שמות, פרק ל״ו, פסוק א׳

Moments before the physical construction of the Tabernacle begins, Moses concludes his address to the Israelites by defining the division of labor and the spiritual mindset required of the artisans. While the initial instruction might seem to describe work that has already taken place, the primary approach among commentators is that it represents a future action or a command. In this view, Moses is simply finishing his speech, rather than beginning a new account of the construction [קאסוטו, ברכת אשר, הכתב והקבלה, שד״ל, אבן עזרא הקצר]. For Bezalel, who was granted the spirit of prophecy, the work was an absolute obligation, whereas for his partner Oholiab, it was simply a description of what he would do [צפנת פענח].

Conversely, some commentators suggest that the physical work had indeed already begun. This raises a practical question: how could they start working before the materials were fully collected? One explanation is that they spent this early period preparing the necessary tools for working with metal, wood, and stone [אור החיים]. Another perspective suggests that the artisans, who lacked prior experience in these specific crafts, first created miniature scale models, such as a small curtain or a tiny wooden board, to test their newly acquired skills. Only after they proved their abilities did Moses officially summon them to begin the actual construction [חתם סופר].

When dividing the actual labor, Bezalel personally took charge of the most prominent and significant tasks. Together, he and Oholiab acted as teachers and guides for the rest of the workforce [אבן עזרא, הכתב והקבלה]. The essential quality demanded of these artisans was a wise heart. This was not merely technical talent, but a wisdom rooted in the fear of God. As they worked with their hands, they were expected to focus their minds on the profound spiritual secrets embedded within their crafts, relying on oral traditions given to Moses [העמק דבר]. The Holy Spirit rested upon them, ensuring that their efforts were directed solely for the sake of Heaven and that they understood the hidden mysteries in every detail [מלבי״ם].

The description of how wisdom was placed within the artisans [ביאור שטיינזלץ] carries a subtle linguistic connection to the word for an animal, inspiring fascinating insights. One interpretation suggests that the builders merited their great wisdom specifically because of their profound humility, making themselves as simple and unassuming as animals [שפתי כהן]. Another explanation proposes that God actually bestowed His wisdom upon the physical animals that assisted in the Tabernacle's construction. This miraculous display of animal intelligence served a specific purpose: it proved to everyone that the immense wisdom of the human artisans was not a product of natural talent, but a clear and unmistakable gift from God [מנחת שי, חתם סופר].