Exodus 31

Exodus 31 details God's instructions to Moses regarding the skilled craftsmen appointed for constructing the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of the Sabbath as a covenant sign between God and Israel. This chapter underscores the spiritual significance of both the Sabbath and the skill and dedication required for sacred tasks.

Exodus 31:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;
3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

God selects Bezalel, explicitly naming him, which underscores his particular importance and divine appointment for the construction of the Tabernacle. The infusion of the Spirit of God grants Bezalel not just skill, but wisdom, understanding, and knowledge—qualities that ensure his craftsmanship transcends mere physical labor, reflecting divine inspiration and purpose. This selection highlights the intertwining of spiritual qualities with practical skills in God’s service.

Exodus 31:4-5 (NKJV)
4 to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze,
5 in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship.

These verses further detail the scope of Bezalel's divinely endowed abilities, covering a wide range of materials and artistic disciplines. This not only illustrates the comprehensive skill set required for the sacred construction but also symbolizes the richness and beauty that should befit places of worship. The mention of varied materials signifies the extensive preparations and resources invested in the Tabernacle, reflecting its importance as God’s earthly dwelling place.

Exodus 31:6 (NKJV)
6 “And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you:

Aholiab, alongside Bezalel, is appointed to assist in the work, signifying that the monumental task of constructing the Tabernacle required collaboration and collective skill. This verse not only introduces Aholiab but also acknowledges the broader team of skilled artisans, each divinely inspired with wisdom. It emphasizes that while individual skill is crucial, communal participation and contribution are equally essential in accomplishing God’s commandments.

Exodus 31:7-11 (NKJV)
7 the tabernacle of meeting, the ark of the Testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furniture of the tabernacle—
8 the table and its utensils, the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, the altar of incense,
9 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the laver and its base—
10 the garments of ministry, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests,
11 and the anointing oil and sweet incense for the holy place. According to all that I have commanded you they shall do.”

These verses enumerate the specific items that Bezalel, Aholiab, and the team of artisans are to construct. The detailed list emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their task and the sacredness of each item. The garments, furniture, and anointing substances are all integral to the worship practices and ceremonies in the Tabernacle. This specificity underscores the meticulous care required to ensure that each piece serves its spiritual function and adheres to divine specifications.

Exodus 31:12-13 (NKJV)
12 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
13 “Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

The transition from the detailed craftsmanship to the Sabbath underscores its centrality and sanctity. God emphasizes the observance of the Sabbath as a perpetual covenant and a sign of the sacred relationship between God and Israel. This observance is meant to be a weekly testament to God’s role as the sanctifier, setting Israel apart as His chosen people through a consistent, lived-out practice.

Exodus 31:14-15 (NKJV)
14 ‘You shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people.
15 Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

These verses reinforce the Sabbath’s sanctity with a stern warning against its profanation. The severe penalties underscore the gravity of keeping the Sabbath, reflecting its foundational role in Israelite religious and communal life. The contrast between six days of labor and one of rest encapsulates the rhythm of work and worship, a balance divinely ordained to remind Israel continuously of God’s creation and covenant.

Exodus 31:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.
17 It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.”

These concluding verses link the Sabbath directly with the creation narrative, providing a theological grounding for its observance. The Sabbath is not just a cultural or practical institution but a divine command mirroring God’s rest after creation. This perpetual covenant serves as a regular reminder of God’s creative power and His ongoing relationship with His people.

Exodus 31:18 (NKJV)
18 And when He had made an end of speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.

The chapter concludes with God giving Moses the stone tablets, inscribed with the Ten Commandments. This act marks the culmination of the divine instructions and underscores the tangible aspect of God’s law. The 'finger of God' emphasizes the divine origin of these commandments, underscoring their authority and the seriousness with which they are to be observed.