Oholiab

Biblical Record

Oholiab appears only in Exodus, in Exodus 31:6, 35:34, 36:1–2, and 38:23. Scripture consistently identifies him as "Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan" and names him alongside Bezalel of the tribe of Judah.

• Exodus 31:6: While giving Moses instructions for building the tabernacle, God says that He has given Oholiab to work with Bezalel.
• Exodus 35:34–35: Moses addresses the people, telling them that God put it in the hearts of Bezalel and Oholiab to teach others and that He filled both men with wisdom of heart.
• Exodus 36:1–2: Moses calls Bezalel, Oholiab, and the wise-hearted people who were willing to work, and entrusts them with the work of the sanctuary.
• Exodus 38:23: This verse describes Oholiab's skills. He was an engraver and an embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and in fine linen.

Scripture records nothing about his later life, his family, or his death.

Significance in the Bible

Oholiab was one of the two men who directed the construction of the tabernacle. He was a working craftsman who was also given the task of teaching other workers. His name is generally understood to mean "father's tent" in Hebrew. He is not mentioned in the New Testament.

Interpretation and Discussion

• The pairing of two tribes: Bezalel came from the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab from the tribe of Dan. One tradition of Jewish commentary interprets this pairing as a sign that God does not show partiality on the basis of status, since He appointed men from a large tribe and a small tribe to work together.
• Connection to Solomon's Temple: According to 2 Chronicles 2:14, the craftsman from Tyre who worked on Solomon's Temple was "the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan." On this basis, some interpreters see a link between the building of the tabernacle and the building of the temple. This is, however, only an interpretation; the text itself does not draw the connection.
• Skill and gifting: These passages are cited in a number of traditions. The Reformed tradition uses them to support the view that manual skill and ordinary occupations are a God-given calling. In Pentecostal and charismatic circles, they are cited as an example of God-given ability extending to practical skills. It should be noted, however, that Scripture explicitly says God "filled [him] with the spirit of God" only of Bezalel (Exodus 31:3). Of Oholiab, the text says only that God "given" him to work with Bezalel and filled him with "wisdom of heart."

In the Korean Church

Oholiab is usually discussed as one of the pair Bezalel and Oholiab. Preachers cite him when speaking of cooperation, faithfulness in one's assigned work, and service in the church through one's talents. In Sunday school, the two men are introduced together in lessons on the tabernacle.