Exodus 31 - Printer Friendly

While Moses is on Mount Sinai, God explains His covenant with Israel (Exodus 24:12). After a series of laws and rules (Exodus 20—24), the Lord describes a series of ornate objects. These are holy items used in His sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9).

Two men will lead Israel's efforts to craft these articles. Bezalel is a master artisan, working with gemstones, wood, and precious metals. Oholiab seems to be Bezalel's primary assistant. They, along with "all able men," are charged with making items for the tabernacle. However, they are to keep strictly to the designs which God has already given (Exodus 31:1–11).

To conclude His first declaration of the Mosaic covenant, God repeats the importance of honoring the Sabbath day. This is a day of rest from work at the end of each seven-day week. The Sabbath was first mentioned earlier in Israel's journey out of Egypt (Exodus 16:23). The observance reflects God's choice to cease working after six days of creation (Genesis 2:1–3). Sabbath observance is the most public way in which Israel is distinguished from other nations (Deuteronomy 14:2). Israelites who treat the Sabbath like any other day are subject to the death penalty (Exodus 31:12–17).

The Lord provides two stone tablets. On these are written the "testimony," which usually means the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17; 34:28). The tablets emphasize the eternal nature of His covenant. These are to be placed in the ark (Exodus 25:16). Many cultures, even today, use expressions like "carved in stone" to mean something unchangeable or sacred (Exodus 31:18).

However, this first pair of tablets will not make it far from Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:12). When Moses sees Israel committing blatant idolatry, he will smash the engravings in a rage (Exodus 32:19). The next chapter is an account of these events (Exodus 32).

Exodus 31:1–11 assigns two lead craftsmen to make sacred objects for Israel's sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). Chapters 25 through 30 were mostly designs for these objects. Bezalel seems to be the most proficient; he is also specifically filled with God's Spirit. Oholiab is appointed by God to work with Bezalel. Other skilled artisans will assist these two in making the tabernacle and its accessories.

Exodus 31:18 explains that God's description of laws and sacred objects (Exodus 20—30) were engraved, at least in part, on stone tablets (Exodus 24:12). Most scholars believe these tablets recorded only the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17; 34:28), and not the entire conversation. Moses is meant to put these into the ark (Exodus 25:16). However, while he is gone, the people are betraying the Lord (Exodus 32:1) and Moses will shatter the original tablets in rage (Exodus 32:19).

God assigns Bezalel and Oholiab as master craftsmen to build the tabernacle and its accessories. They will work with other skilled laborers to make each item precisely as the Lord has commanded (Exodus 25—29). God completes His initial declaration of the covenant with a reminder about the Sabbath. Insulting the Sabbath command is punishable by death. As promised (Exodus 24:12), Moses is given two stone tablets recording the covenant.

For several chapters (Exodus 25—29), God has explained how Israel is to prepare His sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). Objects like the ark (Exodus 25:10), menorah (Exodus 25:31), and altars (Exodus 27:1; 30:1) will require great skill to make. The men charged with this task are not only highly skilled but specifically appointed and equipped by God. Moses brings two tablets from Sinai; these record the covenant. When he returns to the camp, Moses finds Israel deep in idolatry (Exodus 32:1). In a rage, he will smash these original tablets (Exodus 32:19).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.