Exodus31
New Living Translation
1Then the Lord said to Moses,
2“Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
3I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.
4He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze.
5He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!
6“And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make:
7the Tabernacle; the Ark of the Covenant; the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement; all the furnishings of the Tabernacle;
8the table and its utensils; the pure gold lampstand with all its accessories; the incense altar;
9the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils; the washbasin with its stand;
10the beautifully stitched garments—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests;
11the anointing oil; the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. The craftsmen must make everything as I have commanded you.”
12The Lord then gave these instructions to Moses:
13“Tell the people of Israel: ‘Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.
14You must keep the Sabbath day, for it is a holy day for you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community.
15You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death.
16The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time.
17It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’”
18When the Lord finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, written 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