Overview

Exodus 31 marks a significant transition from the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle to the actual commencement of its construction. Key points include:
Bezalel and Oholiab: God specifically names Bezalel of the tribe of Judah and Oholiab of the tribe of Dan as the chief artisans for the Tabernacle project. They are endowed with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill in all kinds of craftsmanship.
Divine Inspiration: The selection of Bezalel and Oholiab underscores that their artistic abilities are seen as gifts from God, necessary for the sacred task of constructing the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
Sabbath Observance: The chapter reiterates the importance of keeping the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites. The Sabbath is to be a day of rest, holy to the Lord, even during the construction of the Tabernacle.
Penalty for Sabbath Violation: A stern warning is issued about the seriousness of violating the Sabbath, stating that anyone who does so shall be put to death, as it would be a desecration of something set apart for God.
Exodus 31 connects the practical aspects of building the Tabernacle with the spiritual and covenantal relationship between God and Israel. It highlights the intertwining of divine guidance, human skill, and adherence to religious principles in the service of worship.

Exodus 31

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.

End of Exodus 31


1 Year Plan: Feb 7 - Ex 29, Ex 30, Ex 31, Mat 27

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