Exodus 31:6 Study Bible: I, look, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you:

◄ Exodus 31:6 ►

Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:

Study Bible

Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan
Moreover
This word serves as a continuation and expansion of God's instructions to Moses. It indicates that what follows is an addition to the previous commands regarding the construction of the Tabernacle. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "וַאֲנִי" (va'ani), which can be translated as "and I" or "moreover," emphasizing God's direct involvement and authority in the appointment of individuals for His work.

I have appointed
The Hebrew root here is "נָתַן" (natan), meaning "to give" or "to appoint." This conveys the idea that God is not merely suggesting but is actively designating and empowering individuals for a specific purpose. This divine appointment underscores the sovereignty of God in choosing and equipping people for His service, reflecting the biblical theme that God calls and equips those He chooses.

Oholiab
The name Oholiab means "Father's tent" or "tent of the father" in Hebrew. This is significant as it relates to the work he is appointed to do, which involves the construction of the Tabernacle, a dwelling place for God among His people. The name itself is a reminder of the familial and covenantal relationship between God and Israel, as well as the sacredness of the task at hand.

son of Ahisamach
Ahisamach means "my brother has supported" or "brother of support" in Hebrew. This name suggests a heritage of support and strength, which is fitting for the role Oholiab is to play. It highlights the importance of family lineage and the passing down of skills and responsibilities within the tribes of Israel. The mention of Ahisamach also serves to authenticate Oholiab's identity and role within the community.

of the tribe of Dan
The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its craftsmanship and skills in various trades. Dan means "judge" in Hebrew, and the tribe was known for its role in providing justice and leadership. By appointing Oholiab from the tribe of Dan, God is demonstrating that He values the contributions of all tribes, not just those traditionally associated with religious leadership, like Levi. This inclusion reflects the diversity and unity within the body of God's people, where each tribe and individual has a unique role to play in the fulfillment of God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Oholiab
A skilled craftsman chosen by God to assist Bezalel in the construction of the Tabernacle. His name means "Father's tent," which is fitting given his role in building the dwelling place of God among His people.

2. Ahisamach
The father of Oholiab, from the tribe of Dan. His mention highlights the diverse tribal contributions to the Tabernacle's construction.

3. Tribe of Dan
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its craftsmen. The inclusion of a member from this tribe emphasizes the collective effort of all Israel in the sacred task.

4. Craftsmen
Individuals endowed by God with the skill and wisdom necessary to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Their talents are divinely inspired for a holy purpose.

5. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites. Its construction was a significant event, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with His people.

Teaching Points

Divine Selection and Empowerment
God chooses and equips individuals for specific tasks. Just as He selected Oholiab, He has a purpose for each believer, providing the necessary skills and abilities.

Unity in Diversity
The construction of the Tabernacle required contributions from various tribes and individuals, illustrating the beauty of unity in diversity within the body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Service
The craftsmen's work was a form of worship and obedience. Believers are called to serve faithfully in whatever capacity God has equipped them.

The Role of Community
The building of the Tabernacle was a communal effort. Similarly, the church is called to work together, using diverse gifts for the edification of the body.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the selection of Oholiab and the craftsmen illustrate God's sovereignty in choosing individuals for His purposes?

2. In what ways can we identify and use our God-given skills and talents for the service of the church and community?

3. How does the concept of unity in diversity, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle, apply to the modern church?

4. What are some practical ways we can encourage and support others in using their spiritual gifts?

5. How does understanding that our work can be a form of worship change our perspective on daily tasks and responsibilities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 35:30-35
This passage reiterates the selection of Bezalel and Oholiab, emphasizing their God-given wisdom and skill. It highlights the importance of divine inspiration in their work.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Paul speaks about spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the common good, paralleling the divine endowment of skills to the craftsmen for the Tabernacle.

Ephesians 2:10
This verse speaks of believers as God's workmanship, created for good works, which connects to the idea of being divinely equipped for specific tasks.

