And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;

EXODUS 35:30KJV
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Exodus 35:30 (KJV)

What does Exodus 35:30 mean?

Exodus 35:30 records Moses telling the Israelites that the LORD has specifically chosen Bezaleel, son of Uri and grandson of Hur, from the tribe of Judah, by name for a special role. This verse highlights that God’s selection of Bezaleel is intentional and personal, not random or general.

Moses is speaking directly to the gathered people of Israel as they prepare to build the tabernacle, the sacred tent where God’s presence would dwell among them. By naming Bezaleel and his family line, the verse shows that God’s call is both personal and rooted in community history, setting the stage for Bezaleel’s leadership in the skilled work to come.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 35:30

  • The word "called" (קָרָא, qara) means to summon or appoint, and here it emphasizes that God’s choice of Bezaleel is deliberate and purposeful, not just a general invitation.
  • The phrase "by name" (בְּשֵׁם, b’shem) underlines the personal nature of God’s selection, showing that Bezaleel is chosen as an individual, not just as a member of a group.
  • The name "Bezaleel" (בְּצַלְאֵל, B’tzal’el) means "in the shadow (or protection) of God," which may hint at the special favor or protection associated with his role.

Why Exodus 35:30 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that leadership or special roles in Israel were given by chance or human preference; instead, it stresses God’s direct involvement in choosing people for specific tasks.
  • By tracing Bezaleel’s lineage, Exodus 35:30 connects his calling to the broader story of Israel, showing that God works through families and tribes, not just isolated individuals.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the following passages, where Bezaleel’s skills and leadership will be central to building the tabernacle, a key moment in Israel’s journey.

Where else these words appear

“Uri” Hebrew H221 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 31:2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
  • 1 Kings 4:19 Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.
  • 2 Chronicles 1:5 Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.

“Bezaleel” Hebrew H1212 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 31:2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
  • Exodus 36:2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:
  • 1 Chronicles 2:20 And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel.

“Hur” Hebrew H2354 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 17:10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
  • Exodus 38:22 And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:50 These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah; Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim,