“God spoke to Moses saying, ‘See I have called by name Bezalel, son of Uri son of Hur, from the tribe of Judah. And I will fill him with the spirit of Elohim — with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.” [Exodus 31:1-3]
The construction of the Mishkan and the Kelim was no small task; entire Parshiot are dedicated to describing each in great detail. All vessels and garments are to be prepared according to specific instructions in the place where God?s Shechina would eventually rest. Who was Bezalel and why was he entrusted with this tremendous task?
We know that Bezalel has very important lineage as he is the grandson of Chur, who famously assisted Moshe by holding up his arms during the war with Amalek. Chur was also appointed by Hashem to lead Bnei Yisrael with Aaron until Moshe?s return from Har Sinai. However, after Chur is appointed, he is not mentioned again in the Torah. The Midrash (Tanchuma T?zaveh 10:10) explains that Chur attempted to prevent Bnei Yisrael from building the Golden Calf but he did not succeed, and was killed for standing in their way.
So what is the connection between Chur and the building of the Mishkan? The Midrash explains this relationship: They rose against him and killed him. God said to him “By your life I will repay you.” (Shmot Rabbah 48:3) The designation of Bezalel as the architect of the Mishkan had a dual intention; Hashem was ?repaying? Chur by choosing his grandson, and it would serve as a constant reminder for Bnei Yisrael?s of their sin.
However, the familial relationship between Chur and Bezalel does not explain how Bezalel was able to undertake the task of constructing the Mishkan. The Talmud in Sanhedrin 69b states that Bezalel was only thirteen years old at the time the Mishkan was built. How could a thirteen year old have the knowledge and the capabilities to build the Mishkan and all its Kelim?
In pasuk 31:3, it says that Bezalel was ?filled with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge,? which Rashi translates as wisdom gained by learning from others, understanding of one?s own wisdom, and knowledge in the form of Ruach Hakodesh (Rashi, 31:3). Therefore, despite his tender age, Bezalel had the capabilities needed for the job. The Sforno explains further that Hashem would only entrust the construction of the Mishkan and the Kelim to the individual who could fully understand the tachlit, the purpose, of the job. Although Bezalel constructed all the Kelim, his name is specifically mentioned in regards to the building of the ark, the Aron Kodesh, the resting place for the Ten Commandments. Bezalel understood the importance of having a home for the Torah, a place to preserve the connection between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem. By understanding the true essence of the Mishkan, Bezalel was given the honor of being its designer. Several pasukim later, Hashem reveals that there will be other individuals who will assist in the building of the Mishkan.
?And, I, behold, I have put with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan, and into the heart of all who are wise of heart I have put wisdom, and they shall do all that I have commanded you? [Shmot 31:6]
Rashi explains that the term ?wise of heart? does not only apply to Bezalel and Oholiab, rather the term ?wise of heart? refers to all who assist in the construction of the Mishkan.
How does one become ?wise of heart?? Do you have to go to Minyan three times a day? Eat only OU-approved kosher food? While doing those things might help, I think we can all learn from Bezalel how to be a true Chacham Lev.
While Chur was killed by attempting to prevent sin, Bezalel is preemptively preventing sin by creating a place to preserve the Torah and allowing for Hashem?s presence to constantly be felt within Bnei Yisrael. Due to an absence of the Mishkan today, the Torah functions as our most direct connection with Hashem, and we should strive to preserve that connection and to feel the presence of Hashem through its? study and application to our daily lives.