Bezalels

Bezalel (also spelled Bezaleel) is a Hebrew given name meaning "in the shadow of God" or "under the protection of God." In the Hebrew Bible, Bezalel is the chief artisan appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

In Exodus 31:2-5 and 35:30-35, Bezalel the son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah, is described as being filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all craftsmanship. He is charged with devising artistic designs and working with gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, and wood to construct and ornament the Ark of the Covenant, the menorah, the table of showbread, the altar of incense, and other sacred furnishings. He is assisted by Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. Moses commands the people to bring offerings to support their work.

Bezalel’s portrayal emphasizes divine inspiration guiding skilled craftsmanship for a sacred space. In religious traditions, he is cited as an exemplar of artistry under divine direction; his name has been used in later Jewish and Christian art and liturgy as a symbol of craftsmanship.

In modern contexts, Bezalel is the name of a prominent art and design university in Jerusalem, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, established in the early 20th century and named after the biblical figure. The plural form Bezalels would simply refer to multiple individuals named Bezalel.