In Bezalel We See Seven Attributes of a Prophetic Artist

Read: Ex. 31:1–11

We need to pray for our worship teams - our artists, singers and musicians. The Lord has called them for a great purpose, and has given them the opportunity to be prophetic. A prophetic artists is one who is able to take us through their art form to the face or voice of God - they use their art to lead us to God. An ordinary artist focuses on the art itself - a prophetic artist takes us to the sight and sound of the Father. By their artistic skills, they are able to connect us to God. The art is simply the tool for this greater purpose.

Here are 7 key attributes from the life of Bezalel the man God chose to create all the intricate furnishings and tools for the Tabernacle of Moses - here is a picture of this chief artisan (some teach that he was only 13 years old when he accomplished this great work):

Ex. 31:1 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:

1. Bezalel was chosen: v.2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel (His name means: In the shadow or protection of God - this is where God finds us to call us - we must be near to Him - in His shadow) the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.

2. He was filled with the Spirit v.3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God. This is the first time being filled with the Spirit is mentioned in the Bible. When a word is mentioned for the first time in the Bible (Law of First Mention), Scripture gives that word its most complete, and accurate, meaning to not only serve as a "key" in understanding the word's Biblical concept, but to also provide a foundation for its fuller development in later parts of the Bible.

3. He was wise v.3 wisdom, (This is the first time the wisdom is mentioned in the Bible)

4. He had understanding v.3  in understanding, (This is the first time understanding is mentioned in the Bible)

5. He had knowledge v3 in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

4 to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, 5 in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.

He had knowledge in many areas of artistic gifting - he was diverse in his skill. By wisdom and knowledge, God created the heavens and the earth (Prov. 3:19-20). Now Bezalel is given wisdom and knowledge by God to create a place for His earthly dwelling.

6. He was gifted v.6  “And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab (Tent of the father) the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you:

Look at all the things Bezalel made:

V. 7 the tabernacle of meeting, the ark of the Testimony and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furniture of the tabernacle—

V. 8 the table and its utensils, the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, the altar of incense,

V. 9 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the laver and its base—

V. 10 the garments of ministry, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests,

Bezalel was a man of excellence - he worked with fabrics; engraved gold, silver, bronze; set stones and jewels of every sort, was involved in construction, carved  wood; prepared precious oils and incense - he was a master craftsman in every creative medium.

7. He was obedient v.11 and the anointing oil and sweet incense for the holy place. According to all that I have commanded you they shall do.”

If only we would surrender to these same principles - we would also create with our hands a place for God's voice and presence in our churches.