BEZALEL bĕz’ ə lĕl, KJV BEZALEEL (בְּצַלְאֵֽל, in the shadow [protection] of God). 1. A Judahite, a descendant of Pharez through Hezron and Uri (1 Chron 2:5, 18-20; cf. 2 Chron 1:5), the chief artisan and foundryman of the Tabernacle. He was appointed to this task by Jahweh (Exod 31:2; 35:30) and was given a special gift of technological insight by the Holy Spirit to perform the work (Exod 31:3-5 and 36:1). This gift included the detailed technical skills for metallurgy, casting, engraving, jewelry making, and wood carving (35:32, 33). The nature of this endowment suggests a dearth of craftsmen with these gifts in Israel. The gift also included the ability to teach these gifts to others, including Aholiab.

His labors included the Tabernacle proper, its court, elements of posts, hangings, and coverings; the furniture of the brazen altar, the table of shewbread, the altar of incense, the Ark and its mercy seat, and the garments for the priests. The skills he was given provided for a broad technical and inventive capability.

2. One of the eight sons of Pahath-moab (Ezra 10:30) who had taken a foreign wife.