Exodus 35:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 35:31
31 And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
Chapter Context
Exodus 35 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, prayer, covenant. 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 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 35:31
31 And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
Analysis
Spices (הַבְּשָׂמִים, ha-besamim) for anointing oil and incense represent the fragrant ascending worship and consecration of priests and furnishings. The oil (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) for light maintained the menorah's continual flame—symbolic of the Spirit's illumination. These aromatic and luminous materials demonstrate that worship engages the senses (sight, smell) while pointing beyond physical perception to spiritual realities. The gifts enable both setting apart (anointing) and sustained presence (light, incense).
Historical Context
The anointing oil's recipe (30:23-25) required myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil—expensive imports demonstrating international trade even in wilderness settings. Incense ingredients (30:34-35) included stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense—equally costly, requiring skilled compounding.
Reflection
- How do spices and oil for anointing and incense symbolize different aspects of worship (consecration, prayer, illumination)?
- What does the requirement for specific, costly fragrances teach about approaching God according to His prescribed pattern?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 2 Chronicles 2:14, James 1:17