In the Pentateuch, we encounter Bezalel, who played a crucial role in fulfilling God's assignment to Moses to build the Tabernacle. Bezalel had a distinguished pedigree. According to the JewishEncyclopedia.com, Bezalel's wisdom is attributed to his granduncle, Moses, and his grandmother, Miriam. Bezalel was also the grandson of Hur, who, along with Aaron, held Moses' arms up during the battle with the Amalekites. Now, Hur's grandson enters—center stage.

It took five chapters for God to give Moses instructions about building the Tabernacle, the special place where God’s people would worship Him (Exodus 25-30). In the Tabernacle were “the Ark of the Covenant; the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement; all the furnishings of the Tabernacle; the table and its utensils; the pure gold lampstand with all its accessories; the incense altar; the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils; the washbasin with its stand; the beautifully stitched garments—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. The craftsmen must make everything as I have commanded you” (Exodus 31:7-11).

Then, God told Moses whom He had chosen to do all of this work. God chose Bezalel. He was only thirteen years old!*

God said, ”I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!” (Exodus 31:3-5). 

To assist Bezalel, God appointed Oholiab of the tribe of Dan. He was an engraver, "and an embroiderer in blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen” (JewishEncyclopedia.com). Oholiab's age isn't specified, but he may have been Bezalel's friend—a teenager, too! This leadership duo guided "all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded,” said God (Exodus 31:6). Without these teenagers, Moses would not have been able to fulfill his assignment. And without their skills, there would be no place for God’s people to worship Him.

Yes, teenagers built the Tabernacle and all of its beautifully intricate furnishings. God chooses and fills whom He wills with His Spirit and wisdom, including children and teenagers.

Application: God chooses and fills whom He wills with His Spirit and wisdom, including children and teenagers. What skills, gifts, and talents has God deposited in our generation to accomplish His purposes?

• As parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, it's crucial to nurture the skills, talents, and gifts God has placed within our children and teens.

Conclusion: Reflecting on this account from the Pentateuch, we are encouraged to consider the skills, gifts, and talents God has given children and teens. God has uniquely gifted young people for specific roles in building His kingdom. Let's confidently nurture our children and youth, encouraging them to step into the purpose God has ordained for them, knowing they are fully equipped for such a time as this.

*Reference: JewishEncyclopedia.com

Lesson Summary

In the Pentateuch, Bezalel, the thirteen-year-old teenager, and Bezalel's assistant, Oholiab, are indispensable in fulfilling God's assignment for Moses. This narrative underscores that God graciously gifts the young to accomplish His purpose:

• Bezalel and Oholiab were divinely equipped with all the necessary skills and resources to build "the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the Ark's cover—the place of atonement; [and] all the furnishings of the Tabernacle..." (Exodus 31:7).
• God chooses and appoints children and youth—not just adults—to fulfill His plans.

Acknowledging and cultivating the skills, gifts, and talents God has deposited in our children and teens is crucial. Parents and their families, pastors, teachers, and church members play a vital role in nurturing these God-given abilities through support, guidance, and encouragement.

• Identifying and fostering the skills within children and teenagers is essential in helping them fulfill their divine purpose.
• By recognizing and developing skills in this generation, we encourage children and youth to embrace the roles God has ordained explicitly for them.

Reflecting on this account reminds us that God fills our children and teenagers with unique talents for specific roles in His kingdom. By encouraging them to embrace these gifts, we rejoice as they step boldly into God's ordained purpose, confident and assured that He has equipped them for the tasks at hand.

Lesson Plan

(Download the HBLT Handout)

Objective: By the end of a lesson on Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 31:1-11, we will agree that God equips children and teenagers to exercise their God-given gifts, skills, and talents by administering a Children's Spiritual Gifts Survey to the children/youth in our church.

MATERIALS: The Welcoming Children Into Worship Spiritual Gifts Survey, clipboards, pens, pencils

HOOK: Think of one of your busiest days this week. Write an extensive "to-do list" and note the people who helped you accomplish your tasks. What did it take for you to accept their advice, encouragement, and support? Wisdom? Humility? Trust? Share your list and answers with the attendees. Invite one or two others to do the same.

BOOK: Relate the account of Bezalel and Oholiab, emphasizing God's wisdom in filling Bezalel with His Spirit, giving him great wisdom, and appointing Oholiab to be his assistant. Stress the intricate detail required to build the Tabernacle and its furnishings. God chose teenagers for this task. (For an illustration of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, see pgs. 120-121 in the Africa Study Bible).

LOOK: How can we identify the skills, gifts, and talents in our children and youth and encourage them to use their creativity in the church?

TOOK: Sunday morning worship service will be quite different if we mentor children and youth to actively participate with their skills, gifts, and talents. They can help by praying, preaching, singing, dancing, ushering, playing instruments, and more. Here's an example: "I'm Available to You" Little Princess Tiffany Harrell, St. James Community Full Gospel Church TV—https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=jKz2Kcdz-Kk&si=UQDLtljJ_Wqvsb-7

To help identify children's spiritual gifts, we will administer a Spiritual Gifts Survey to the children and teens in our church.

SONG/VIDEO: "The Lord's Prayer" by Imagining Worship With Kids, Sung by Imago Dei Children's Choir, Text: Matthew 6:9-13, Music by Edwin M. Willmington, ©2024 Shepherd’s Staff Worship Music

COOK: God has given us a roadmap for the future. We'll begin to examine His instructions next week.

Teacher Nugget: Are you resting? With the long "to-do" list of building the Tabernacle, God still commanded Sabbath rest. "God knows what is best for us. He wants us to remember Him in this way and for us to show that He is our Lord, not our work" (Africa Study Bible, "God's To-Do-List * Exodus 31:6-17" p. 129).

Children's Sermon: Follow the Leader

Invite children aged 5 to 11 to the front of the church and ask them to sit in a semicircle. The pastor-teacher, with an open Bible and a puppet, sits at the opening of the semicircle and introduces the puppet, naming it to the children. After the puppet welcomes the children, they introduce themselves by saying their names. Next, ask the lesson questions; there are no wrong answers. Conclude this 10-minute children's sermon by giving children a craft project. They may return to their seats or go to a separate area where teens and adults assist in completing the project. Children present or display their crafts at the end of the service.

OBJECTIVE: By the end of a 7- to 10-minute lesson on Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 31:1-11, children will identify the gifts with which God has filled them by completing the Children's Spiritual Gifts Survey.

HOOK: Let's play "Follow the Leader!" (Children take turns.)

BOOK: What is a team? It's when two or more people work together. The Bible tells us about two people, Bezalel and Oholiab, who worked together to build something great for God. They followed God's directions, just like we did when we played "Follow the Leader."

LOOK: Why is it important to listen and follow directions? Each of you is a leader. Let's find out what gifts God has given you. (Children complete the Children's Spiritual Gifts Survey).

TOOK: How will you use your gift to help us worship God? What is God telling you to do? Let's pray and ask the Lord to fill us with the Spirit of God, giving us great wisdom! And, we won't be afraid to try!

SONG/VIDEO: "The Lord's Prayer" by Imagining Worship With Kids, Sung by Imago Dei Children's Choir, Text: Matthew 6:9-13, Music by Edwin M. Willmington, ©2024 Shepherd’s Staff Worship Music

COOK: Today, you made good decisions. Next week, we'll discuss children who made poor decisions.