TRV
Translation
King James Version
The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,
KJV (with Strong's)
The tabernacle H168 of the congregation H4150, and the ark H727 of the testimony H5715, and the mercy seat H3727 that is thereupon, and all the furniture H3627 of the tabernacle H168,
Complete Jewish Bible
the tent of meeting, the ark for the testimony, the ark-cover above it, all the furnishings of the tent,
Berean Standard Bible
the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony and the mercy seat upon it, and all the other furnishings of the tent—
American Standard Version
the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy-seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the Tent,
World English Bible Messianic
the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on it, all the furniture of the Tent,
Geneva Bible (1599)
That is, the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and the Arke of the Testimonie, and the Merciseate that shalbe therevpon, with all instruments of the Tabernacle:
Young's Literal Translation
`The tent of meeting, and the ark of testimony, and the mercy-seat which is on it, and all the vessels of the tent,
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In the KJVVerse 2,428 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Exodus 31 verses 1–11
1 ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel 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, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
6 And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
7 The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,
8 And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,
9 And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,
10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
11 And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.
A great deal of fine work God had ordered to be done about the tabernacle; the materials the people were to provide, but who must put them into form? Moses himself was learned in all the learning of the Egyptians, nay, he was well acquainted with the words of God, and the visions of the Almighty; but he knew not how to engrave or embroider. We may suppose that there were some very ingenious men among the Israelites; but, having lived all their days in bondage in Egypt, we cannot think they were any of them instructed in these curious arts. They knew how to make brick and work in clay, but to work in gold and in cutting diamonds was what they had never been brought up to. How should the work be done with the neatness and exactness that were required when they had no goldsmiths or jewellers but what must be made out of masons and bricklayers? We may suppose that there were a sufficient number who would gladly be employed, and would do their best; but it would be hard to find out a proper person to preside in this work. Who was sufficient for these things? But God takes care of this matter also.
I. He nominates the persons that were to be employed, that there might be no contest about the preferment, nor envy at those that were preferred, God himself having made the choice. 1. Bezaleel was to be the architect, or master workman, Exo 31:2. He was of the tribe of Judah, a tribe that God delighted to honour; the grandson of Hur, probably that Hur who had helped to hold up Moses's hands (ch. 17), and was at this time in commission with Aaron for the government of the people in the absence of Moses (Exo 24:14); out of that family which was of note in Israel was the workman chosen, and it added no little honour to the family that a branch of it was employed, though but as a mechanic, or handicraft tradesman, for the service of the tabernacle. The Jews' tradition is that Hur was the husband of Miriam; and, if so, it was requisite that God should appoint him to this service, lest, if Moses himself had done it, he should be thought partial to his own kindred, his brother Aaron also being advanced to the priesthood. God will put honour upon Moses's relations, and yet will make it to appear that he takes not the honour to himself or his own family, but that it is purely the Lord's doing. 2. Aholiab, of the tribe of Dan, is appointed next to Bezaleel, and partner with him, Exo 31:6. Two are better than one. Christ sent forth his disciples who were to rear the gospel tabernacle, two and two, and we read of his two witnesses. Aholiab was of the tribe of Dan, which was one of the less honourable tribes, that the tribes of Judah and Levi might not be lifted up, as if they were to engross all the preferments; to prevent a schism in the body, God gives honour to that part which lacked, Co1 12:24. The head cannot say to the foot, I have no need of thee. Hiram, who was the head workman in the building of Solomon's temple, was also of the tribe of Dan, Ch2 2:14. 3. There were others that were employed by and under these in the several operations about the tabernacle, Exo 31:6. Note, When God has work to do he will never want instruments to do it with, for all hearts and heads too are under his eye, and in his hand; and those may cheerfully go about any service for God, and go on in it, who have reason to think that, one way or other, he has called them to it; for whom he calls he will own and bear out.
