Exodus 31: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Exodus 31 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh calls Bezalel, son of Uri, and Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, to craft skillful works for the tabernacle (vv. 1-6). They are filled with the Spirit of God, enabling them to execute all that Yahweh commands.

Key verse

“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.”
Exodus 31:13 (WEB)

Outline

Exodus 31:1–6 God's Calling of Bezalel and Oholiab
Exodus 31:7–10 Instructions for the Tabernacle
Exodus 31:11 Holy Garments and Anointing Oil
Exodus 31:12–17 The Command to Keep the Sabbath
Exodus 31:18 The Giving of the Tablets

Discussion questions

In v2, who is called by name to carry out important work?
What is Bezalel filled with in v3 that enables his craftsmanship?
The command about the Sabbath in vv. 14-15: why is its punishment so severe?
In v18, what does the phrase 'written with God’s finger' imply about the tablets?
When have you felt equipped or chosen for a specific task like Bezalel in v3?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Exodus 31: Exodus 35, James 1, Genesis 2.

Before next time: read Exodus 32.