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Bezaleel [Bēzăl'eel]—under god’s shadow.
1. The chief architect of the Tabernacle to whom was assigned the design and execution of its works of art (Exod. 31:2; 35:30; 36:1, 2; 38:22).
Bezaleel was chiefly responsible for works of metal, wood and stone. Aholiab had charge of the textile fabric. Bezaleel, however, was chief in both departments and was the principal workman and for the accomplishment of a divinely commissioned task he received divine empowerment. Whom the Lord calls, He qualifies (1 Thess. 5:24).
I. His character. Bezaleel meaning, “in the shadow of God,” is suggestive of this artificer’s character. Although he doubtless received the name from godly parents who knew what it was to dwell beneath the shadow of the Almighty, Bezaleel himself must have lived a life in the will of God, and was therefore responsive when the call came.
II. His commission. Bezaleel alone had the right to devise. He was the principal workman in the erection of the Tabernacle, the pattern of which came direct from God (Exod. 25:40). The choice of Bezaleel proves that the Holy Spirit is sovereign in His work. We cannot understand why He chooses certain people for great tasks. As the wind, He blows where He listeth. His gifts are distributed severally as He wills.
III. His cunning. This English word as used in the Bible simply represents skill, ability. Thus Bezaleel was filled with all wisdom and understanding in all manner of workmanship. All he needed to accomplish the mind and will of God was divinely bestowed. God’s commands are His enablings. “Give what Thou commandest,” prayed Augustine, “then command that Thou wilt.” So the Great Overseer, the Holy Spirit, possessed Bezaleel and inspired him to prepare the temporary habitation of God. In our time, the same empowering Spirit gives to “every man his work,” and only that which is accomplished under the guidance of the Spirit can be pleasing to God and fit for a place in His great Temple.
2. One of the sons of Pahath-moab who had married a foreign wife (Ezra 10:30).