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Exodus 31

18 verses

TL;DR

God appoints skilled artisans to build the tabernacle, commands Israel to keep the Sabbath as a perpetual covenant sign, and gives Moses the stone tablets of the law.

Summary

In Exodus 31, God calls Bezaleel, son of Uri, and fills him with divine wisdom and craftsmanship, appointing him to oversee the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. He also assigns Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, to assist, ensuring that those who are wise can build according to the detailed instructions. God then reminds Moses to proclaim the Sabbath to Israel, emphasizing its sanctity, the penalty for violating it, and its role as a perpetual covenant sign between God and His people. The chapter highlights the importance of rest and obedience, linking the Sabbath to God’s own rest after creation. Finally, God presents Moses with the stone tablets, the “tables of testimony,” written with the finger of God, signifying the covenant’s divine authority.

Outline
  1. 1. Appointment of Bezaleel and Aholiab to build the tabernacle
  2. 2. Instruction on Sabbath observance as a covenant sign
  3. 3. Presentation of the stone tablets of testimony
Themes
Divine commissioning of craftsmanshipSanctity of rest and covenant fidelityThe authority of divine law
Keywords
spirit of GodwisdomtabernacleSabbathcovenantresttables of testimony
People
BezaleelAholiabMosesAaronIsrael (the people)Ahisamach
Places
Mount Sinai
Things
tabernacleark of testimonymercy seatfurnishingstablecandlestickaltar of incensealtar of burnt offeringlaverclothsholy garmentsanointing oilsweet incensetwo tables of testimony
Key Verses
  • Exodus 31:2: Introduces Bezaleel as divinely chosen artisan
  • Exodus 31:13-17: Stresses the Sabbath as a sign of covenant and its legal implications
  • Exodus 31:18: Highlights the divine authorship and authority of the tablets
Questions
  • Why does God specifically appoint certain individuals for the construction of the tabernacle?
  • What does the Sabbath reveal about God's relationship with Israel and the nature of divine rest?
  • How does the giving of the tablets reinforce the authority of the covenant?
  • In what ways do craftsmanship and worship intersect in this chapter?
  • What lessons about obedience and sanctity can be drawn from the consequences of Sabbath violation?
Sentiment

neutral
The text combines instructional directives with solemn reminders, maintaining an overall neutral, factual tone.