B’TZAL’EL AND OHOLI’AV

“B’tzal’el the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y’hudah, made everything that Adonai ordered Moshe to make. Assisting him was Otoli’av, the son of Achismakh, of the tribe of Dan, who was an engraver, a designer and a weaver in colors – in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and in fine linen.”
Exodus 38:22-23

As we read a couple days back, B’tzal’el was endowed in every kind of artisanry while Oholi’av was endowed with abilities in artisanry and embroidery. In Exodus 38:22-23, these two names come up once more. B’tzal’el was the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y’hudah. It was Hur who with Aharon raised Moshe’s arms to ensure a victory earlier in the book. Oholi’av was the son of Achisamakh, of the tribe of Dan. These two joined forces and gave a great deal of time and effort into the art surrounding the tabernacle.
In reading this account, however, the portion or phrase that sticks out the most to me states, “…[he] made everything that Adonai ordered Moshe to make.” While the credit given in this passage is for their talent, I think the greater credit goes to their obedience. In looking verses by verse in the Torah since the first Parashah, one thing has remained constant. Adonai is looking for people who will obey Him. He longed for Adam to obey and not eat the fruit. He was pleased in Noach for building the ark. He tested Avaraham in obedience by asking him to sacrifice his only promised son. He was pleased in Yosef’s obedience in Egypt and promoted him to second in command. He blessed Moshe with the exodus for his obedience to keep pressing Pharaoh. And now, He found that B’tzal’el and Oholi’av had obeyed every command concerning the tabernacle. Adonai could not help but be pleased, for His people had obeyed His commands.
This idea challenges me yet again. I question what I have been called to and have failed to do. I question if I have been obedient. Yes I have had good intentions, but have I obeyed. Adonai honestly does not care about my good intentions, but is joyful when His commands are obeyed. Barring this in mind, I give myself a challenge for this next week coming. I challenge myself to obey Him. Despite how crazy and mundane, I want to obey Him. I want it to be said of me as it was of these two, that I too made and did everything Adonai had ordered.

Exodus 38:1 – 39:1