Exodus 31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 31 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, wisdom, holiness. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 31:1
1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Exodus 31:2
2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
Analysis
Bezalel ben Uri ben Hur, of the tribe of Judah, is called by name—God knows His workers individually. Bezalel (בְּצַלְאֵל, 'in the shadow/protection of God') bears a name reflecting his relationship with God. From Judah's tribe (the royal tribe from which David and Christ come), Bezalel represents how God uses those under His protection for His purposes. Christ, the ultimate Son of Judah, is 'in the shadow of the Almighty' and accomplishes God's redemptive work.
Historical Context
Bezalel's genealogy is given (son of Uri, son of Hur), establishing his legitimate place in Israel. Hur had supported Moses during the Amalek battle (Exodus 17:12), possibly indicating that faithful families often produce faithful servants across generations.
Reflection
- What does Bezalel's name ('in the shadow of God') teach about working under divine protection?
- How does Christ, the ultimate Son of Judah, accomplish God's purposes from 'the shadow of the Almighty'?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 35:30, 36:1, John 3:27
Exodus 31:3
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,
Analysis
Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with God's Spirit for artistic work—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit equips not only for preaching/teaching but for creative, technical skills. All talents serve God's purposes when consecrated to Him. The Spirit who designed creation enables artisans to create beauty for worship. Christ, the wisdom of God, is the ultimate craftsman who builds His church.
Historical Context
These craftsmen led teams of skilled workers who constructed the tabernacle according to Moses' pattern. Their Spirit-filling for technical work demonstrated that God values and empowers all forms of service, not just spiritual leadership.
Reflection
- How does the Spirit's equipping for artistic work validate creativity and craftsmanship as ministry?
- What talents has God given you that can serve His purposes when consecrated to Him?
Word Studies
- Spirit: רוּחַ (Ruach) H7307 - Spirit, wind, breath
Cross-References
- References God: Isaiah 28:26
- Spirit: Exodus 35:31, Isaiah 28:6
- Parallel theme: 1 Kings 3:9, 7:14
Exodus 31:4
4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
Analysis
Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with God's Spirit for artistic work—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit equips not only for preaching/teaching but for creative, technical skills. All talents serve God's purposes when consecrated to Him. The Spirit who designed creation enables artisans to create beauty for worship. Christ, the wisdom of God, is the ultimate craftsman who builds His church.
Historical Context
These craftsmen led teams of skilled workers who constructed the tabernacle according to Moses' pattern. Their Spirit-filling for technical work demonstrated that God values and empowers all forms of service, not just spiritual leadership.
Reflection
- How does the Spirit's equipping for artistic work validate creativity and craftsmanship as ministry?
- What talents has God given you that can serve His purposes when consecrated to Him?
Exodus 31:5
5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
Analysis
Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with God's Spirit for artistic work—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit equips not only for preaching/teaching but for creative, technical skills. All talents serve God's purposes when consecrated to Him. The Spirit who designed creation enables artisans to create beauty for worship. Christ, the wisdom of God, is the ultimate craftsman who builds His church.
Historical Context
These craftsmen led teams of skilled workers who constructed the tabernacle according to Moses' pattern. Their Spirit-filling for technical work demonstrated that God values and empowers all forms of service, not just spiritual leadership.
Reflection
- How does the Spirit's equipping for artistic work validate creativity and craftsmanship as ministry?
- What talents has God given you that can serve His purposes when consecrated to Him?
Exodus 31:6
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;
Analysis
Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with God's Spirit for artistic work—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit equips not only for preaching/teaching but for creative, technical skills. All talents serve God's purposes when consecrated to Him. The Spirit who designed creation enables artisans to create beauty for worship. Christ, the wisdom of God, is the ultimate craftsman who builds His church.
Historical Context
These craftsmen led teams of skilled workers who constructed the tabernacle according to Moses' pattern. Their Spirit-filling for technical work demonstrated that God values and empowers all forms of service, not just spiritual leadership.
Reflection
- How does the Spirit's equipping for artistic work validate creativity and craftsmanship as ministry?
- What talents has God given you that can serve His purposes when consecrated to Him?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 28:3, 35:10, 1 Kings 3:12, Luke 10:1, Acts 13:2
Exodus 31:7
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,
Analysis
Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with God's Spirit for artistic work—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit equips not only for preaching/teaching but for creative, technical skills. All talents serve God's purposes when consecrated to Him. The Spirit who designed creation enables artisans to create beauty for worship. Christ, the wisdom of God, is the ultimate craftsman who builds His church.
Historical Context
These craftsmen led teams of skilled workers who constructed the tabernacle according to Moses' pattern. Their Spirit-filling for technical work demonstrated that God values and empowers all forms of service, not just spiritual leadership.
