Topical Encyclopedia
Name Meaning: The name "Bezaleel" means "in the shadow of God" or "under God's protection."
Biblical References: Bezaleel is prominently mentioned in the Book of Exodus, specifically in
Exodus 31:1-5, 35:30-35, 36:1-2, 37:1, and 38:22. He is also referenced in
1 Chronicles 2:20 and
2 Chronicles 1:5.
Tribe and Lineage: Bezaleel was from the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was the son of Uri, the son of Hur, as noted in
Exodus 31:2: "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah."
Role and Contributions:Bezaleel is best known for his role as the chief artisan of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. God specifically chose and endowed him with the necessary skills and wisdom to lead the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings.
Divine Appointment and Skills:In
Exodus 31:3-5, God declares, "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft." This divine appointment highlights Bezaleel's unique gifting and the spiritual empowerment he received to fulfill his tasks.
Artistic Works:Bezaleel's work included crafting the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the showbread, the lampstand, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering, and the basin for washing, among other items. His craftsmanship was not only a demonstration of artistic skill but also an act of worship and obedience to God's detailed instructions.
Collaboration with Aholiab:Bezaleel worked alongside Aholiab, from the tribe of Dan, who was also filled with the Spirit of God to assist in the work. Together, they led a team of skilled artisans in the construction of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 35:34 states, "And He has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others."
Legacy:Bezaleel's legacy is one of faithful service and excellence in craftsmanship, serving as an example of how God equips individuals for specific tasks within His divine plan. His work on the Tabernacle set a standard for sacred artistry and demonstrated the importance of beauty and skill in worship.
Historical and Theological Significance:Bezaleel's account underscores the belief that God calls and equips individuals for specific purposes, providing them with the necessary skills and wisdom. His life illustrates the integration of faith and work, showing that all talents and abilities can be used for God's glory. The Tabernacle, as a result of his work, became the central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Bezaleelin the shadow of God
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Bezaleel(in the shadow of God).
- The son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah and one of the architects of the tabernacle. (Exodus 31:1-6) His charge was chiefly in all works of metal, wood and stone. (B.C. 1490.)
- One of the sons of Pahath-moab who had taken a foreign wife. (Ezra 10:30) (B.C. 458.)
ATS Bible Dictionary
BezaleelAn artificer, endued by God with special skill for constructing and adorning the tabernacle,Exodus 31:2; 35:30.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
In the shadow of God; i.e., "under his protection", the artificer who executed the work of art in connection with the tabernacle in the wilderness (
Exodus 31:2;
35:30). He was engaged principally in works of metal, wood, and stone; while Aholiab, who was associated with him and subordinate to him, had the charge of the textile fabrics (
36:1, 2;
38:22). He was of the tribe of Judah, the son of Uri, and grandson of Hur (
31:2). Mention is made in
Ezra 10:30 of another of the same name.
Strong's Hebrew
1212. Betsalel -- "in the shadow (protection) of El," two......Bezaleel. Probably from tsel and 'el with a prepositional prefix; in (the) shadow
(ie Protection) of God; Betsalel, the name of two Israelites --
Bezaleel.
...Library
Bezaleel and Aholiab.
...BEZALEEL AND AHOLIAB. After God had given the Ten... had commanded." Then Moses
blessed them. [Illustration:BEZALEEL AND AHOLIAB.]....
How that after the Likeness of Moses, ofBezaleel, and of Aaron...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE THREE AND SEVENTIETH CHAPTER How that after the likeness of Moses,
ofBezaleel, and of Aaron meddling them about the Ark of the Testament...
The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles.
... between the work of the Holy Spirit in apostles and prophets and His work in other
men calls attention to the fact that the Bible says thatBezaleel was to be...
Results of Transgression
... special skill and wisdom. "Moses said unto the children of Israel, See,
the Lord hath called by nameBezaleel, . . . of the tribe...
Gifts and Talents.
... Who will furnish Moses with them? The Holy Spirit. For we read in Exodus
31:2, 3: "I have called by nameBezaleel, the son of Uri . . . ....
Ep. xix.
... are coming; and there is reason to fear lest the Word of Truth should be swept away,
unless there be stirred up very soon the spirit of aBezaleel, the wise...
Thy Name: My Name
... sight.'. 3. Designation and adaptation to work.Bezaleel"Exodus 31:2;
Cyrus"Isaiah 45:3; Servant of the Lord" Isaiah 49:1. II....
Human Arts as Well as Divine Knowledge Proceed from God.
... and skilful invention is from God, will be clear if we adduce the following statement:
"And the Lord spake to Moses, See, I have calledBezaleel, the son of Uri...
Eunomius Again Speaks of the Son as Lord and God
... For we are not wrong in saying just the same ofBezaleel, that being entrusted by
Moses with the building of the tabernacle, he became the constructor of those...
Conversion of the Iberians .
... be built. He who once filledBezaleel with architectural skill, graciously
enabled this woman to devise the plan of a church. The...
Thesaurus
Bezaleel (9 Occurrences)...Bezaleel (9 Occurrences). Exodus 31:2 See, I have called by name
Bezaleel the son
of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: (KJV DBY WBS YLT).
...Bezalel (10 Occurrences)
... bez'-a-lel (betsal'el, "in the shadow (protection) of 'El (God)"; Beseleel; the
King James VersionBezaleel): (1) A master workman under Moses; son of Uri, son...
Aholiab (5 Occurrences)
... Exodus 36:1 Then wroughtBezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom
the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work...
Tabernacle (333 Occurrences)
... The execution of the plan mysteriously given to Moses was intrusted toBezaleel
and Aholiab, who were specially endowed with wisdom and artistic skill...
Excited (9 Occurrences)
... Exodus 36:2 And Moses calledBezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in
whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart excited him...
Be'zai (3 Occurrences)
Be'zai. Bezai, Be'zai.Bezaleel . Multi-Version Concordance... Nehemiah 10:18 Hodiah,
Hashum, Bezai, (See RSV). Bezai, Be'zai.Bezaleel . Reference Bible.
Acacia-wood (27 Occurrences)
... Exodus 37:1 AndBezaleel made the ark of acacia-wood; two cubits and a half the
length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a...
Shittim (34 Occurrences)
... Exodus 37:1 AndBezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was
the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a...
Begot (119 Occurrences)
... Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon. (See JPS YLT). 1 Chronicles 2:20 And Hur begot
Uri, and Uri begotBezaleel. (DBY JPS). 1 Chronicles 2:22...
Begat (112 Occurrences)
... and Shobab, and Ardon. (KJV ASV WBS). 1 Chronicles 2:20 And Hur begat Uri,
and Uri begatBezaleel. (KJV ASV WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 2...
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
