Exodus31

Exodus 31 details God's divine appointment of Bezaleel and Aholiab, empowering them with wisdom and skill to construct the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings according to His precise instructions. The chapter also reiterates the solemn command to observe the Sabbath, emphasizing its perpetual significance as a sign between God and the children of Israel. Finally, Moses receives the two tables of testimony, written by the finger of God, on Mount Sinai.

Appointment of the Tabernacle Craftsmen

1
ADONAI said to Moshe,
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"I have singled out B'tzal'el the son of Uri the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y'hudah. ​
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I have filled him with the Spirit of God - with wisdom, understanding and knowledge concerning every kind of artisanry. ​
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He is a master of design in gold, silver, bronze,
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cutting precious stones to be set, woodcarving and every other craft.
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"I have also appointed as his assistant Oholi'av the son of Achisamakh, of the tribe of Dan. Moreover, I have endowed all the craftsmen with the wisdom to make everything I have ordered you - ​
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the tent of meeting, the ark for the testimony, the ark-cover above it, all the furnishings of the tent,
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the table and its utensils, the pure menorah and all its utensils, the incense altar,
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the altar for burnt offerings and all its utensils, the basin and its base,
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the garments for officiating, the holy garments for Aharon the cohen and the garments for his sons, so that they can serve in the office of cohen,
11
the anointing oil and the incense of aromatic spices for the Holy Place: they are to make everything just as I have ordered you." ​

The Sign of the Sabbath

12
ADONAI said to Moshe,
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"Tell the people of Isra'el, 'You are to observe my Shabbats; for this is a sign between me and you through all your generations; so that you will know that I am ADONAI, who sets you apart for me. ​
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Therefore you are to keep my Shabbat, because it is set apart for you. Everyone who treats it as ordinary must be put to death; for whoever does any work on it is to be cut off from his people. ​
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On six days work will get done; but the seventh day is Shabbat, for complete rest, set apart for ADONAI. Whoever does any work on the day of Shabbat must be put to death.
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The people of Isra'el are to keep the Shabbat, to observe Shabbat through all their generations as a perpetual covenant. ​
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It is a sign between me and the people of Isra'el forever; for in six days ADONAI made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and rested.'" ​

The Tables of Testimony

18
When he had finished speaking with Moshe on Mount Sinai, ADONAI gave him the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. ​

Study Notes for Exodus 31

Verse 2

Bezaleel’s name means 'in the shadow of God.' His designation by name emphasizes that God specifically chooses and calls individuals for service, regardless of whether that service is spiritual or technical.

Verse 3

This verse is highly significant, showing that the Spirit of God provides not only spiritual gifts but also technical skill, wisdom, and artistic ability necessary for sacred tasks like construction and design.

Verse 6

Aholiab, from the tribe of Dan, assists Bezaleel, demonstrating that God utilizes skilled workers from across all tribes. The 'wise hearted' are those whom God has gifted with inherent ability and whom He further empowers for this specialized work.

Verse 11

This concluding statement confirms that every detail provided in the previous chapters (Exodus 25-30) must be executed exactly as commanded, emphasizing obedience and precision in worship.

Verse 13

The Sabbath is designated as the primary *sign* ('ôt) of the covenant between God and Israel. This sign serves as a continual reminder that it is the LORD who consecrates and separates Israel as His holy people.

Verse 14

The severe penalty of death underscores the theological seriousness of violating the Sabbath, as it represents a rejection of God's authority and His covenant relationship with Israel.

Verse 16

Observing the Sabbath is defined as a 'perpetual covenant' (*berit 'ôlam*), indicating its enduring nature throughout Israel’s existence and its foundational role in their identity.

Verse 17

The Sabbath is tied directly back to the Creation account (Genesis 2:2), establishing the rhythm of rest as a divine pattern and a theological link between Israel and the Creator God. 'Was refreshed' implies a cessation of activity and enjoyment of completion.

Verse 18

This verse serves as the concluding transition for the entire section of divine instruction (Exodus 25–31). The 'tables of testimony' were the Ten Commandments, written directly by God, symbolizing their ultimate authority.

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