Ahisamach is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Exodus, whose legacy is entirely defined by the remarkable service of his son to the worship of God. His name, which means “my brother supports” or “brother of support,” fittingly prefaces the man who would be chosen as a primary artisan in the building of the Tabernacle—a monumental work of divine support for the people of Israel.
The Father of God’s Artisan
The prominence of Ahisamach in Scripture stems from his role as the father of Aholiab, one of the two chief craftsmen divinely appointed to construct the Tabernacle in the wilderness. While Ahisamach himself does not have a narrative, his inclusion in the sacred text is essential for establishing the lineage and tribal credentials of his son, affirming that God’s selection of workers was drawn from the whole of Israel, not just one favored tribe.
The Lord God chose Aholiab, and in doing so, specified his father and tribe, as recorded by Moses:
“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;” — Exodus 31:6 (KJV)
This mention solidifies Ahisamach’s place as a man of the tribe of Dan, whose offspring was granted divine skill and wisdom for the most holy work of that generation.
A Co-Laborer in the Holy Work
Ahisamach’s son, Aholiab, was chosen to work alongside Bezaleel of the tribe of Judah. Bezaleel was the chief architect, and Aholiab was his indispensable assistant, a skilled engraver, cunning workman, and master embroiderer. This divine partnership is significant in the context of the sanctuary:
- A Partnership of Tribes: It demonstrated that God’s gifts—even the highest skills for His service—were not confined to the traditionally prominent tribes of Judah or Levi. The “brother of support” from the tribe of Dan was equally commissioned for the holy task.
- A Gift of Teaching: The skills given to Ahisamach’s son were not for his use alone, as the Scripture notes: “And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan” (Exodus 35:34, KJV). This mandate to instruct others ensured that the God-given wisdom would be passed on, a crucial element for maintaining the sanctuary and perpetuating the skills required for the sacred service.
The fact that Ahisamach is remembered purely as the father of such a gifted man attests to the importance of parental guidance and faithful heritage in raising up those who will serve the Lord with excellence. His legacy of “support” is seen in the work of his son, which endured as the Tabernacle for the forty years of wandering.
Prophetic Hotspot: The Return Question of the Artisans
The specific selection of Bezaleel from Judah and Aholiab from Dan for the construction of the dwelling place of God carries a subtle prophetic weight. The Tabernacle, a type of Christ and His Church, was a perfect union of divine and earthly craftsmanship, representing God’s presence among men. This great work required a unifying effort from all corners of Israel.
Similarly, in anticipating The Lord’s Return, the completion of God’s work on earth will require the spiritual gifts and dedicated service of the saints from every tribe and nation. The pairing of Judah and Dan—the royal tribe and a tribe later associated with the artistry of the serpent (Genesis 49:17) and sadly, with early idolatry (Judges 18)—serves as a powerful reminder that God’s calling and spiritual anointing can fall upon any of His children, drawing even the seemingly marginal into the glorious work of the sanctuary. All are needed, from the “lion” of Judah to the “serpent” of Dan, to complete the full plan of God.