In Exodus 35 we find an often overlooked group of Bible women, described as gifted artisans.
Who Were the Gifted Artisans in the Bible?
As the Hebrew people prepared to build the Lord’s tabernacle, Moses first asked everyone to make their donations. Then God gave instructions for gifted artisans to make all that the Lord commanded.
In Exodus 35:11-19 Moses listed everything the artisans would be making. This included all the details of the tabernacle tent, tables, doors, coverings, screens, altar, and garments of ministry for the priests.
Both men and women gave and both men and women worked as artisans.
We’re told that all the women who were gifted artisans spun yarn with their hands and brought the blue, purple, and scarlet fine linen to the tabernacle. Verse 25 tells us that gifted women whose hearts stirred with wisdom spun blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and linen out of goats’ hair. This was their tabernacle offering.
God gives us each unique gifts. We may sometimes think that our talents aren’t as useful as someone else’s, but God gifts us and He can use the works of our hands, whatever that may be. So if you’re one of those women whose talents lie in domestic crafts, I encourage you to pray about how God can use your skills.
Exodus chapter 36 opens by letting us know that the Lord had given individuals wisdom and understanding to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, and it was their duty to do all that the Lord commanded.
Then I love what it says in Exodus 36:2-7. The people gave generously every morning, and the artisans went to work at their craft, but there came a time when the artisans came to Moses saying the people had brought more materials than they needed. So Moses gave a commandment and proclaimed throughout the camp to not bring anything else to the sanctuary because they already had more than they needed.
What Can We Learn From the Gifted Artisans?
God continues today to gift individuals with wisdom, skills, and worldly goods so that we might in turn use them for the Lord’s work. Working together, we can accomplish amazing things things for the Lord. How often, though, do we hold tight to our gifts, fearful to use them or share them?
He may have you making items to pack in shoeboxes for children around the world. He could have you making blankets or booties for children in the hospitals. He may want you to clothe orphans. He may just need you to make costumes for church productions. Whatever it is, be willing today to give freely of your talents.
What would our churches today be like if we all gave so abundantly of our blessings that they were more than enough to do the Lord’s work?
Prayer
Lord God, thank you for this reminder that we matter to You. You have blessed each one of us with talents that can be used to serve You and Your people. Open our eyes to the opportunities around us. Forgive us those times we are envious of other’s talents. Help us to keep our eyes on You and what it is that You want us to do rather than getting caught up in other people. Thank You for Your many blessings. We love You so very much. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Scripture
Read about gifted artisans in Scripture: Exodus 35:4-36:7
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