wisdom and skill: these two were Bezaleel and Aholiab.

When Moses came down from the mountain he called Aaron and all the
people of Israel, and told them what God had commanded. The people
willingly brought gifts, till more than enough was provided. Then
Bezaleel and Aholiab, and other wise-hearted men, worked diligently
until the tabernacle and all things belonging to it were made exactly
as God had instructed. Some worked in gold and silver, others in brass
and wood; wise women spun cloth of blue, purple and scarlet, and fine
linen; precious stones were set for the high priest's ephod and
breastplate; and, at last, all was finished. Then we are told "Moses
did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the Lord
had commanded." Then Moses blessed them.

[Illustration: BEZALEEL AND AHOLIAB.]




THE BRAZEN SERPENT.


Jesus Christ says that "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the
wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up." What did Jesus
mean?

Nearly forty years had passed since God gave His law from Mount Sinai;
and frequently the people had sinned during that time. Through their
disobedience they were compelled to wander in the wilderness for many
long years, instead of going straight to Canaan. While thus wandering