Betsalel: Called by Name to Build for God

Abstract

This story imaginatively tries to understand the meaning of the ancient Jewish sanctuary and its services from the perspective of a group of young Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years. The lessons they might have derived from their discussions with Betsalel, the man chosen by name by God to make the tabernacle where God planned to dwell with his people, are explored. Betsalel connects them with Moses, inspires them to teach others, so that on the borders of the promised land the people are ready to move forward and follow God's plans for conquest. The narrative also explores how understanding the tabernacle services can inform Christian theology and prophetic interpretation.