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
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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“Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: ​
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and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship, ​
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to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
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and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of workmanship.
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Behold, I myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you: ​
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the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on it, all the furniture of the Tent,
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the table and its vessels, the pure lamp stand with all its vessels, the altar of incense,
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the altar of burnt offering with all its vessels, the basin and its base,
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the finely worked garments—the holy garments for Aaron the priest—the garments of his sons to minister in the priest’s office,
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the anointing oil, and the incense of sweet spices for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded you they shall do.” ​

The Sign of the Sabbath

12
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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“Speak also to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Most certainly you shall keep my Sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. ​
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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 therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. ​
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Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death.
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Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. ​
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It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.’” ​

The Tables of Testimony

18
He gave to Moses, when he finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets, written with God’s finger. ​

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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