Exodus 31:1 – Then the Lord said to Moses,
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Exodus 31:1, we see the beginning of God’s direct instructions to Moses regarding the skilled workers who would build the tabernacle. The phrase “Then the Lord said to Moses” introduces a divine communication, a common occurrence in the book of Exodus. God is about to give Moses specific directions about the construction of the tabernacle, which was to be the sacred place where God would dwell among His people. This verse is the start of a new section where God highlights His choice of Bezalel and Oholiab, who are to be filled with the Spirit of God to carry out this important task. This verse emphasizes the direct involvement of God in the planning and preparation of the tabernacle.
Historical Context
The book of Exodus details the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to becoming a nation under God’s covenant at Mount Sinai. In the chapters leading up to Exodus 31, God had given Moses the Ten Commandments and various laws, establishing a framework for how the Israelites were to live as God’s people. The tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, was to be the physical manifestation of God’s presence among His people. The work of constructing the tabernacle was not to be left to just anyone; God specifically chose skilled individuals, and He personally equipped them to accomplish this holy task. This section of Scripture occurs after the Israelites had already been at Sinai for some time, receiving God’s law and instructions.
Theological Implications
Exodus 31:1 highlights the theme of divine calling and empowerment. God’s choice of specific individuals to carry out His work demonstrates His sovereignty and intimate involvement in the details of His plans. This verse introduces the concept that God not only calls individuals to specific tasks but also equips them with the necessary skills and abilities through His Spirit. The idea that God provides for the work He calls people to do is a reassuring theological truth for believers. It reinforces the understanding that God’s work is accomplished not by human effort alone but through divine enablement.
Literary Analysis
This verse functions as a transition within the broader narrative of Exodus. It shifts the focus from the laws and commandments given to Israel to the practical work of building the tabernacle. The phrase “Then the Lord said to Moses” is a familiar literary device in Exodus, used to introduce significant new revelations or instructions from God. The simplicity of this statement contrasts with the detailed and complex instructions that follow, underscoring the authority of God’s words. The structure of this passage, with its direct communication from God, sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s detailed plan for the tabernacle.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 25:1-9 – God gives the initial instructions for the construction of the tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of building it exactly as He commands.
- Exodus 35:30-35 – This passage reiterates God’s choice of Bezalel and Oholiab, emphasizing their divine gifting for the work.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – The New Testament teaching on spiritual gifts echoes the idea that God equips His people with various abilities for the work of ministry.
- Ephesians 2:10 – This verse affirms that believers are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 31:1 serves as a reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, calling them to specific tasks and equipping them for those tasks through His Spirit. Just as God chose and equipped Bezalel and Oholiab for the work of building the tabernacle, He continues to call and equip believers for various roles within the body of Christ. This verse encourages Christians to seek God’s guidance in their work and to trust that He will provide the skills and abilities needed to accomplish His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 31:1 reflects God’s love for His people in that He provides for every need, including the skilled labor required to build a place where He would dwell among them. God’s detailed involvement in the construction of the tabernacle shows His desire to be close to His people, to dwell with them, and to make His presence known in their midst. This verse reveals a God who cares about the details of our lives and who lovingly equips us to fulfill His purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse foreshadows the greater work of Jesus Christ, who came to dwell among us as Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Just as the tabernacle was the place where God’s presence dwelled among the Israelites, Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s presence with His people. The work of building the tabernacle points forward to the work of Christ, who would fulfill God’s plan of redemption through His life, death, and resurrection. Moreover, Jesus equips His followers through the Holy Spirit, continuing the theme of divine empowerment for God’s work.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does knowing that God equips those He calls impact your view of your own abilities and calling?
- In what ways do you see God’s detailed involvement in your life, similar to His involvement in the construction of the tabernacle?
- How can you seek to be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily tasks and responsibilities?
- What does the concept of God dwelling among His people mean to you in the context of your relationship with Jesus Christ?
This article provides a comprehensive exploration of Exodus 31:1, connecting it to the broader narrative of Scripture and its relevance for modern believers.