(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
ADONAI said to Moshe,
And the LORD said to Moses,
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
And the LORD{H3068} spake{H559} unto Moses{H4872}, saying{H559},
Exodus 31:12 is part of a larger section in the book of Exodus where God is giving Moses specific instructions regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. This verse serves as an introductory statement to a set of commandments that are to be relayed to the people of Israel. In this context, God is emphasizing the importance of His instructions by speaking directly to Moses.
The themes present in Exodus 31:12 include divine authority and communication, as God himself is speaking to Moses, highlighting the significance of what is to follow. It also underscores the sanctity of the Sabbath, as the subsequent verses detail the importance of observing the Sabbath as a sign between God and the Israelites, a theme that runs throughout the Torah and is integral to Jewish identity and religious practice.
Historically, this verse is situated after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and before their entrance into the Promised Land. It is a time when God is establishing a covenant with His people, providing them with laws and instructions for worship that will shape their national and religious identity. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and the observance of the Sabbath are part of God's broader plan to dwell among His people and to set them apart as holy.
In summary, Exodus 31:12 is a pivotal verse that introduces a divine discourse on the sacred duties of the Israelites, including the construction of the Tabernacle and the observance of the Sabbath. It reflects the themes of divine guidance, covenant relationship, and the distinction between the sacred and the profane, which are central to the Israelites' understanding of their role as God's chosen people.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)