II. He qualifies these persons for the service (Exo 31:3): I have filled him with the Spirit of God; and (Exo 31:6) in the hearts of all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom. Note, 1. Skill in common arts and employments is the gift of God; from him are derived both the faculty and the improvement of the faculty. It is he that puts even this wisdom into the inward parts, Job 38:36. He teaches the husbandman discretion (Isa 28:26), and the tradesman too; and he must have the praise of it. 2. God dispenses his gifts variously, one gift to one, another to another, and all for the good of the whole body, both of mankind and of the church. Moses was fittest of all to govern Israel, but Bezaleel was fitter than he to build the tabernacle. The common benefit is very much supported by the variety of men's faculties and inclinations; the genius of some leads them to be serviceable one way, of others another way, and all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, Co1 12:11. This forbids pride, envy, contempt, and carnal emulation, and strengthens the bond of mutual love. 3. Those whom God calls to any service he will either find, or make, fit for it. If God give the commission, he will in some measure give the qualifications, according as the service is. The work, that was to be done here was to make the tabernacle and the utensils of it, which are here particularly reckoned up, Exo 31:7, etc. And for this the persons employed were enabled to work in gold, and silver, and brass. When Christ sent his apostles to rear the gospel tabernacle, he poured out his Spirit upon them, to enable them to speak with tongues the wonderful works of God; not to work upon metal, but to work upon men; so much more excellent were the gifts, as the tabernacle to be pitched was a greater and more perfect tabernacle, as the apostle calls it, Heb 9:11.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–11. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 31:7 specifies the core components of the Tabernacle, the divinely ordained portable sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites in the wilderness. This verse, part of God's detailed instructions to Moses for its construction, meticulously lists the Tabernacle of the congregation, the Ark of the Testimony, the Mercy Seat situated upon it, and all the remaining furniture, emphasizing the precise divine design and the sacred nature of each element essential for Israel's worship and God's holy presence.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus 31:7 is embedded within the extensive block of divine instructions concerning the Tabernacle's construction, spanning Exodus 25 through Exodus 31. Following the detailed blueprints for each component in preceding chapters, this verse serves as a concise summary of the primary elements to be fashioned. Specifically, Exodus 31:1-6 introduces Bezalel and Aholiab, divinely gifted artisans empowered by the Spirit to execute these intricate plans. Thus, Exodus 31:7 functions as a reaffirmation of the most critical items they were commissioned to create, underscoring that the entire project, from its conceptualization to its meticulous execution, was under direct divine inspiration and command. It reinforces the paramount importance of these specific elements as central to God's manifested presence and the covenantal worship life of Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context: The instructions for the Tabernacle were delivered to Moses at Mount Sinai, shortly after the covenant was ratified and Israel's miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage. This nascent nation, transitioning from slavery to a unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, required a tangible symbol of God's abiding presence as they journeyed through the wilderness. Unlike the fixed, monumental temples of surrounding pagan nations, the Tabernacle was designed for portability, reflecting Israel's nomadic existence and God's dynamic presence with His people wherever they went. It served as the spiritual and communal epicenter for Israel, a sacred space where God's holiness could be approached through specific, divinely ordained rituals. The meticulous detail in the instructions, including those for the items enumerated in Exodus 31:7, underscored God's absolute sovereignty, His distinct holiness, and His desire for a relationship with His people on His terms, setting Israel apart from the idolatrous and often chaotic practices of the surrounding cultures.
Key Themes: The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of God's Presence and Dwelling (Immanence), as the Tabernacle's very purpose was to provide a place for Yahweh to reside among His people. This theme is foundational, enabling a sinful people to have access to a holy God. Secondly, the verse highlights Divine Order and Holiness, evident in the meticulous instructions for each component, emphasizing that God's presence demands purity and adherence to His precise standards. This contrasts sharply with the arbitrary and often profane worship of pagan deities. Thirdly, the mention of the Ark of the Testimony and the Mercy Seat points to the theme of Covenant and Atonement. The Ark contained the tablets of the covenant, while the Mercy Seat was the focal point for the annual Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16), demonstrating God's provision for dealing with sin within the covenant relationship. These themes collectively underscore the unique nature of Israel's God and His desire for a holy, intimate relationship with His chosen people.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 31:7 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Merism is prominently featured, as the verse lists specific, central components ("the tabernacle of the congregation," "the ark of the testimony," "the mercy seat") and then concludes with the all-encompassing phrase "and all the furniture of the tabernacle." This technique uses a few representative parts to signify the complete whole, underscoring that the divine instructions covered every single item, no matter how seemingly minor. Symbolism is paramount throughout the description of the Tabernacle, and this verse highlights its most potent symbols: the Tabernacle itself symbolizing God's dwelling among His people, the Ark representing His covenant presence and righteous law, and the Mercy Seat signifying atonement and divine grace. Each item is not merely functional but imbued with deep theological meaning. Furthermore, the very act of listing these items, which were already meticulously detailed in previous chapters, serves as a form of Repetition for Emphasis, reinforcing the divine origin, the critical importance, and the sacred nature of these components to ensure precise obedience in their construction.