Two individuals were widely recognized for their skill and craftsmanship in production of all kinds of finery. “Then Moses said to the Israelites, ‘See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; he has filled him with a divine spirit, with ability, intelligence, and knowledge, and with every kind of skill, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of artistic craft. And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

“ ‘He has filled them with skill to do every kind of work done by an artisan or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue, purple, and crimson yarns and in fine linen or by a weaver—by any sort of skilled worker or designer. Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and understanding to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded’ ” (Exodus 35:30 – 36:1).

Thus these two, along with every other “artisan … designer … embroiderer … or weaver” (35:35) were tasked with the construction of the tabernacle and all its furnishings. The text often takes a shortcut, saying “Bezalel made the ark” (37:1) or simply “he made the table” or “he also made the lampstand” (37:10, 1 7). The mention of just one name might lead us to suppose that there was really just one artisan doing all the work; but the narrative is well aware that there were many hands under the direction of the master craftsman.

We may do some of our tasks as individuals – washing the dishes, hoeing the garden, paying the bills – but most all of the significant work we do is as part of a team. Our jobs, our families, our worship: these are all lived as a group of people, working together toward a common goal.

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And yet, Lord, so much of the myth of America is that we live as rugged individuals: as self-made men and women who have accomplished everything by our own diligence and effort. Teach us to give thanks to you for all that you have provided; teach us to work with one another, that we may do your will.

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