Exodus 31: God’s Calling, the Sabbath, and the Ten Commandments

Exodus 31 explores God's calling of Bezalel, the Sabbath commandment, and the divine inscription of the Ten Commandments.

Exodus 31 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Exodus, where God appoints skilled artisans to construct the Tabernacle and emphasizes the sacredness of the Sabbath. This chapter highlights divine craftsmanship, obedience, and the significance of rest in worship. Through Bezalel and Aholiab, God showcases His ability to equip individuals with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to fulfill His divine plan. The chapter also serves as a reminder that while work is important, honoring the Sabbath is a covenant between God and His people.

As we explore Exodus 31, we see how God chooses specific individuals for a holy task, emphasizing that divine calling is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign will. The chapter also underscores the importance of the Sabbath as a perpetual sign between God and Israel, reflecting His rest after creation. By examining Exodus 31 in depth, we gain insights into God's expectations regarding work, rest, and obedience.

This commentary will break down Exodus 31 verse by verse, explaining its theological significance and practical applications. From God's calling of skilled workers to the reminder of the Sabbath, we will explore how these principles remain relevant in our spiritual lives today. By studying Exodus 31, we can better understand how God desires both dedication to His work and a commitment to honoring Him through rest and worship.

God Appoints Bezalel for the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-5)

Exodus 31 begins with God personally calling Bezalel, the son of Uri, from the tribe of Judah. The Lord declares:

"See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 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 31:2-3, KJV).

God’s choice of Bezalel reveals that divine appointments are intentional. Bezalel is not chosen at random but by name, showing that God selects individuals for specific purposes. Additionally, Bezalel is filled with the Spirit of God, equipping him with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. This divine empowerment ensures that the construction of the Tabernacle is done with precision and excellence.

The mention of "all manner of workmanship" (Exodus 31:3) indicates that Bezalel was given exceptional skill in metalwork, woodwork, and stonework. This reveals that craftsmanship is a gift from God, and when used for His glory, it becomes an act of worship. Bezalel’s calling reminds us that God equips His people for the tasks He assigns, ensuring they have the necessary wisdom and abilities.

Aholiab’s Role and the Contribution of Skilled Workers (Exodus 31:6-11)

To assist Bezalel, God appoints Aholiab, a man from the tribe of Dan. The Lord states:

"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 31:6, KJV).

Aholiab’s appointment highlights the importance of teamwork in fulfilling God’s purposes. While Bezalel is the chief artisan, Aholiab plays a crucial supporting role. This shows that no task in God’s kingdom is too small, and every contribution matters. The phrase "wise hearted" (Exodus 31:6) suggests that those involved in God’s work should have both skill and a heart aligned with His will.

God provides detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including:

• The Tabernacle itself
• The Ark of the Covenant
• The mercy seat
• The table of showbread
• The golden candlestick
• The altar of incense
• The brazen altar
• The holy garments of the priests

Each item is to be made according to God’s precise specifications, emphasizing obedience in worship. This passage reminds us that God values excellence in His service and that our talents should be used for His glory.

The Significance of the Sabbath (Exodus 31:12-17)

After instructing Moses about the artisans and the Tabernacle, God shifts focus to the Sabbath, emphasizing its importance. He commands:

"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 31:13, KJV).

The Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel. It is a day of rest, reminding the people that holiness is not just about work but also about setting aside time for worship. The command to keep the Sabbath highlights that spiritual rest is essential for renewal and devotion.

God warns that anyone who profanes the Sabbath shall be put to death (Exodus 31:14). This underscores the seriousness of the commandment. The Sabbath is not merely a tradition but a divine ordinance meant to set Israel apart as God’s chosen people. In verse 17, God links the Sabbath to creation:

"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 31:17, KJV).

This reinforces the idea that rest is part of God’s design. Just as God rested after creating the world, He commands His people to follow this pattern. This passage serves as a reminder that honoring God involves both diligent work and intentional rest.

The Tablets of Stone Given to Moses (Exodus 31:18)

Exodus 31 concludes with a profound moment:

"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 31:18, KJV).

The phrase "written with the finger of God" signifies divine authorship. Unlike human writings, the Ten Commandments are directly inscribed by God, emphasizing their authority and permanence. The two tablets symbolize God's covenant with Israel, serving as a guide for righteous living.

This moment marks the culmination of God's instructions to Moses. It signifies that divine law is not a product of human thought but a revelation from God Himself. The tablets are a testament to God's expectations and His desire for His people to walk in obedience.

Conclusion

Exodus 31 provides valuable lessons about divine calling, obedience, and rest. Bezalel and Aholiab exemplify how God equips individuals with wisdom and skill to fulfill His purposes. Their craftsmanship serves as a reminder that our talents should be used for God's glory. The Sabbath commandment underscores the importance of rest and worship, showing that honoring God involves both work and spiritual renewal.

