1 The Lord said to Moses,
2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah,”
3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship,
4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze,
5 to cut stones for setting, and to carve wood, to work in every craft.
6 And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you:
7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent,
8 the table with its poles and all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence;
9 It shall be for Aaron and his sons, and they shall eat it in a holy place, since it is for him a most holy portion out of the Lord’s food offerings, a perpetual due.”
10 the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests,
11 to be skilled, in working in gold, silver, and bronze,
12 And the Lord said to Moses, “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.
13 “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.
14 You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death. Whoever does any work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
15 Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord.
16 Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever.
17 It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.
18 And he gave to Moses, when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.
The True Meaning of Exodus 31
The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. We witness the establishment of the Mosaic covenant and the instructions given by God for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that would serve as the center of worship for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness as the narrative continues. Bezalel and Oholiab, two skilled artisans, were divinely appointed in Exodus 31 to be responsible for the intricate work of building the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This chapter also reiterates the importance of observing the Sabbath, a sacred day of rest and worship, as a sign of the covenant between God and His people.
The instructions given in this chapter echo the themes of holiness, obedience, and the importance of following God’s commands that have been woven throughout the book of Exodus. As we delve into this passage, the Israelites were called to honor God through their craftsmanship and their observance of the Sabbath, foreshadowing the deeper spiritual truths that would be revealed in the coming chapters.
Exodus 31:1-6
The Lord speaks to Moses regarding the selection of Bezalel, son of Uri, as the artisan chosen by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments in Exodus 31:1-6. Bezalel is specifically mentioned as being filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of skills. This selection of Bezalel highlights the importance of being chosen by God for specific tasks and being equipped with divine wisdom and abilities to fulfill those tasks. It also emphasizes the idea that God values and uses the talents and skills of individuals for His divine purposes.
Bezalel’s appointment as the chief artisan in the building of the Tabernacle is significant because it demonstrates that God does not only call priests or prophets for His work but also artisans and craftsmen. This highlights the inclusivity of God’s plan and the importance of each individual’s contribution, regardless of their role or occupation. It also symbolizes the idea that all forms of work and creativity can be used to glorify God.
The mention of being filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and empowerment in all that we do. It serves as a reminder that our skills and abilities are gifts from God, and when we use them in alignment with His will, we can achieve great things. This concept is echoed in the New Testament in verses like James 1:5, which encourages believers to ask God for wisdom.
Furthermore, this passage highlights the concept of stewardship and excellence in work. Bezalel’s craftsmanship in creating the Tabernacle was not merely about completing a task but about doing it to the best of his abilities for the glory of God. This idea of working diligently and excellently as unto the Lord is reiterated in Colossians 3:23-24, where believers are encouraged to work heartily, knowing that they are serving the Lord. Exodus 31:1-6 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty in choosing and equipping individuals for His work, the inclusivity of His plan, the importance of seeking divine wisdom and guidance, and the significance of stewardship and excellence in all that we do. It encourages believers to use their God-given talents and skills for His glory, knowing that He will empower them for the tasks He has called them to.
Exodus 31:7-11
Skilled artisans who were chosen to work on the tabernacle are described in Exodus 31:7-11. The first important section highlights Bezalel and Oholiab being filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, enabling them to work on all kinds of craftsmanship for the tabernacle. This is significant as it shows that God not only values spiritual gifts but also practical skills and craftsmanship. It teaches us that God can use a variety of talents and abilities for His divine purposes. Bezalel and Oholiab serve as great examples of individuals who were called and equipped by God for specific tasks, highlighting the importance of using our talents and skills for the glory of God. Bezalel was from the tribe of Judah and Oholiab was from the tribe of Dan, as revealed in in-depth commentary. These two individuals were chosen by God and filled with His Spirit to excel in craftsmanship. This shows that God can empower and use anyone, regardless of their background or lineage, for His work. It emphasizes the idea that God calls and equips individuals uniquely for specific purposes within the grand design of His plan. This message echoes throughout the Bible, as we see God using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things when they submit themselves to His will.
The skilled work mentioned in these verses includes the ability to work with various materials such as gold, silver, and bronze, as well as the skills needed for cutting and setting stones and carving wood. This attention to detail and precision in craftsmanship reflects the importance of excellence in God’s service. It reminds us that whatever we do for the Lord should be done with skill, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. This aligns with the Bible’s timeless message in Colossians 3:23-24, which encourages us to work wholeheartedly as though working for the Lord. The passage highlights that these artisans were not only given practical skills but also the ability to teach others. This aspect of passing down knowledge and skills from one generation to another is crucial in the biblical context. It emphasizes the importance of discipleship and mentorship in training others for the work of the kingdom. This concept is reiterated in 2 Timothy 2:2, where Paul instructs Timothy to entrust what he has learned to faithful men who can teach others also. This passing down of skills and knowledge ensures the continuity and growth of God’s work in the world. Exodus 31:7-11 showcases the importance of using our skills and talents for God’s glory, the significance of being filled with the Spirit for craftsmanship, and the necessity of passing down knowledge to future generations. The story of Bezalel and Oholiab serves as a reminder that God can use anyone for His purposes, and that our work, no matter how mundane it may seem, can be a form of worship when done with excellence and dedication. This passage challenges us to assess how we are utilizing our gifts and abilities for the advancement of God’s kingdom and to seek His empowerment and guidance in all that we do.
