Exodus 31:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 31:1
1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Chapter Context
Exodus 31 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, prayer, wisdom. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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