Introduction to Exodus Chapter 31
Exodus Chapter 31 stands as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites’ journey, marking a transition from divine instruction to human execution. Following the extensive and detailed directions for building the Tabernacle and its furnishings in the previous chapters, this section focuses on the master craftsmen chosen by God to bring this sacred vision to life. It is a profound testament to the idea that God-given talent, when consecrated for a holy purpose, becomes an act of worship. This chapter not only names the appointed artisans but also delivers a potent reminder of the covenant sign of the Sabbath, weaving together themes of creativity, skill, obedience, and rest.
The Divine Calling of Bezalel and Oholiab
The opening verses of Exodus 31 reveal a God who is intimately involved in the selection and empowerment of individuals for specific tasks. This is not a project led by a committee or chosen based on human merit; it is a divine appointment.
Exodus 31:1-5 (NIV): “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.'”
This passage is revolutionary. It demonstrates that the Holy Spirit is not reserved solely for prophets or priests but is actively given to artisans and craftsmen for the purpose of building God’s kingdom. The skills of an artist are portrayed as a spiritual gift.
- Bezalel’s Lineage: He is from the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe from which King David and, ultimately, Jesus the Messiah would come. This connection elevates the dignity of skilled labor, placing it on a royal footing.
- The Source of Skill: God emphasizes “I have filled him.” True skill and creativity are gifts from God. The text uses a triad of terms to describe this endowment:
- Wisdom (Chokmah): The technical know-how and expertise to perform a craft excellently.
- Understanding (Tebunah): The intellectual ability to comprehend complex designs, solve problems, and grasp the deeper meaning behind the work.
- Knowledge (Da’ath): The familiarity with materials, techniques, and processes required for the task.
Exodus 31:6: “Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you.”
God provides a team. Oholiab, from the tribe of Dan, is appointed as Bezalel’s assistant, showing that God’s gifts are distributed across the entire community, regardless of tribe or status. Furthermore, the empowerment extends beyond the two leaders to “all the skilled workers,” creating a community of Spirit-filled artisans working in unity.
The Comprehensive Scope of the Divine Blueprint
God’s instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai were exhaustive, and the empowerment of the craftsmen is equally comprehensive. Exodus 31:7-11 lists the items they are to create, serving as a summary of the instructions from chapters 25-30:
- The Tent of Meeting (the Tabernacle structure itself)
- The Ark of the Covenant and the Atonement Cover (Mercy Seat)
- All the furnishings of the Tabernacle (table, lampstand, altar of incense)
- The Altar of Burnt Offering and its utensils
- The Basin for washing
- The woven garments—the sacred garments for Aaron the high priest and for his sons
This list underscores that every single element of the Tabernacle, from the largest curtain to the smallest utensil, from the grand architecture to the intricate priestly robes, was to be made by these Spirit-filled individuals. There was no detail too small for God’s attention or for their consecrated skill.
The Perpetual Covenant of the Sabbath
Immediately after the appointment of the craftsmen, God delivers a solemn and urgent command regarding the Sabbath. This is not a disconnected topic but the essential counterbalance to the work about to begin.
Exodus 31:12-13: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.’”
After commissioning a massive construction project, God’s first command is about rest. This establishes a critical spiritual principle: our work for God must never overshadow our relationship with God. The Sabbath was the sign of the Mosaic Covenant, a weekly reminder that it was God who sanctified them, not their own labor—even their labor on the Tabernacle.
Exodus 31:14-15: The text emphasizes the seriousness of Sabbath observance, declaring it a holy day and prescribing the death penalty for anyone who profanes it by doing work. The Sabbath was to be a day of “complete rest,” a concept that translates to a cessation from all productive activity.
Exodus 31:17: “It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”
The Sabbath rest is rooted in creation itself. Just as God rested from His work, so are His people to rest from theirs. It is a weekly declaration of faith—trusting that God will provide and that the world will not fall apart if we stop our striving for one day.
The Two Tablets of the Testimony
The chapter concludes with a powerful statement of divine authority.
Exodus 31:18: “When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.”
This verse connects the entire Tabernacle instruction—including the appointment of the craftsmen and the command of the Sabbath—to the covenant law given on stone tablets. It is all one package: the law that reveals God’s character, the Tabernacle that provides a way to approach Him, and the Sabbath that preserves the relationship. The fact that they were written by “the finger of God” signifies their absolute, divine, and unchangeable authority.
Practical Applications from Exodus 31 Today
The theology of Exodus 31 has profound implications for modern believers.
- Your Work is a Ministry: Whether you are an artist, an accountant, a teacher, or a tradesperson, your skills are a gift from God. Like Bezalel, you can be “filled with the Spirit” for your vocation, doing your work as an act of worship and for the building up of God’s community.
- God Equips Those He Calls: When God gives an assignment, He always provides the necessary resources, skills, and personnel. The calling to build the Tabernacle seemed impossible, but God provided the exact skills needed to complete it.
- The Necessity of Sabbath: In a culture obsessed with productivity and burnout, the Sabbath principle is more relevant than ever. It is a divine command to stop, rest, and remember that God is ultimately in control. It protects us from the idolatry of our own work, even if that work is for the church.
- Community in Calling: Bezalel and Oholiab needed each other. God’s work is rarely done in isolation. We are called to collaborate, using our complementary gifts to achieve a common goal that glorifies God.
Conclusion: The Integration of Work and Rest
Exodus 31 presents a beautiful and balanced theology of work and rest. It sanctifies human creativity and skill, showing that God delights in beautiful things made for His glory. Simultaneously, it places a boundary around that work, commanding a rhythm of rest that honors God as the ultimate creator and sustainer. The chapter reminds us that while we are called to be co-laborers with God in our assigned tasks, our identity and sanctification are found in Him alone, not in our output. The same God who said, “See, I have chosen Bezalel,” also said, “You must observe my Sabbaths.” Both are essential commands for a life of faithful obedience.