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In the Old Testament accounts of Noah's Ark ([[Genesis 6]]) and the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 25]] - [[Exodus 31]]), God dictates a detailed design but say says nothing at all about the construction methods. The design of Solomon's temple was communicated in a slightly differentform: in [[1 Chronicles 28]] we are told that David gave his son Solomon written plans "that the Spirit had put into his mind" (v12). "The hand of the Lord was upon me and he gave me understanding in all the details of the plan" (v19).

In each case, it can be assumed that God expected the people to make whatever use of technology was appropriate to achieve the goal. Perhaps this is no surprise, but we should not overlook the fact that there could have been other approaches. God could have made tools unnecessary, or provided all the tools that were necessary. God could have specified exactly what to do rather than leave so much open to Noah, Moses and Solomon's initiative. But God's typical approach to when acting in the world is by delegationto delegate. God lets us know the goal and an ethical framework, even the wisdom and resources, but then relies on our initiative to work out the details.

One exception to this pattern is the instructions about building altars. [[Exodus 20:24]] - [[Exodus 20:25]] is very specific in the instruction directive that ''unhewn'' stones be used, undefiled by tools. In particular, the use of iron tools is forbidden ([[Deuteronomy 27:5]], [[Joshua 8:31]]). The reason for this prohibition is not made explicit. Altars were to be made of natural materials -- earth and stone -- rather than being manufactured. They were to be unadorned, perhaps so that no symbol or image will lead to superstition and detract from the worship of God alone. Such altars are temporary and eventually superseded by the sacrifice of Christ. Jesus is likened to a cut stone, formed not by human hands ([[Daniel 2:34]], [[Daniel 2:44]] - [[Daniel 2:45]]) and although he was rejected by the builders he has become the foundation stone of everything that God has built ([[Psalm 118:22]], [[Luke 20:17]], [[Acts 4:11]], [[1 Peter 2:7]]).

The construction of the Tabernacle was a major undertaking, both technically and politically. The : the Biblical account spans 16 chapters, from [[Exodus 25]] to [[Exodus 40]]. Bezalel and Oholiab direct the project, but the work is not just carried out by professionals: . [[Exodus 35:10]] - [[Exodus 35:29]] indicates that "all who were willing, men and women alike" brought their gifts and applied their skills to the task.

The temporary nature of the Tabernacle is alluded to by Paul when he describes our bodies as merely a tent that will be replaced by an eternal house in heaven ([[2 Corinthians 5:1]]). Even the Temple is was temporary. When Jesus' disciples marvelled at the magnificent Temple, Jesus was not impressed ([[Mark 13:1]] - [[Mark 13:2]]). Within a generation, the Temple was destroyed. No building (or anything else built by people) is as magnificent or as sturdy as God. From [[John 2:19]] - [[John 2:21]] we understand that it is only the Temple of Jesus' body that can be destroyed and yet remake itself.