Exodus 31:1
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 5
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
This section (31:1-11) names specific craftsmen filled with God's Spirit for artistic work, demonstrating that God values and empowers creative, technical skills as much as teaching or leadership. All talents are Spirit-gifts for kingdom purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision of craftsmen demonstrate that His commands include His enabling?
- What does Spirit-filling for artistic work teach about God's view of creativity and craftsmanship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The LORD speaks to Moses—divine initiative again. God doesn't wait for Moses to ask about craftsmen but proactively provides. This establishes that God supplies what His purposes require. He commands the tabernacle's construction and provides the skilled workers to accomplish it. Similarly, God calls us to tasks and equips us for them—He never commands without enabling. His commands carry His empowerment.