Reflection
- How does the Spirit's equipping for artistic work validate creativity and craftsmanship as ministry?
- What talents has God given you that can serve His purposes when consecrated to Him?
Exodus 31:8
8 And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,
Analysis
Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with God's Spirit for artistic work—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit equips not only for preaching/teaching but for creative, technical skills. All talents serve God's purposes when consecrated to Him. The Spirit who designed creation enables artisans to create beauty for worship. Christ, the wisdom of God, is the ultimate craftsman who builds His church.
Historical Context
These craftsmen led teams of skilled workers who constructed the tabernacle according to Moses' pattern. Their Spirit-filling for technical work demonstrated that God values and empowers all forms of service, not just spiritual leadership.
Reflection
- How does the Spirit's equipping for artistic work validate creativity and craftsmanship as ministry?
- What talents has God given you that can serve His purposes when consecrated to Him?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Exodus 31:9
9 And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,
Analysis
Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with God's Spirit for artistic work—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit equips not only for preaching/teaching but for creative, technical skills. All talents serve God's purposes when consecrated to Him. The Spirit who designed creation enables artisans to create beauty for worship. Christ, the wisdom of God, is the ultimate craftsman who builds His church.
Historical Context
These craftsmen led teams of skilled workers who constructed the tabernacle according to Moses' pattern. Their Spirit-filling for technical work demonstrated that God values and empowers all forms of service, not just spiritual leadership.
Reflection
- How does the Spirit's equipping for artistic work validate creativity and craftsmanship as ministry?
- What talents has God given you that can serve His purposes when consecrated to Him?
Exodus 31:10
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,
Analysis
Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with God's Spirit for artistic work—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit equips not only for preaching/teaching but for creative, technical skills. All talents serve God's purposes when consecrated to Him. The Spirit who designed creation enables artisans to create beauty for worship. Christ, the wisdom of God, is the ultimate craftsman who builds His church.
Historical Context
These craftsmen led teams of skilled workers who constructed the tabernacle according to Moses' pattern. Their Spirit-filling for technical work demonstrated that God values and empowers all forms of service, not just spiritual leadership.
Reflection
- How does the Spirit's equipping for artistic work validate creativity and craftsmanship as ministry?
- What talents has God given you that can serve His purposes when consecrated to Him?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6944 - Holy, set apart
Exodus 31:11
11 And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.
Analysis
Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with God's Spirit for artistic work—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit equips not only for preaching/teaching but for creative, technical skills. All talents serve God's purposes when consecrated to Him. The Spirit who designed creation enables artisans to create beauty for worship. Christ, the wisdom of God, is the ultimate craftsman who builds His church.
Historical Context
These craftsmen led teams of skilled workers who constructed the tabernacle according to Moses' pattern. Their Spirit-filling for technical work demonstrated that God values and empowers all forms of service, not just spiritual leadership.
Reflection
- How does the Spirit's equipping for artistic work validate creativity and craftsmanship as ministry?
- What talents has God given you that can serve His purposes when consecrated to Him?
Cross-References
- Holy: Exodus 37:29
Exodus 31:12
12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Analysis
The Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel forever, reminding them that the LORD sanctifies them. Sabbath-keeping testified to creation (God rested on the seventh day) and sanctification (God sets apart His people). Sabbath rest prefigures the spiritual rest believers find in Christ—ceasing from self-effort, trusting His finished work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Violating the Sabbath incurred death, showing that rejecting God's rest is spiritual death.
Historical Context
The Sabbath command's placement after tabernacle instructions (before construction began) emphasized that even sacred work must pause for sacred rest. God's people rest in His timing, not working constantly even for holy purposes.
Reflection
- How does Sabbath rest prefigure ceasing from self-effort and resting in Christ's finished work?
- What does the severity of Sabbath violation teach about rejecting God's rest?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Exodus 31:13
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.
Analysis
The Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel forever, reminding them that the LORD sanctifies them. Sabbath-keeping testified to creation (God rested on the seventh day) and sanctification (God sets apart His people). Sabbath rest prefigures the spiritual rest believers find in Christ—ceasing from self-effort, trusting His finished work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Violating the Sabbath incurred death, showing that rejecting God's rest is spiritual death.
Historical Context
The Sabbath command's placement after tabernacle instructions (before construction began) emphasized that even sacred work must pause for sacred rest. God's people rest in His timing, not working constantly even for holy purposes.
Reflection
- How does Sabbath rest prefigure ceasing from self-effort and resting in Christ's finished work?
- What does the severity of Sabbath violation teach about rejecting God's rest?
