Exodus - Chapter 31

Exodus 31.1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Exodus 31.2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: Exodus 31.3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, Exodus 31.4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, Exodus 31.5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. Exodus 31.6 And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee; Exodus 31.7 The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, Exodus 31.8 And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense, Exodus 31.9 And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot, Exodus 31.10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office, Exodus 31.11 And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do. Exodus 31.12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Exodus 31.13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. Exodus 31.14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Exodus 31.15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Exodus 31.16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. Exodus 31.17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Exodus 31.18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

Exodus : Chapter 31

Reflection on Exodus 31: The Tabernacle Workers and the Sabbath Exodus chapter 31 focuses on the Tabernacle workers and the importance of the Sabbath. How does God equip and guide His people for sacred service? This significant text presents Bezalel and Oholiab as chosen workers, reaffirming the importance of the Sabbath and mentioning the tablets of the law. The chapter addresses themes such as spiritual gifts, sacred rest, and the written word of God. Exodus 31 weaves a link between worship, work, and rest.

Biblical Passages Resonating with Exodus 31

Let's reflect together on five biblical passages that correspond to the key principles of this instructive chapter.

Colossians 3:23-24

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for others, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is Christ the Lord whom you serve." » This verse reflects the call of Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 31, emphasizing the importance of using our skills in the Lord's service.

Mark 2:27-28

"Then he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.' » » Here Jesus is commenting on the purpose of the Sabbath, a central theme in Exodus 31:12-17.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the Spirit is the same. There are different kinds of ministries, but the Lord is the same. There are different ways of working, but it is the same God who works in everyone." » This passage echoes the idea of ​​Exodus 31:1-11, where God grants specific abilities for the service of the Tabernacle.

Hebrews 8:5

"They serve in a sanctuary that is a copy and a shadow of the one in heaven. Therefore, Moses, as he was preparing to build the tabernacle, was warned: 'See that you make everything according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain.' » » This verse directly refers to the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, as mentioned in Exodus 31.

Isaiah 56:6-7

“And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord to serve Him, to love the name of the Lord and to worship Him, all who keep the Sabbath and do not profane it, and who hold fast to My covenant—these I will bring to My holy mountain, and I will give you joy in My house of prayer. » This passage expands on the concept of the Sabbath discussed in Exodus 31:12-17, demonstrating its continued importance in the worship of God.

In short, Exodus 31 reminds us that every act of service, every moment of rest, and every commitment to God are expressions of our faith and worship. The way we work and worship is intimately linked to our relationship with the Lord.