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Exodus 38:22 - Divinely inspired craftsman fulfills commandments

Exodus 38:22 - שמות 38:22

Hebrew Text

וּבְצַלְאֵל בֶּן־אוּרִי בֶן־חוּר לְמַטֵּה יְהוּדָה עָשָׂה אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And Beżal᾽el the son of Uri, the son of Ḥur, of the tribe of Yehuda, made all that the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

U'v'tzalel ben-Uri ben-Chur l'mateh Yehuda asah et kol-asher-tzivah Adonai et Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְצַלְאֵ֛ל בֶּן־אוּרִ֥י בֶן־ח֖וּר לְמַטֵּ֣ה יְהוּדָ֑ה עָשָׂ֕ה אֵ֛ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃
וּבְצַלְאֵ֛ל בֶּן־אוּרִ֥י בֶן־ח֖וּר לְמַטֵּ֣ה יְהוּדָ֑ה עָשָׂ֕ה אֵ֛ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Betzalel's Lineage

The verse emphasizes Betzalel's lineage as the son of Uri and grandson of Chur from the tribe of Yehuda. Rashi (Exodus 38:22) notes that Chur was the son of Miriam (as per the Midrash Tanchuma, Vayakhel 6), connecting Betzalel to a distinguished family of leaders. Chur was martyred while trying to prevent the sin of the Golden Calf (Sanhedrin 7a), and his grandson's appointment as chief artisan for the Mishkan reflects divine reward for his righteousness.

Betzalel's Divine Wisdom

The Talmud (Berachos 55a) teaches that Betzalel's name ("in the shadow of G-d") alludes to his divine wisdom. He understood the deeper spiritual intentions behind the Mishkan's construction, even intuiting details not explicitly commanded. Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 1:9) highlights that Betzalel's craftsmanship was guided by ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration), enabling him to execute the work with precision.

Fulfilling G-d's Command Precisely

The phrase "made all that the L-rd commanded Moshe" underscores Betzalel's complete adherence to divine instruction. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 48:4) contrasts this with the sin of the Golden Calf—while that was human innovation contrary to G-d's will, the Mishkan's construction exemplified perfect obedience. The Sforno notes that Betzalel's work was so exact that Moshe himself marveled at its alignment with the heavenly blueprint.

Lessons in Divine Service

  • Mesorah (Tradition): Betzalel's lineage teaches that sacred work benefits from righteous ancestry (Ramban, Exodus 35:30).
  • Divine Inspiration: True artistry in avodas Hashem (divine service) requires aligning human creativity with divine will (Malbim, Exodus 36:1).
  • Humility: Despite his wisdom, Betzalel is credited only for executing G-d's command—a model of subordinating ego to holiness (Kli Yakar, Exodus 38:22).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the divine wisdom granted to Bezalel in constructing the Tabernacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Betzalel and why is he important in the Torah?
A: Betzalel was the chief artisan appointed by Hashem to construct the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its vessels. According to Rashi (Exodus 31:2), his name means 'in the shadow of God,' indicating divine inspiration in his craftsmanship. The Talmud (Berachos 55a) teaches that Betzalel possessed unique wisdom to understand how to combine the materials as commanded.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Betzalel's grandfather (Hur) in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 48:3) explains that mentioning Hur highlights Betzalel's righteous lineage. Hur was martyred for opposing the Golden Calf (see Rashi on Exodus 24:14), and his grandson's role in building the Mishkan - the antidote to that sin - brings his merit full circle.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Betzalel 'doing all that Hashem commanded Moshe'?
A: The Sforno notes that Betzalel's exact fulfillment teaches the importance of adhering precisely to divine commandments without adding or subtracting. This applies today in carefully observing mitzvos as transmitted through Torah tradition. The Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 9:1) derives from this that even prophets cannot alter mitzvah details.
Q: Why was Betzalel specifically from the tribe of Yehuda?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 5) connects this to Yehuda's trait of taking responsibility (Genesis 38:26). Building the Mishkan required this quality. Additionally, Malbim explains that Yehuda's descendant kings would later build the Temple, making this tribe symbolically appropriate for the Mishkan's construction.
Q: How does Betzalel's story apply to our lives today?
A: The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that just as Betzalel used his skills for holiness, we should dedicate our talents to serving Hashem. The verse's emphasis on doing 'all' that was commanded reminds us to serve with complete devotion, as the Rambam writes (Hilchos De'os 3:3) about serving Hashem with all our capabilities.