Exodus 36:1 So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded.”
“I didn’t know they could do that!” If you have curiosity, you can go on youtube and see how most things are made. But watch out, time does fly by. But how did they learn to make that? The street cooking shows and the large vehicle repair are my favorites.
So, how do we acquire skills? Are they just given to us, or do we have to refine what we have? Can we learn new skills? Or must we wait for them to be given to us first?
The Israelites face a challenge as they are walking toward the Promised Land. They have been tasked with constructing a fairly complicated and extremely beautiful tent for the LORD’s dwelling place. They must weave and work in wood, precious metals and stones. How did they learn these skills?
The text tells us that the LORD had given individuals skills. But my guess is that these skills were honed to perfection working as slave labor for the Egyptians. Not everyone was tasked with making mud bricks. The best of the best would have been used in whatever way suited their slave owners.
Like all conquering civilizations wanting to advance themselves on the back of captive people, the Egyptians had scoured the ranks of their captives for anyone with skills and abilities that they wanted to use. And over time, I can imagine, there were sections of their slave population that made the finest items for the Pharaoh’s use. Those skills were honed and perfected.
And now some of those captives have been set free, with their skills. How did Moses know that Bezalel and Oholiab had these super-skills in the first place” You can’t see this kind of skill without seeing them in action. And as they are fleeing a pursuing army is not the time to be weaving fabric and overlaying wood with gold.
My guess is that these two men had been using their skills with Pharaoh’s blessing. They were part of the craft and artisan class of workers. Now they are tasked with doing their best for the LORD. And I can imagine those who also worked in this area when in Egypt, now came to use their skills for the LORD.
Now I know I am going out on a limb here. The text says nothing about any of these character’s previous professions. But all skills must be used and perfected. Even a seven foot tall person is not automatically a professional basketball player. Or a five foot four woman an Olympic gymnast or skater.
What are your skills, and how are you honing them?
The Arnold Journey 