Finding Artistic Meaning in Exodus, part II

Exodus chapter 31, verses 1-11 is posted at the end of this post...

One of our devotional times during the Creative Summit was focused on reading scripture to find artistic meaning. We all gathered into groups of about 5 people and jotted down what we found. Here are a couple of highlights from several of the group discussions focused on Exodus 31:1-11:

v.2 - Bezalel - means "in the shadow of God" - now you may or may not know this, but Michelangelo is often my favorite artist to quote because he is so eloquent in his parallels between art and God... "The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection."
v.3 - God cares about craftmanship, building, and creating something beautiful. He has given us the ability through specific skills He designs within us. He has created all kinds of ability.
v.4-5 - make artistic designs with the beautiful materials He has already created - gold, silver, and bronze; stones, wood, etc...
v.11 - beauty in all senses, particularly for our sense of smell in this verse

Again, I am sure there is more to discover regarding this passage, and I would love to hear your insight, so please leave a comment at the end of this post. If you have time, take a moment to read the verses below:

Exodus chapter 31, verses 1-11

1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you: 7 the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent- 8 the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, 9 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand- 10 and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you."