In Exodus 31 What Does It Mean To Be Filled With The Spirit Of God In The Context Of Service And Craftsmanship?
The Spirit of God and the Work of Human Hands: A Study of Exodus 31
Exodus 31 offers a unique and beautiful glimpse into how God empowers individuals for service, not only in spiritual matters but in practical craftsmanship. The passage introduces Bezalel and Oholiab, two artisans specifically chosen and equipped by God to build the Tabernacle and its furnishings. But what does it mean that they were "filled with the Spirit of God" for this task? Let’s explore this remarkable text and its relevance for Christian service today.
The Biblical Context: God’s Instructions for the Tabernacle
After giving Moses detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, God declares:
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise skilful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all manner of workmanship. - Exodus 31:1-5 ASV
This passage makes it clear that the ability to serve God—even in artistic and practical ways—comes from His Spirit. Bezalel is not only skilled by natural ability, but his expertise is a result of God’s direct empowerment.
What Does It Mean to Be Filled with the Spirit of God?
In Scripture, being “filled with the Spirit” usually refers to God’s enabling presence and power for a particular mission or task (Luke 1:15 ASV; Acts 2:4 ASV). In Exodus 31, the Spirit’s filling is specifically connected to wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and craftsmanship. This tells us several important things:
- God values all kinds of work: The Spirit's filling is not limited to preaching or prophecy, but extends to everyday skills and creativity.
- Spiritual empowerment for practical tasks: Even the work of building, designing, and crafting is spiritual when done for God’s glory and according to His command.
- Service is a gift from God, not merely human effort: The passage emphasizes that all abilities are ultimately gifts from the Creator (James 1:17 ASV).
The Purpose of Spirit-Filled Service
The Spirit’s filling enabled Bezalel, Oholiab, and others to construct the Tabernacle—a place where God would dwell among His people. Their service had a greater purpose: to prepare a space for worship and encounter with God. This points to a vital biblical principle: all Spirit-empowered service is ultimately for the glory of God and the building up of His people (Ephesians 4:12 ASV).
Implications for Today
- Every believer is gifted for service: Just as Bezalel was filled with the Spirit for his task, so God equips every believer with spiritual gifts for the building up of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-7 ASV).
- No task is too “ordinary” for God: The Spirit can empower teaching, hospitality, administration, and creative arts—all are valuable in God’s sight.
- Work done for God is worship: Whether building a sanctuary or serving in daily life, when empowered by the Spirit, all work becomes an act of worship (Colossians 3:23 ASV).
Christ and the Spirit-Filled Life
The ultimate example of the Spirit-filled life is Jesus Christ Himself, who was anointed with the Spirit “without measure” (John 3:34 ASV). Through union with Christ by faith, believers receive the Holy Spirit and are empowered to serve in whatever sphere God calls them (Acts 1:8 ASV).
Conclusion
To be filled with the Spirit of God in Exodus 31 means to be divinely equipped for service, including practical and creative tasks, for the glory of God. This truth reminds us that every act of service, big or small, can be empowered by the Spirit and used in God’s redemptive purposes.