodus 35:33 Exodus 35:33 4 Occurrences |
    |