Here are nine principles I’ve found in the Hebrew Bible for understanding vocation from a Judeo-Christian perspective.
1. Stewardship of creation
From the beginning of human history, God intended work to be meaningful and fulfilling (Genesis 2:15). The ur-text for vocation is the so-called creation mandate of Genesis 1:26-30. Humans, created in God’s image, possess inherent dignity and freedom that shapes their vocation. We are to exercise “dominion” or stewardship of the non-human world, carefully managing and caring for the earth and its resources as a sacred trust. This is our universal calling, stewarding natural resources for succeeding generations.
2. Dignity of all purposeful work
The skilful craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1-6) is often cited as an example of the way in which vocational gifts and skills of all kinds are to be respected and encouraged in the general service of God. All purposeful work done with integrity is good in God’s sight. The principle of the dignity and creativity of vocational labour (whether that of artisans, farmers, soldiers, merchants, priests, etc.) flows from the creation mandate.
3. Partnership with God
God always initiates salvation and plays a similar role in imparting skills and shaping vocations to fulfil his sovereign purposes. For the people of Israel, vocation is part of a covenant responsibility toward God. All of God’s people live not for themselves but for God’s glory. We should strive daily to serve God by aligning our vocational lives with God’s purposes, seeking to do God’s will in our whole lives.
4. Missional purpose
It was God’s intention for Israel to adopt a missional posture toward the surrounding nations, serving God as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). They were to live as witnesses to the world of God’s greatness and goodness and mercy. In the New Testament, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; cf 1 Peter 2:5, 9) echoes the essence of Israel’s mission, restating the vocation of God’s people as channels of divine grace and mercy to all nations. God’s people are set apart to serve God in service, witness, and prayer.
5. Focus on others
In the Hebrew Bible, vocation is primarily about serving God and others rather than oneself. Vocation involves building relationships, attending to others’ needs, and working together for the common good. The Levites were set apart as priests to serve the people (Numbers 3:6-9); Jeremiah and other godly Israelites were set apart as prophets (e.g., Jeremiah 1:4-10); and David and other leaders of Israel and Judah were set apart as kings to serve the people. Wherever these basic principles are threatened, or absent, vocational wellbeing suffers and its fruit withers.
6. Justice and the common good
Vocation should promote justice and the common good. Joseph’s vocation in Egypt, and his wisdom and foresight, enabled many people to survive famine (Genesis 41:39-41). In Leviticus 19:35f, laws regarding honest weights and measures sought to ensure that justice and fairness prevailed despite the human tendency to greed and corruption. Proverbs 21:13 highlights a focus on righting wrongs, bringing shalom to communities, and contributing to the good of all.
7. Diligence and duty
The Hebrew Bible warns against idleness and encourages hard work, diligence and wise decision-making based on a spiritually grounded life purpose (Proverbs 10:4; 11:1, 3). Integrity, honesty and obedience to God’s revealed will are essential to fulfilling one’s vocation. Nehemiah’s diligence in rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, as part of his vocation as a national leader, highlights perseverance in the face of opposition (Nehemiah 4:6-9). The prophet Jonah’s refusal to obey God led to disastrous consequences (Jonah 1), although he later pursued his vocation as a missionary to Nineveh with great outcomes.
8. Rest and leisure
The provision of regular rest from labour (Exodus 20:8-11) is essential to properly fulfilling one’s vocation. A habit of diverting daily (to meditate, exercise or refresh), withdrawing weekly (the Sabbath principle), and abandoning annually (for vacation from work) illustrates how this may be applied in contemporary context. Workers deserve adequate rest, refreshment and recreation. A sensible balance between work and rest reflects trust in God’s providence and recognises one’s own physical, mental and emotional limits – and those of others who report to you or work alongside you. God also rested from the work of creation.
9. Succession
Vocation includes the responsibility of training the next generation. The stories of Moses and Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7f), Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2), and others illustrate the importance of effective coaching, mentoring and succession planning. Leaders have a responsibility to plan for continuity and the transfer of vocational skills to future generations.
What other principles relating to calling or vocation may be drawn from the Hebrew Bible?
Dr Rod Benson is Research Support Officer at Moore Theological College, Sydney. He previously pastored four Baptist churches in Queensland and NSW, and served for 12 years as an ethicist with the Tinsley Institute at Morling College.
Image source: Jonah preaching to the Ninevites (St Shenouda Monastery).
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