1. The chief architect of the Tabernacle. The name occurs only in Priestly Narrative and in the Bk. of Chron. (1Ch 2:20; 2Ch 1:5). It probably signifies 'in the shadow (i.e. under the protection) of El.' According to Priestly Narrative's representation, Bezalel was expressly called by Jahweh (Ex 31:2) to superintend the erection of the 'tent of meeting,' and endowed with the special gifts required for the proper execution of his task (vv. 3, 5). He was also charged with the construction of the furniture for court and Tabernacle, as well as with the preparation of the priestly garments, and of the necessary oil and incense. Among the gifts thus bestowed upon him, not the least was the gift of teaching the arts of which he was himself a master, to his subordinates (Ex 35:34), the chief of whom was Oholiab (Ex 31:6; 35:34 etc.). 2. One of the sons of Pahath-moab who had married foreign wives (Ezr 10:30).

A. R. S. Kennedy.