Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Exodus 31:4
To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
4. devise cunning works ] devise works of skill ( Speaker’s Comm.); so Exo 35:32; Exo 35:35. Lit. devise (or design, Exo 26:1) devices (Jer 18:18); here of skill in contriving and executing works of art, as in 2Ch 26:15 mechanical contrivances (Heb. devices [EVV. engines, i.e. ingenia, inventions], the device of the deviser).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
4, 5. in gold, and in silver, and in bronze, &c.] such as would be needed for carrying out the preceding body of directions (Exo 25:10 ff.; Exo 26:15 ff.; Exo 28:9-11; Exo 28:21, &c.).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 4. Cunning works] machashaboth, works of invention or genius, in the goldsmith and silversmith line.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
To devise cunning works,…. To invent, contrive, and draw patterns, for the weavers particularly, for the making of the curtains of the tabernacle, the vail of the most holy place, the ephod, and the curious girdle of it, which were made of cunning work, curiously wrought by the weaver; and so Jarchi interprets this of the weaving of the work of Chosheb, or cunning work, of the devising of cunning works, or of the knowledge of witty inventions, by Wisdom or the Messiah, see Pr 8:12
to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass; for it is not to be supposed there were either goldsmiths or brasiers among the Israelites; only masons and bricklayers, and brickmakers, and such sort of manufacturers; so that Bezaleel had need of immediate wisdom from the Spirit of God, not only to devise curious works in these several things as in others, but to teach men how to work in them, what tools to work with, and how to use them, how to melt these several metals, and into what forms and shapes to put them, and then to polish them; as there were some things in the temple to be made of gold, as the candlestick, others of silver, as the sockets of the tabernacle, and others of brass, as the altar of burnt offering, and its vessels, with other things.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(4-5) Cunning works . . . in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones
. . .It is a characteristic of early art that it eschews specialism, and it is as nearly universal as possible. Theodore of Samos (ab. B.C. 600-560) was an architect, a worker in bronze, and an engraver of hard stones. Michael Angelo was an architect, painter, and sculptor. Giotto was the same, and also a worker in mosaic. It is some time before, in each particular people or country, the imitative arts become separated, and each artist aspires to eminence in one branch only. (Comp. the multiform artistic powers ascribed to Hiram of Tyre in chap. 214.)
In cutting of stones, to set themi.e., in gem-engraving. This branch of art was needed for engraving the names of the tribes upon the two onyxes of the ephod (Exo. 28:9), and upon the twelve precious stones of the breastplate (Exo. 28:17-18). It was an art very early practised both in Chalda and in Egypt. (See Note 2 on Exo. 28:8.)
In carving of timber.Rather, cutting of timber. The woodwork of the sanctuary was not carved, but plain.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
4, 5. To devise cunning works To plan and execute designs; to think out and elaborate such works of art in metal, stone, and wood, and other material, as would be required in the sanctuary, or in connexion with its services .
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Exo 31:4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
Ver. 4. To devise cunning works. ] All skill in lawful callings, whether manual or mental, is of God. Isa 28:26
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
devise. Note the 5 and the 7 (see App-10). See note on Exo 31:26.
Cunning works. }
Gold, silver,}}
brass, stones,} 5 } 7
timber. }}
All workmanship. }
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Exo 25:32-35, Exo 26:1, Exo 28:15, 1Ki 7:14, 2Ch 2:7, 2Ch 2:13, 2Ch 2:14
Reciprocal: 2Ch 26:15 – cunning men