Definition: And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 31. It’s a really interesting and slightly surprising one! Here's an explanation in simple terms: Basically, this verse is saying God is giving special wisdom to the leaders of Israel (specifically the priests) to help them manage the country and its resources. Here’s a breakdown of what each part means: “And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan…” – This is introducing a person named Aholiab. He was a craftsman who lived in Israel. God is saying he’s providing this man with a special gift - a way to help manage things. “…and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee.” – This is the key part. God says he (God) has given a specific kind of wisdom to these leaders. He’s saying that this wisdom isn't just about knowing what to do, but about understanding how to do it responsibly and effectively. He wants them to be able to carry out God’s instructions perfectly – “make all that I have commanded thee.” So, what does this tell us about the role of priests in ancient Israel? Traditionally, priests were incredibly important figures. They weren't just religious leaders; they were also responsible for: Managing the Temple: They oversaw the rituals and offerings within the temple, which was a crucial part of their power and influence. Ensuring Fair Distribution: The priests were believed to be entrusted with ensuring that God’s blessings were distributed fairly among the people. Executing God's Laws: They were tasked with interpreting and applying God's laws in practical ways. This verse suggests a shift in focus – that God was intentionally placing this wisdom within the leaders, not just allowing them to have it independently. It’s like saying, "You need this special knowledge to be truly effective in managing everything." Important Note: It's important to remember that this is a later interpretation of this passage rooted in Jewish tradition and theology. The exact details of what exactly Aholiab was doing or the specific nature of this wisdom are debated among scholars. --- Do you want me to explain anything further, perhaps related to: The context of this verse in ancient Israel? How this passage relates to other biblical stories about wisdom and leadership?