Exodus31
English Standard Version
1The Lord to ,
2 , I have by the of , of , of the of ,
3and I have him with the of , with and , with and all ,
4to , to in , , and ,
5in for , and in , to in .
6And , I have with him , the of , of the of . And I have , that they may I have you:
7the of , and the of the , and the is it, and the of the ,
8the and its , and the with its , and the of ,
9and the of with its , and the and its ,
10and the , the for the and the of his , for their service as ,
11and the and the for the . According to all that I have you, they shall .
12And the Lord to ,
13You are to to the of and , Above you shall my , this is a me and throughout your , that you may I, the Lord, you.
14You shall the , it is for you. Everyone who be . any on it, that shall be from his .
15 shall be , but the day is a of , to the Lord. any on the shall .
16Therefore the of shall the , the throughout their , as a .
17It is a me the of that in the Lord and , and on the he and was .
18And he to , when he had with him on , the of the , of , with the of .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Exodus 31.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Bezaleel and Aholiab are appointed and qualified for the work of the tabernacle. (1–11). The observance of the sabbath. (12–17). Moses receives the tables of the law. (18).
vv1-11
The Israelites, who had been masons and bricklayers in Egypt, were not qualified for curious workmanship; but the Spirit who gave the apostles utterance in divers tongues, miraculously gave Bezaleel and Aholiab the skill that was wanting. The honour which comes from God, is always attended with a work to be done; to be employed for God is high honour. Those whom God calls to any service, he will find or make fit for it. The Lord gives different gifts to different persons; let each mind his proper work, diligently remembering that whatever wisdom any one possesses, the Lord put it in the heart, to do his commandments.
vv12-17
Orders were now given that a tabernacle should be set up for the service of God. But they must not think that the nature of the work, and the haste that was required, would justify them in working at it on sabbath days. The Hebrew word /shabath/ signifies rest, or ceasing from labour. The thing signified by the sabbath is that rest in glory which remains for the people of God; therefore the moral obligation of the sabbath must continue, till time is swallowed up in eternity.
v18
The law was written in tables of stone, to show how lasting it is: to denote likewise the hardness of our hearts; one might more easily write on stone, than write any thing good on our corrupt natural hearts. It was written with the finger of God; by his will and power. God only can write his law in the heart: he gives a heart of flesh; then, by his Spirit, which is the finger of God, writes his will in the heart, 2Co 3:3.
Key Words
מֹשֶׁה: Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver
רָאָה: to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
קָרָא: to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שֵׁם: an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בְּצַלְאֵל: Betsalel, the name of two Israelites
בֵּן: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
אוּרִי: Uri, the name of three Israelites
חוּר: Chur, the name of four Israelites and one Midianite
מַטֶּה: a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g. bread)
יְהוּדָה: Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
Cross References
Exodus 31Moses publicly announces the divine calling and naming of Bezaleel to the congregation.
Supported by JFB
The fulfillment of Bezaleel being filled with God's Spirit, wisdom, and understanding.
Supported by JFB
Verifies the genealogy of Bezaleel, son of Uri, son of Hur, of Judah.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Contrasts tables of stone written by the Spirit/finger of God with fleshy tables of the heart.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Confirms Aholiab's appointment alongside Bezaleel and their God-given ability to teach others.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel description of the holy garments and clothes of service for the tabernacle ministry.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Prophetic reflection on the Sabbath given as a sign of sanctification between God and Israel.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Historical execution of the death penalty for Sabbath-breaking commanded in this chapter.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The initial promise of the stone tables and law written by God on the mount.
Supported by JFB
New Testament parallel of one Spirit distributing diverse technical and spiritual gifts to individuals.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The basis for the Sabbath rest in the six-day creation model from the Decalogue.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The original creation rest of God on the seventh day referenced in verse 17.
Supported by John Calvin
Jesus equates the 'finger of God' with the Spirit of God in His ministry.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Detailed recipe and instructions for the holy anointing oil to be made.
Supported by Matthew Poole