Oholiab son of Ahisamach אׇהֳלִיאָב בֶּן־אֲחִיסָמָךְ
Bezalel's partner in the work of the Tabernacle; of the tribe of Dan
"And behold, I have given with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, and in the heart of every wise-hearted I have put wisdom" (Exodus 31:6).
His skill is named exactly: "an engraver, and a skilful workman, and an embroiderer in blue and in purple and in scarlet and in fine linen" (38:23). And he taught others: "and He has put in his heart that he may teach—both he and Oholiab" (35:34).
Why this is noticed. Bezalel was of Judah, the tribe of kings. Oholiab was of Dan, the tribe that camped last, on the north side. The two are set side by side and work as equals. The Tabernacle was made not by the highest in standing but by those given the skill.
On the timeline
Related
Sources
Tanakh
- Shemot 31:6 — given to Bezalel as helper; of the tribe of Dan
- Shemot 35:34 — the ability to teach put in him and in Bezalel
- Shemot 38:23 — engraver, skilful workman and embroiderer
Basis: stated in the Tanakh.