Exodus 31:12-17
We can break down several important sections in Exodus 31:12-17 for interpretation.
Firstly, in verses 12-13, God instructs Moses to speak to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of observing the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and His people. This commandment to honor the Sabbath was reiterated multiple times in scripture, including in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11) and by Jesus Himself (Mark 2:27). The Sabbath was a day of rest and reflection, symbolizing the completion of God’s work in creating the world in six days and resting on the seventh. The Israelites, by observing the Sabbath, were not only following a commandment but also demonstrating their trust in God’s provision and their willingness to set aside time to focus on Him.
Secondly, in verses 14-15, God warns the Israelites against profaning the Sabbath, stating that whoever does so will be put to death. This severe consequence highlights the seriousness with which God viewed the Sabbath observance. God was emphasizing the importance of obedience and reverence towards Him by enforcing such a strict penalty. It also serves as a reminder that obedience to God’s commands carries weighty consequences, emphasizing the need for faithfulness and adherence to His Word.
Lastly, verses 16-17 reiterate the significance of the Sabbath as a perpetual covenant between God and the Israelites, a sign of their consecration to Him. This reaffirmation underscores the eternal nature of God’s covenant with His people and the ongoing commitment required from them to honor and obey Him. The Israelites were not only following a religious duty but were also cultivating a deeper relationship with God, one built on trust, obedience, and devotion by setting aside one day out of the week for rest and worship. Exodus 31:12-17 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of honoring God through obedience and reverence, particularly in the observance of the Sabbath. It underscores the perpetual nature of God’s covenant with His people and the significance of setting aside time for rest and worship as a means of deepening one’s relationship with Him. We, as believers today, can draw from this passage the timeless message of faithfulness, obedience, and the need to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.
Exodus 31:18
Exodus 31:18 states: “And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. God gave Moses the two tablets of stone inscribed with the Ten Commandments in this verse. These commandments were not mere suggestions but fundamental guidelines for living a righteous and holy life. The fact that God personally wrote them with His finger symbolizes their divine origin and emphasizes their importance. This act of God writing the commandments Himself highlights their significance and reinforces the idea that they are sacred and unchangeable laws.
The Ten Commandments are a key part of the Mosaic Law, establishing principles of morality, social justice, and worship. They were not just for the Israelites of that time but for all generations to come. They serve as ethical guidelines for believers and are foundational to Judeo-Christian ethics. The commandments not only define our relationship with God but also our relationships with others. Jesus later summarized them by emphasizing love for God and love for one’s neighbor in Matthew 22:37-40, showing the enduring significance of these moral principles.
Mount Sinai, where God communed with Moses and delivered the tablets, held significance throughout the Bible. It was here that God revealed Himself to Moses through the burning bush and established His covenant with the Israelites. The giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai marked a pivotal moment in the relationship between God and His chosen people. The awe-inspiring display of God’s power, with thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud over the mountain, underscored the holiness and authority of God. This event emphasized the need for reverence and obedience to God’s commands.
The tablets of stone, being physical representations of God’s law, were meant to be a tangible reminder for the Israelites to keep God’s commandments close to their hearts. Unfortunately, the people of Israel would later struggle to uphold these commandments, leading to various consequences and punishments throughout their history. The tablets being written by the finger of God also symbolize the permanence and immutability of His laws, contrasting with the impermanence of human laws and customs. God gave Moses the tablets of stone inscribed with the Ten Commandments in Exodus 31:18. This act symbolizes the divine origin, permanence, and significance of these moral guidelines. The Ten Commandments remain a cornerstone of moral and ethical teachings, providing timeless principles for believers to follow in their relationship with God and others.
After Exodus 31
The Lord had spoken to Moses, outlining the specific instructions for the tabernacle and all its furnishings. He had also appointed Bezalel and Oholiab, two skilled craftsmen, to oversee the construction. With the plans laid out and the workers chosen, the stage was set for the Israelites to begin the sacred task of building the dwelling place of God. The people set to work, filling their hearts with a sense of purpose and reverence. They knew that this tabernacle would be the very center of their community, the place where they would commune with the Almighty. The labor they poured into its creation was not just a physical task, but a spiritual one, a testament to their devotion and their desire to honor the Lord.
Yet, even as the work progressed, a dark cloud began to gather on the horizon. For the Israelites, the journey through the wilderness had been marked by moments of both triumph and struggle, and the construction of the tabernacle would be no exception. The next chapter would reveal the true test of their faith, as they faced a challenge that would shake the very foundations of their community.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.