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Exodus 36:1 - Divinely inspired craftsmanship for Mishkan

Exodus 36:1 - שמות 36:1

Hebrew Text

וְעָשָׂה בְצַלְאֵל וְאָהֳלִיאָב וְכֹל אִישׁ חֲכַם־לֵב אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יְהוָה חָכְמָה וּתְבוּנָה בָּהֵמָּה לָדַעַת לַעֲשֹׂת אֶת־כָּל־מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדַת הַקֹּדֶשׁ לְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה׃

English Translation

Then Beżal᾽el and Oholi᾽av, and every wisehearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, did according to all that the Lord had commanded.

Transliteration

Ve'asa Vetzalel Ve'oholi'av vechol ish chacham-lev asher natan Adonai chachma utvuna bahema lada'at la'asot et kol-melachat avodat hakodesh lechol asher-tziva Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשָׂה֩ בְצַלְאֵ֨ל וְאׇהֳלִיאָ֜ב וְכֹ֣ל&thinsp
וְעָשָׂה֩ בְצַלְאֵ֨ל וְאׇהֳלִיאָ֜ב וְכֹ֣ל&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Wisdom of Betzalel and Oholiav

The verse (Shemot 36:1) highlights the divine wisdom granted to Betzalel, Oholiav, and the chachmei-lev (wise-hearted individuals) for constructing the Mishkan. Rashi explains that Betzalel was uniquely chosen by Hashem because his name ("in the shadow of G-d") reflected his divine inspiration. The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) further emphasizes that Betzalel possessed the wisdom to combine the letters with which heaven and earth were created, demonstrating his deep spiritual insight.

Divinely Bestowed Wisdom

The phrase "asher nasan Hashem chochmah u'tevunah bahemah" ("in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding") underscores that their skills were not merely natural talents but gifts from Hashem. The Ramban (on Shemot 31:3) teaches that this wisdom was supernatural, enabling them to grasp the profound spiritual dimensions of the Mishkan's construction. The Talmud (Berachos 55a) states that Betzalel was even able to intuit aspects of the Mishkan’s design that Moshe had not explicitly been told.

The Role of the Wise-Hearted

The term "kol ish chacham-lev" ("every wise-hearted man") includes not only master craftsmen but all who contributed with sincerity. The Sforno explains that their wisdom was not just technical but also moral—they worked with pure intentions for the sake of Heaven. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 48:4) adds that even those who assisted in carrying materials were considered participants in the sacred work.

  • Betzalel’s Leadership: The Or HaChaim notes that Betzalel’s name appears before Oholiav’s, indicating his primary role, yet both were essential—symbolizing unity in avodas Hashem.
  • Wisdom for the Mishkan: The Kli Yakar emphasizes that their understanding extended beyond craftsmanship; they comprehended the Mishkan’s symbolic role as a dwelling place for the Shechinah.

Fulfilling Divine Command

The concluding phrase "la'asos es kol melachas avodas hakodesh" ("to perform all the work of the sacred service") teaches, as the Malbim explains, that their labor was an act of divine service akin to prayer. The Mishkan’s construction was not merely physical but a spiritual endeavor, requiring yiras Shamayim (fear of Heaven) alongside skill.

📚 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 and Oholiab for the construction of the Tabernacle, illustrating how God bestows wisdom upon those chosen for sacred tasks.
📖 Yoma 38a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the qualifications and divine inspiration of the artisans who worked on the Tabernacle, emphasizing that their skills were God-given.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were Betzalel and Oholiav in the Torah?
A: Betzalel and Oholiav were the chief artisans appointed by Hashem to oversee the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Betzalel was from the tribe of Judah, and Oholiav was from the tribe of Dan (Exodus 35:30-34). According to Rashi, Betzalel was specially chosen because his name means 'in the shadow of God,' symbolizing divine wisdom.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem gave them 'wisdom and understanding'?
A: The verse teaches that their skills in craftsmanship were divinely inspired. The Talmud (Berachot 55a) explains that true wisdom in sacred work comes from Hashem. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:8) notes that this wisdom included not just technical skill but also the ability to teach others.
Q: Why is this verse about building the Mishkan important today?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayakhel 7) teaches that just as Hashem endowed Betzalel and Oholiav with wisdom for holy work, He grants each person unique talents to contribute to sanctifying the world. This reminds us to use our abilities for mitzvot and community service.
Q: What does 'wisehearted' (חֲכַם־לֵב) mean in this context?
A: Rashi explains that 'wisehearted' refers to those whose hearts moved them to volunteer their skills for the Mishkan. The Kli Yakar adds that true wisdom involves both intellectual knowledge and heartfelt devotion to serving Hashem, as demonstrated in their craftsmanship.
Q: How did Betzalel know how to build the Mishkan exactly as commanded?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 48:4) states that Moshe showed Betzalel a heavenly vision of the Mishkan. Additionally, the Zohar teaches that Betzalel understood the deeper spiritual meanings behind each detail, aligning physical construction with divine will (Zohar II:224a).