God’s emphasis on the Sabbath as a covenant sign reinforces that true holiness involves setting aside time for Him. Just as God rested on the seventh day, He calls His people to do the same as an act of faith and obedience. The giving of the stone tablets marks a defining moment in Israel’s journey, establishing God's law as the foundation for their relationship with Him.

By studying Exodus 31, we learn that God not only calls people to serve Him but also provides them with the abilities they need. We are reminded that obedience to His commandments, including rest and worship, leads to a deeper relationship with Him. In our daily lives, we should seek to use our gifts for His glory while honoring the spiritual rest He has ordained.

FAQs on Exodus 31: God’s Calling, the Sabbath, and the Ten Commandments

1. Why did God specifically choose Bezalel and Aholiab for the construction of the Tabernacle?

God’s selection of Bezalel and Aholiab in Exodus 31 was not random but based on His divine wisdom and purpose. Bezalel, from the tribe of Judah, was filled with the Spirit of God, granting him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship (Exodus 31:2-3, KJV). Aholiab, from the tribe of Dan, was appointed as his assistant (Exodus 31:6, KJV).

This divine calling shows that God equips those He calls. Bezalel and Aholiab were not just skilled artisans; they were divinely empowered to complete the Tabernacle precisely according to God's instructions. Their appointment highlights that God values excellence in service and that our talents should be used for His glory. This also teaches us that no matter the task—whether preaching, teaching, or craftsmanship—God provides the necessary skills to accomplish His work.

2. What is the significance of the Sabbath in Exodus 31?

The Sabbath commandment in Exodus 31:12-17 is a critical reminder of God's covenant with Israel. The Lord declares:

"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 31:13, KJV).

The Sabbath was a perpetual sign that distinguished Israel as God's chosen people. By resting on the seventh day, they imitated God's own rest after creation (Exodus 31:17, KJV). It was a reminder that their identity was not solely based on labor but on their relationship with God.

Breaking the Sabbath carried severe consequences, including death (Exodus 31:14-15, KJV). This underscores the seriousness of the commandment. Today, while Christians may not observe the Sabbath in the Old Testament manner, the principle of rest and worship remains essential. Setting aside time for God rejuvenates the soul, strengthens faith, and acknowledges Him as the source of all provision.

3. What does Exodus 31:18 mean when it says the Ten Commandments were written with the finger of God?

Exodus 31:18 states:

"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" (KJV).

This phrase signifies divine authorship. Unlike other parts of the law, which Moses transcribed, the Ten Commandments were directly written by God. This highlights their supreme authority and unchangeable nature. The use of stone further symbolizes their permanence.

God’s direct inscription also emphasizes that the moral law is not a product of human reasoning but a divine standard for living. The "finger of God" imagery appears in other parts of Scripture, such as when Jesus cast out demons (Luke 11:20, KJV), showing divine intervention. The giving of the tablets signifies God’s covenant with Israel and His expectation of their obedience.

4. How does Exodus 31 emphasize the balance between work and rest?

Exodus 31 highlights both diligent labor and sacred rest. First, God appoints Bezalel and Aholiab to work on the Tabernacle, demonstrating that work done for God’s glory is valuable (Exodus 31:1-11, KJV). Their craftsmanship was an act of worship, showing that skills and talents should be used in service to God.

Immediately after these instructions, God commands Israel to observe the Sabbath (Exodus 31:12-17, KJV). This placement is significant—it shows that while work is important, it should not consume one's life to the point of neglecting worship and spiritual renewal. The Sabbath was not just about physical rest; it was a sign of trust in God’s provision.

Today, this balance remains relevant. Many people struggle with overworking, often neglecting time for prayer, fellowship, and rest. Exodus 31 reminds believers that while diligence in work is necessary, dedicating time to spiritual nourishment is equally vital.

5. What lessons can Christians learn from Exodus 31?

Exodus 31 provides several key lessons that remain relevant today:

1. God equips those He calls – Bezalel and Aholiab were chosen and divinely empowered for their work (Exodus 31:2-6, KJV). This teaches that God gives people the abilities needed to fulfill His purposes.

2. Work should be done with excellence for God's glory – The artisans worked according to God’s precise instructions (Exodus 31:7-11, KJV), emphasizing that even practical skills can be used for worship.

3. Rest and worship are essential – The Sabbath commandment highlights the need for spiritual renewal and trust in God (Exodus 31:12-17, KJV). This reminds believers to set aside time for God amidst busy schedules.

4. God’s law is authoritative and unchanging – The Ten Commandments were written by God's own hand (Exodus 31:18, KJV), showing that His moral standards remain steadfast.

5. Obedience to God’s instructions leads to blessings – Whether in work, worship, or rest, following God’s commands brings fulfillment and a deeper relationship with Him.

By applying these principles, believers can cultivate a life that honors God through their talents, devotion, and obedience to His word.