Exodus 31
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1Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 2“Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship, 4to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, 5and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of workmanship. 6Behold, I myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on it, all the furniture of the Tent, 8the table and its vessels, the pure lamp stand with all its vessels, the altar of incense, 9the altar of burnt offering with all its vessels, the basin and its base, 10the finely worked garments—the holy garments for Aaron the priest—the garments of his sons to minister in the priest’s office, 11the anointing oil, and the incense of sweet spices for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded you they shall do.” 12Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 13“Speak also to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Most certainly you shall keep my Sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that you may know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies you. 14You shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Yahweh. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death. 16Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.’” 18He gave to Moses, when he finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets, written with God’s finger.
World English Bible (public domain)
“You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, 'Above all, you shall keep my sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.'”
Exodus 31:13
Summary
In Exodus chapter 31, God speaks to Moses, designating Bezalel and Oholiab as key artisans for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Bezalel is filled with the Spirit of God, which enables him to craft all the intricate designs required for the sacred space. This emphasizes God's direct involvement in the creative process and the importance of skilled artistry in worship. The chapter also highlights the significance of the Sabbath, where God commands the Israelites to observe a day of rest, setting it apart as a holy day. This serves as a reminder of the covenant between God and His people, showcasing the balance between work and rest in spiritual life. Overall, this chapter underscores the idea that God equips His chosen individuals for His purposes and reinforces the sanctity of time dedicated to divine rest and relationship.
Key Themes
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