Exodus 35:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft.

NIV: to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts.

NASB: and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work.

CSB: to cut gemstones for mounting, and to carve wood for work in every kind of artistic craft.

NLT: He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft.

KJV: And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.

NKJV: in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship.

Exodus 35:30—36:1 assigns two men to supervise construction of the tabernacle. Their names are Bezalel and Oholiab. God designated them to Moses, and Moses repeats that command to the people. This information is the same as given in Exodus 31:1–11.

The tabernacle-building project begins with a reminder about Sabbath-keeping. The subtext is that even temple-building work is still "work," and cannot be done on the Sabbath. Using nearly the exact same words from prior passages, Scripture records the people donating materials. Moses assigns Bezalel and Oholiab as project managers, training and overseeing as Israelites create sacred objects.

The Lord gave Moses extensive designs for the tabernacle (Exodus 25—31). He has just renewed the covenant (Exodus 34) broken by Israelite sin (Exodus 32). Now, Moses begins repeating these instructions to the people. The next several chapters will record Israel following God's directions closely, completing the sanctuary.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 9/14/2025 12:39:04 AM