Exodus 31:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent,

NIV: the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent—

NASB: the tent of meeting, the ark of testimony, the atoning cover that is on it, and all the furniture of the tent,

CSB: the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on top of it, and all the other furnishings of the tent —

NLT: the Tabernacle; the Ark of the Covenant; the Ark’s cover — the place of atonement; all the furnishings of the Tabernacle;

KJV: 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,

NKJV: the tabernacle of meeting, the ark of the Testimony and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furniture of the tabernacle—

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 7/6/2025 4:32:50 AM