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Atomic Bible
Exodus

Chapter 31

Bezalel and Oholiab and more

Exodus 31 names and equips the craftsmen who will make the tabernacle and its holy objects, then turns to the Sabbath as a lasting sign between the LORD and Israel. The chapter closes with Moses receiving the stone tablets, which gather these instructions into God's own written testimony.

After the long pattern for the tabernacle and priesthood, this chapter moves from command to appointed makers and from sacred work to sacred rest. It also brings the Sinai instructions to a formal close just before the rupture of the golden calf.

3 sections·403 words·~2 min read


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Exodus 31

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vv. 1-11

Bezalel and Oholiab

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T1hen the LORD said to Moses, 2“See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, 4to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, 5to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft. 6Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant.

7I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you: the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony and the mercy seat upon it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— 8the table with its utensils, the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, the altar of incense, 9the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its stand— 10as well as the woven garments, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests, 11in addition to the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them according to all that I have commanded you.”

vv. 12-17

The Sign of the Sabbath

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A12nd the LORD said to Moses, 13“Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. 14Keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Anyone who profanes it must surely be put to death. Whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from among his people. 15For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death.

16The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come. 17It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”

vv. 18

Moses Receives the Tablets

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W18hen the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.