EXPLORE THE TEXT
God will equip us for the tasks He has for us.
1 The Lord also spoke to Moses:
2 “Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
3 I have filled him with God’s Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft
4 to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze,
5 to cut gemstones for mounting, and to carve wood for work in every craft.
6 I have also selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be with him.
I have put wisdom in the heart of every skilled artisan in order to make all that I have commanded you.”
Bezalel and Oholiab
Bezalel, whose name means “in the shadow of God,” was from Judah and was a descendant of Caleb (1 Chron. 2:20).
He likely was in charge of the project.
Oholiab (“father’s tent”) was from the tribe of Dan and was Bezalel’s associate.
Spreading the work among the tribes provided a broad sense of “ownership.”
God ensured that the Israelites would have all the qualified personnel necessary
to build, equip, and operate the tabernacle and all its furnishings.
Bezalel and Oholiab appear again in chapters 35-36,
where readers are told that God also gave them “the ability to teach others” (35:34).
As a result, these two men also had plenty of help.
Suggest that God continues to equip individuals for His purposes today.
Highlight the role of God’s Spirit in the project. the “Bible Skill” on page 89 of the PSG. Lead adults to share how the Spirit’s work in the Old Testament compared to His work in the New Testament and today.
God is still at work in the world, and He still empowers people to fulfill His purposes. As you think about your talents and abilities, spend time talking with God about how He wants to use you to make a difference for His kingdom in this world.
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 90 of the Personal Study Guide:
Challenge the group to identify one of the summary statements above as especially challenging at this time. Encourage them to turn that statement into a prayer request.
As a group, discuss the first set of question on page 90 of the PSG. Encourage adults to share how God empowered certain people for working on the tabernacle and how they have seen Him work today. Suggest that they reflect on the second set of questions during the week as they spend time with God.
Encourage adults to reflect silently on Exodus 25:8. Share that this is the memory verse for this session. Allow them a few minutes for silent prayer, asking God to make His presence known in their lives-both for their own benefit and so they can be a light to the world around them.
Reinforce the session by sending each person in the group a text or an email stating gifts and abilities you see them use for God’s glory. Encourage them to continue finding ways to use those elements to expand and strengthen God’s kingdom. Urge them to keep reflecting on the memory verse, Exodus 25:8, and to pray for God to reveal Himself to them in deeper ways this week.
Christians are under obligation to serve God with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. (See Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 23:23.)
Use multiple passages to understand a Bible doctrine.
Some Bible readers assume the Holy Spirit’s activity was limited to the New Testament. Read the following passages: Genesis 1:2; 6:3; Numbers 27:18; Judges 6:34; 1 Samuel 16:14; 2 Samuel 23:2; Psalm 143:10; and Ezekiel 2:2. What do these Old Testament passages reveal about the work of the Holy Spirit before Pentecost?