Exodus31
New International Version
1Then the Lord said to Moses,
2“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah,
3and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—
4to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze,
5to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.
6Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you:
7the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent—
8the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense,
9the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand—
10and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests,
11and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.”
12Then the Lord said to Moses,
13“Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.
14“‘Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death; those who do any work on that day must be cut off from their people.
15For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day is to be put to death.
16The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant.
17It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”
18When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.
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