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 31:7, by enumerating these sacred components, underscores the profound theological truth of God's desire for intimate, holy presence with His people. The Tabernacle, with the Ark and Mercy Seat at its core, served as the physical manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness and His gracious provision for atonement, allowing a sinful people to approach a holy God. It meticulously taught Israel about God's absolute sovereignty, His meticulous nature, and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms, through divinely appointed means of worship and sacrifice. This intricate design and the functions of its elements powerfully foreshadowed a greater reality where God's presence would be made fully accessible and sin would be definitively dealt with.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail in God's instructions for the Tabernacle, extending even to "all the furniture," reveals a God who is profoundly invested in how His people approach Him and live in His presence. This level of divine intentionality should prompt us to consider the seriousness, reverence, and intentionality with which we engage in worship and live our daily lives. While the physical Tabernacle no longer stands, the principle of God dwelling among His people enduringly remains. As believers, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and the church is the collective dwelling place of God (Ephesians 2:21-22). This calls us to live lives of holiness, reflecting the character of the God who indwells us, and to engage in corporate worship with reverence, gratitude, and a genuine desire for authentic encounter with Him. The Tabernacle's ultimate purpose was to facilitate God's holy presence; our lives and our churches should likewise be places where God's presence is welcomed, honored, and made manifest to a watching world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the Tabernacle, and specifically the items listed in Exodus 31:7, so incredibly detailed in its design?
Answer: The meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's design served multiple crucial purposes. First, it underscored God's absolute holiness and His specific requirements for how a sinful people could approach Him. Every dimension, material, and placement was divinely ordained, leaving no room for human improvisation, thereby emphasizing that worship must be on God's terms, not human ones. Second, it functioned as a powerful visual and tactile teaching tool for the Israelites, instructing them about God's character, the nature of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the path to reconciliation. For instance, the strict separation of the Holy Place and Most Holy Place, and the need for a high priest to enter the latter, taught them about God's transcendence and their inherent sinfulness. Finally, the Tabernacle's intricate design, particularly items like the Ark and Mercy Seat, was rich with Symbolism, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect work of Jesus Christ, who would fulfill all its types and shadows. The very precision pointed to a divine architect with a perfect, redemptive plan.
What is the significance of the phrase "and all the furniture of the tabernacle" in this list?
Answer: The inclusion of "and all the furniture of the tabernacle" is significant because it highlights the completeness and comprehensiveness of God's design. While the Tabernacle structure itself, the Ark of the Testimony, and the Mercy Seat were the most prominent and sacred items, this concluding phrase indicates that every single item within the Tabernacle complex—from the table for the showbread and the golden lampstand to the brazen altar and the laver, along with all their associated implements and utensils—was equally essential to God's precise plan. It emphasizes that no detail was arbitrary or insignificant. Each piece of furniture had a specific function and profound symbolic meaning, contributing to the overall purpose of facilitating God's holy presence and enabling proper worship and atonement. It underscores the divine perfection and the necessity of precise obedience to every aspect of God's revealed will.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 31:7, with its focus on the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Testimony, and the Mercy Seat, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Tabernacle, a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, was a profound shadow pointing to the reality of God dwelling among humanity in the person of Jesus. As John 1:14 declares, "the Word became flesh and dwelt (Greek: ἐσκήνωσεν, eskēnōsen, 'tabernacled') among us," making Jesus the ultimate and perfect Tabernacle. He is the physical embodiment of God's presence, the true "tent of meeting" where humanity can encounter God. Furthermore, the Ark of the Testimony, containing the Law, represented God's covenant and righteous standards; Jesus, in His perfect life and obedience, fully embodied and fulfilled the Law, becoming the living "Testimony" of God's faithfulness and righteousness. Most profoundly, the Mercy Seat, the place of atonement where the blood was sprinkled to cover sin, is perfectly fulfilled in Christ. Romans 3:25 proclaims that God presented Jesus as a "propitiation" (or "mercy seat") through His blood, to be received by faith. It is through Christ's sacrificial death that sin is covered, and reconciliation with a holy God is achieved. The author of Hebrews masterfully explains how Christ entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing an eternal redemption, thus becoming our ultimate High Priest and the true Mercy Seat. Through Him, we now have confident access to the "throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16), a reality far surpassing the limited access granted by the earthly Tabernacle.