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.
12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you.
14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it [is] holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth [any] work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, [for] a perpetual covenant.
17 It [is] a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
Summary of Exodus Chapter 31
Exodus 31 focuses on God’s instructions regarding the artisanship of the Tabernacle and the observance of the Sabbath. It emphasizes the importance of skilled craftsmanship in the construction of sacred spaces and the significance of rest as a divine commandment.
Key Themes
- Divine Appointment of Artisans: God selects specific individuals to carry out the work of constructing the Tabernacle.
- Importance of Skill and Craftsmanship: The chapter highlights the value of artistic ability and the divine inspiration behind it.
- Sabbath Observance: The chapter reiterates the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy, emphasizing its significance in the covenant between God and Israel.
- God’s Presence: The chapter reflects on the relationship between God’s presence and the sacred space created by human hands.
Detailed Analysis
Divine Appointment of Artisans
In verses 1-6, God speaks to Moses, declaring that He has chosen Bezalel, the son of Uri, and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, to lead the construction of the Tabernacle. This selection signifies God’s active role in the creation process and underscores the importance of divine guidance in artistic endeavors.
- Bezalel: Described as filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all manner of workmanship.
- Oholiab: Also endowed with skill, serving as a companion to Bezalel, indicating the importance of collaboration in fulfilling God’s commands.
Craftsmanship and Divine Inspiration
The emphasis on craftsmanship reveals that the construction of the Tabernacle is not merely a physical task but a spiritual one. The artisans are inspired by the Holy Spirit, which signifies that their work is a form of worship and service to God.
- The intricate designs and materials reflect the beauty and holiness of God.
- Artisanship is portrayed as a vocation that requires dedication, skill, and divine inspiration.
Sabbath Observance
In verses 12-17, God commands the Israelites to observe the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between Him and His people. This commandment serves multiple purposes:
- Rest and Renewal: The Sabbath is a day of rest, allowing for physical and spiritual rejuvenation.
- Covenant Sign: Observing the Sabbath distinguishes the Israelites as God’s chosen people.
- Reflection of Creation: The Sabbath mirrors God’s own rest after creation, reinforcing the rhythm of work and rest in life.
Significance of the Sabbath
The emphasis on the Sabbath in this chapter highlights its foundational role in the Israelite community. It is a reminder of their identity and relationship with God, serving as a weekly opportunity for worship and reflection.
Conclusion
Exodus Chapter 31 encapsulates key elements of the Israelite faith, including the importance of skilled labor in worship, the divine inspiration behind creativity, and the centrality of the Sabbath in maintaining a covenant relationship with God. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness of work and rest in the life of believers.
