Who was Ahisamak?
Ahisamak was a man of the tribe of Dan, mentioned briefly in the Old Testament as the father of Oholiab, one of the chief artisans chosen by God for the construction of the Tabernacle. His name in Hebrew is אֲחִיסָמָךְ (’Achîsamak), which means “my brother has supported” or “brother of support.” Although little is said directly about Ahisamak himself, his significance is found in his connection to his son and his family’s inclusion in the sacred work of the Tabernacle, a task ordained by God.
Biblical References
Ahisamak is mentioned three times in Scripture:
- Exodus 31:6 – “Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him…”
- Exodus 35:34 – “And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.”
- Exodus 38:23 – “With him was Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan—a craftsman and designer…”
These references always associate Ahisamak with his son Oholiab and the tribe of Dan.
Historical and Tribal Context
Ahisamak lived during the time of the Exodus, a foundational period in Israel’s history when God was forming His covenant people as a nation. As a member of the tribe of Dan, Ahisamak was part of one of the twelve tribes of Israel descended from Jacob’s sons. Dan was the fifth son of Jacob and the firstborn of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant (Genesis 30:6).
In this tribal framework, the naming of Ahisamak alongside his son indicates familial and tribal integrity in the service of God. Though the tribe of Dan was not usually known for leading roles in Israel’s religious life (as Levi was), God chose a Danite—Oholiab—along with Bezalel from Judah, to represent unity across the tribes in building the Tabernacle.
Role in the Tabernacle Narrative
While Ahisamak is not described as directly participating in the work of the Tabernacle, his legacy is preserved in his son Oholiab, whom God appointed to serve as an assistant to Bezalel. These two men were endowed by the Holy Spirit with wisdom, understanding, and skill in craftsmanship to execute the divine designs for the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-11).
The mention of Ahisamak serves a genealogical purpose, linking Oholiab to his lineage and establishing his tribal identity. This emphasizes the communal and generational nature of God‘s covenantal work—God’s purposes often flow through families and tribes.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
Ahisamak’s brief mention reminds Christians of the importance of legacy and generational faithfulness. Though he is not described as a builder himself, his role as a father is memorialized in Scripture. His son was used by God to create the sacred space where God’s presence would dwell among His people.
This points to the idea that the quiet faithfulness of one generation can bear fruit in the next. Even when we are not at the forefront of visible ministry, our support, teaching, and example within the family can shape future servants of the Lord.
How His Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel
The construction of the Tabernacle was ultimately a shadow of greater things to come (Hebrews 9:11-12). It prefigured Christ, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14) and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Those who labored in its making were preparing the way for the presence of God to dwell with His people.
Oholiab’s role, and thus Ahisamak’s lineage, participates in this redemptive narrative. From the tribe of Dan, a lesser-known tribe, came a man empowered by the Spirit to build a dwelling place for God. In a similar way, the Gospel includes the weak, the overlooked, and the humble in God‘s grand design. Jesus Christ, though King of kings, came in humility, and through Him, ordinary people are invited into God‘s work.
Broader Biblical Themes
Divine Calling and Empowerment
God equips individuals from diverse backgrounds with spiritual gifts for His service, as seen in Oholiab’s appointment.
Legacy and Generational Impact
The Bible often traces spiritual impact through family lines, as seen in the mention of Ahisamak as Oholiab’s father.
God’s Use of the Marginalized
Dan, a lesser-esteemed tribe, is honored in God‘s plan, reminding us that God’s grace extends beyond human status or expectation.
The Tabernacle as a Foreshadowing
The Tabernacle represented God‘s desire to dwell with His people, a desire fulfilled in Christ and continued in the Church, the body of Christ.
Reflection Questions
- Though Ahisamak’s role is not elaborated on, what does his inclusion in the text teach us about the value of quiet faithfulness?
- How can Christian parents today prepare their children to serve the Lord, as Ahisamak’s legacy suggests?
- What does God’s calling of Oholiab, a man from the tribe of Dan, teach us about how God chooses and uses people in His kingdom?
- In what ways does the building of the Tabernacle point us to the work of Christ and our role as His temple today (1 Corinthians 3:16)?
- Are you faithful in your unseen responsibilities, knowing that God may use your obedience to prepare the way for future generations?
Ahisamak, though briefly mentioned, is a reminder that no act of faithfulness goes unnoticed in the kingdom of God. His name is preserved in Scripture as a testimony to the kind of support—quiet and foundational—that God values in building His holy dwelling.