Definition: And with him [was] Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 38:23. It’s a really important detail about the people Moses was leading – the Israelites – and it highlights a key part of their special situation. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God chose Aholiab to be with the Israelites as their leader, and he was incredibly skilled at creating things! This verse describes him as a talented craftsman – a skilled engraver – who worked with vibrant colors like blue, purple, and red. Let’s unpack it further: “And with him [was] Aholiab…” : This tells us that Aholiab was God's chosen person to lead the Israelites. “…son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan…” : Aholiab was a descendant of a man named Ahisamach who came from the tribe of Dan. The tribe of Dan is known for being very loyal to their leader. "...an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen." : This is the really interesting part! Aholiab wasn’t just any craftsman. He was incredibly skilled at creating beautiful designs on fabrics – specifically, he made intricate patterns with vibrant colors. He wasn't just making things; he was making them look special and important. The “fine linen” suggests these were high-quality textiles used for important purposes. What’s the Significance? This verse shows that God wanted to give the Israelites a way to express their faith in a beautiful and powerful way. It wasn't enough just to have a leader; they needed something visual and artistic to connect with God and show their devotion. It was a practical demonstration of how the people could worship and remember God through their work. In essence, it tells us that God trusted Aholiab’s talent and skill to help the Israelites express their belief in a beautiful and meaningful way. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Exodus 38? Discuss why this detail is significant in biblical history?