Word Studies
- Sanctify: קָדַשׁ (Qadash) H6942 - To set apart, make holy
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 31:17, Leviticus 19:3, 19:30, 20:8, Ezekiel 20:12, 20:20
- Parallel theme: Nehemiah 9:14, Ezekiel 44:24, John 17:17
Exodus 31:14
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.
Analysis
The Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel forever, reminding them that the LORD sanctifies them. Sabbath-keeping testified to creation (God rested on the seventh day) and sanctification (God sets apart His people). Sabbath rest prefigures the spiritual rest believers find in Christ—ceasing from self-effort, trusting His finished work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Violating the Sabbath incurred death, showing that rejecting God's rest is spiritual death.
Historical Context
The Sabbath command's placement after tabernacle instructions (before construction began) emphasized that even sacred work must pause for sacred rest. God's people rest in His timing, not working constantly even for holy purposes.
Reflection
- How does Sabbath rest prefigure ceasing from self-effort and resting in Christ's finished work?
- What does the severity of Sabbath violation teach about rejecting God's rest?
Exodus 31:15
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.
Analysis
The Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel forever, reminding them that the LORD sanctifies them. Sabbath-keeping testified to creation (God rested on the seventh day) and sanctification (God sets apart His people). Sabbath rest prefigures the spiritual rest believers find in Christ—ceasing from self-effort, trusting His finished work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Violating the Sabbath incurred death, showing that rejecting God's rest is spiritual death.
Historical Context
The Sabbath command's placement after tabernacle instructions (before construction began) emphasized that even sacred work must pause for sacred rest. God's people rest in His timing, not working constantly even for holy purposes.
Reflection
- How does Sabbath rest prefigure ceasing from self-effort and resting in Christ's finished work?
- What does the severity of Sabbath violation teach about rejecting God's rest?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6944 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 31:17
- Holy: Exodus 16:23, 35:2, Leviticus 23:3
- Parallel theme: Exodus 34:21, Genesis 2:2, Luke 13:14, 23:56
Exodus 31:16
16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
Analysis
The Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel forever, reminding them that the LORD sanctifies them. Sabbath-keeping testified to creation (God rested on the seventh day) and sanctification (God sets apart His people). Sabbath rest prefigures the spiritual rest believers find in Christ—ceasing from self-effort, trusting His finished work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Violating the Sabbath incurred death, showing that rejecting God's rest is spiritual death.
Historical Context
The Sabbath command's placement after tabernacle instructions (before construction began) emphasized that even sacred work must pause for sacred rest. God's people rest in His timing, not working constantly even for holy purposes.
Reflection
- How does Sabbath rest prefigure ceasing from self-effort and resting in Christ's finished work?
- What does the severity of Sabbath violation teach about rejecting God's rest?
Word Studies
- Covenant: בְּרִית (Berit) H1285 - Covenant, treaty
Cross-References
- Covenant: Jeremiah 50:5
Exodus 31:17
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.
Analysis
The Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel forever, reminding them that the LORD sanctifies them. Sabbath-keeping testified to creation (God rested on the seventh day) and sanctification (God sets apart His people). Sabbath rest prefigures the spiritual rest believers find in Christ—ceasing from self-effort, trusting His finished work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Violating the Sabbath incurred death, showing that rejecting God's rest is spiritual death.
Historical Context
The Sabbath command's placement after tabernacle instructions (before construction began) emphasized that even sacred work must pause for sacred rest. God's people rest in His timing, not working constantly even for holy purposes.
Reflection
- How does Sabbath rest prefigure ceasing from self-effort and resting in Christ's finished work?
- What does the severity of Sabbath violation teach about rejecting God's rest?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 31:13, Ezekiel 20:12
- Creation: Genesis 1:31
- Parallel theme: Hebrews 4:10
Exodus 31:18
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.
Analysis
God gives Moses two stone tablets 'written with the finger of God'—divine authorship, permanent record. These tablets containing the ten commandments testify to God's covenant, His moral law, His character. Stone suggests permanence; God's law is unchanging. The finger of God indicates direct divine action, as at creation. Christ fulfills this law perfectly, becoming the living Word that the stone tablets foreshadowed (2 Corinthians 3:3).
Historical Context
These first tablets would be broken when Moses saw Israel's idolatry (Exodus 32:19), requiring a second set. The contrast between stone tablets (law) and Spirit-written hearts (New Covenant) appears in 2 Corinthians 3.
Reflection
- How does Christ fulfill the law 'written in stone'?
- What is the difference between law on stone tablets and law written on hearts by the Spirit?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 8:19, Luke 11:20, 2 Corinthians 3:3
- References Moses: Exodus 24:12
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 4:13, 5:22