Exodus 31:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests,

NIV: and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests,

NASB: the woven garments as well: the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, with which to carry out their priesthood;

CSB: the specially woven garments, both the holy garments for the priest Aaron and the garments for his sons to serve as priests,

NLT: the beautifully stitched garments — the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests;

KJV: 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,

NKJV: the garments of ministry, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests,

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.

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.

Accessed 10/24/2025 4:49:42 PM