Who Was Bezalel in the Bible?

            In Basketball, a word you will hear often is underrated. This is used to describe a player who is often overlooked or underappreciated. When we think of the Bible we have a lot of people whom I would consider in this category. One of them is a man name Bezalel.

            Bezalel was the grandson of Hur, the man who held up Moses’ arms during a fierce battle. His family was close to Moses and there was something about his grandson that was going to be very relevant for the nation of Israel, he was a craftsman.

            Exodus 31:1-6 tells us, “Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship

            This is the first time in the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit worked in a person. This was the first time this language was used, and it was used in the building of the tabernacle. One may have thought that this language would be used about Moses. He was the leader. He’s the one orchestrating all of these projects and people. One may have thought that this would have been said about Aaron. He’s the High Priests, and he’s the main guy he’s the one leading all of the workings in the temple. Although I’m sure the Spirit was working in them both, God had Bezalel be mentioned as the first one in the Bible because it shows us how He works. The Even today God has placed his spirit on everyday people, you and I. We have the Spirit of God to accomplish his will and do good works.

            Sometimes we have a wrong interpretation of ministry. Ministry is not always what the Pastor does, it can be what the coach does when he applies Boxing to everyday life. It can be the teacher when she has to do a Zoom call instead of a face-to-face lesson. And it can be what the sower does when she makes a mask for a friend. Begin by using the gifts and talents you have for the glory of God. Let’s be ready when the Lord calls us to do something. A talent is not always something that you are just given but it is also something that is worked on. I believe that Bezalel used his gift and worked on it. As he did this, he became better over time.

            The word for Bezalel is, “In the shadow of God.” He was the man, who led the group to physically make the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant and the rest of the items in house of God. Imagine with me the moment when this piece of wood that he built became the Ark of the Covenant. I can imagine God’s joy as Bezalel crafted these pieces.

The story of Bezalel shows us that God can use anyone to accomplish His will. The first time that we see the Spirit of God being put in someone was a craftsman. This underrated story teaches us that we need to be ready and willing. At any moment, we can do the task that God calls us to.