Sermons

Genius and Industry		Exodus 31:6
Gifts from God as Well as Graces	J. Cumming, D. D.	Exodus 31:6
Grace and Genius	J. S. Exell, M. A.	Exodus 31:6
Spiritual Gifts	Biblical Museum	Exodus 31:6
The Danger of Accomplishments	J. H. Newman, D. D.	Exodus 31:6
The Method of Providence	J. Parker, D. D.	Exodus 31:6
The Wise Hearted Ones	C. R. Seymour.	Exodus 31:6
Various Kinds of Inspiration	J. Parker, D. D.	Exodus 31:6
Bezaleel and Aholiab	J. Orr	Exodus 31:1-12

People

Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Israelites, Moses, Uri

Places

Mount Sinai

Topics

Ability, Able, Ahisamach, Ahis'amach, Aholiab, Appointed, Behold, Commanded, Craftsmen, Dan, Heart, Hearted, Hearts, Myself, Oholiab, Oho'liab, Orders, Selection, Skill, Skillful, Tribe, Whatever, Wisdom, Wise, Wise-hearted

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Exodus 31:6

5073 Aaron, priest
5630 work, divine and human

Exodus 31:1-6

     4312   bronze
     5273   creativity
     7459   tabernacle, in OT

Exodus 31:1-7

7306 ark of the covenant

Exodus 31:1-11

5272 craftsmen

Exodus 31:2-6

     3140   Holy Spirit, teacher
     5894   intelligence
     8365   wisdom, human

Exodus 31:2-11

6641 election, responsibilities

Exodus 31:3-6

8437 giving, of talents

Library

The Flood-Tide of Power.
God's Highest Ideal. A flood-tide is a rising tide. It flows in and fills up and spreads out. Wherever it goes it cleanses and fertilizes and beautifies. For untold centuries Egypt has depended for its very life upon the yearly flood-tide of the Nile. The rich bottom lands of the Connecticut Valley are refertilized every spring by that river's flood-tide. The green beauty and rich fruitage of some parts of the Sacramento Valley, whose soil is flooded by the artificial irrigation-rivers, are in sharp …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power

The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day.
Now the sanctifying of the Sabbath consists in two things--First, In resting from all servile and common business pertaining to our natural life; Secondly, In consecrating that rest wholly to the service of God, and the use of those holy means which belong to our spiritual life. For the First. 1. The servile and common works from which we are to cease are, generally, all civil works, from the least to the greatest (Exod. xxxi. 12, 13, 15, &c.) More particularly-- First, From all the works of our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Gifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Thy Name: My Name
'I have called thee by thy name.'--ISAIAH xliii. 1. 'Every one that is called by My name.'--ISAIAH xliii. 7. Great stress is laid on names in Scripture. These two parallel and antithetic clauses bring out striking complementary relations between God and the collective Israel. But they are as applicable to each individual member of the true Israel of God. I. What does God's calling a man by his name imply? 1. Intimate knowledge. Adam naming the creatures. Christ naming His disciples. 2. Loving friendship. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles.
The work of the Holy Spirit in apostles and prophets is an entirely distinctive work. He imparts to apostles and prophets an especial gift for an especial purpose. We read in 1 Cor. xii. 4, 8-11, 28, 29, R. V., "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.... For to one is given through the Spirit wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; and to another workings …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Preface to the Commandments
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,' &c. Exod 20: 1, 2. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? The preface to the Ten Commandments is, I am the Lord thy God.' The preface to the preface is, God spake all these words, saying,' &c. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation. Other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the holy prophets (Luke 1: 70), but here God spake in his own person. How are we to understand that, God spake, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Exposition of the Moral Law.
1. The Law was committed to writing, in order that it might teach more fully and perfectly that knowledge, both of God and of ourselves, which the law of nature teaches meagrely and obscurely. Proof of this, from an enumeration of the principal parts of the Moral Law; and also from the dictate of natural law, written on the hearts of all, and, in a manner, effaced by sin. 2. Certain general maxims. 1. From the knowledge of God, furnished by the Law, we learn that God is our Father and Ruler. Righteousness …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 22-37; ^B Mark III. 19-30; ^C Luke XI. 14-23. ^b 19 And he cometh into a house. [Whose house is not stated.] 20 And the multitude cometh together again [as on a previous occasion--Mark ii. 1], so that they could not so much as eat bread. [They could not sit down to a regular meal. A wonderful picture of the intense importunity of people and the corresponding eagerness of Jesus, who was as willing to do as they were to have done.] 21 And when his friends heard it, they went …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. These two short treatises were found among Mr. Bunyan's papers after his decease. They probably were intended for publication, like his 'Prison Meditations' and his 'Map of Salvation,' on a single page each, in the form of a broadside, or handbill. This was the popular mode in which tracts were distributed; and when posted against a wall, or framed and hung up in a room, they excited notice, and were extensively read. They might also have afforded some trifling profit to aid …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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