Overview:

Exodus 31 provides significant instructions regarding two key areas: the appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab as the skilled craftsmen for the Tabernacle’s construction and the institution of the Sabbath as a perpetual sign of God’s covenant with Israel. Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with the Spirit of God, equipped with wisdom and skill to construct the Tabernacle according to God’s specific instructions. The second part of the chapter emphasizes the holiness of the Sabbath, which is to be a day of rest and a sign of God’s covenant with Israel, reflecting His work in creation and His rest on the seventh day.

This chapter highlights themes such as the role of the Spirit in empowering service, the importance of skill and craftsmanship in worship, and the necessity of rest and holiness as reflected in the Sabbath. Ultimately, the rest of the Sabbath points forward to the rest found in Jesus Christ.

Historical and Literary Context:

Exodus 31 follows the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings in the preceding chapters. With these instructions in place, God now designates specific individuals, Bezalel and Oholiab, to lead the work of building the Tabernacle. These men are empowered by the Spirit of God to carry out the work with skill and excellence. The chapter also emphasizes the institution of the Sabbath as a sign of God’s covenant with Israel, reminding them of God’s rest on the seventh day of creation.

Literarily, this chapter serves as a transition from the instructions for the Tabernacle to the implementation of its construction. The focus on Bezalel and Oholiab highlights the importance of God-given skill in fulfilling His purposes, while the Sabbath command underscores the necessity of holiness and rest in the rhythm of life.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit for Service:

Bezalel and Oholiab are chosen by God and filled with the Spirit to carry out the work of constructing the Tabernacle. Their craftsmanship is not just natural talent but a gift from God, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze’” (Exodus 31:1-4).

The empowerment of Bezalel and Oholiab reflects the broader biblical theme that the Spirit of God equips individuals for service. This empowerment points forward to the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, who are equipped to serve God through the Spirit’s gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

The Value of Skill and Craftsmanship in Worship:

The Tabernacle is to be built with precision and beauty, requiring skilled craftsmanship. The appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab emphasizes the value God places on skill and excellence in worship.

“Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you” (Exodus 31:6).

The use of skill and creativity in the construction of the Tabernacle reflects the importance of offering God our best in worship. This theme applies to all areas of service, reminding believers that God calls them to serve Him with excellence, using the gifts and abilities He has given them (Colossians 3:23-24).

The Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant:

The Sabbath is instituted as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, a day of rest that reflects God’s rest on the seventh day of creation. The Sabbath is to be kept holy and observed by the Israelites as a perpetual covenant.

“Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy’” (Exodus 31:13).

The Sabbath command highlights the importance of rest and holiness. The weekly rhythm of work and rest is a reminder that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life. This command points forward to the ultimate rest found in Jesus Christ, who invites all who are weary to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30).

The Holiness of the Sabbath and Its Consequences:

The holiness of the Sabbath is emphasized in the warning that those who violate it are to be put to death. This severe penalty underscores the sacredness of the day and the seriousness of keeping it holy.

“For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day is to be put to death” (Exodus 31:15).

The severity of the penalty reflects the importance of obeying God’s commands and keeping the covenant. The Sabbath is a gift of rest and renewal, but it must be observed in accordance with God’s law. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills the meaning of the Sabbath, offering eternal rest through His redemptive work (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Exodus 31:1-5:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.’”

God chooses Bezalel to lead the construction of the Tabernacle and fills him with the Spirit to equip him for the work. This empowerment reflects the broader biblical theme that God equips His people for the tasks to which He calls them. The skills and wisdom given to Bezalel are a gift from God for the purpose of worship.

Exodus 31:6-11:

“Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent—the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand—also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.”

God appoints Oholiab to assist Bezalel and gives ability to all the skilled workers. This emphasizes the collaborative nature of the work and the importance of each individual’s contribution to the Tabernacle. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle’s construction highlight the care and precision required in worshiping God.

Exodus 31:12-13:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, “You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.”’”

God commands the Israelites to observe the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant. The Sabbath is a reminder of God’s holiness and His sanctifying work in the lives of His people. This command emphasizes the importance of rest and renewal in the rhythm of life.

Exodus 31:14-15:

“‘Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death; those who do any work on that day must be cut off from their people. For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day is to be put to death.’”

The severe penalty for violating the Sabbath underscores the holiness of the day and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The Sabbath is a sacred time set apart for rest and worship, reflecting God’s rest on the seventh day of creation.

Exodus 31:16-17:

“‘The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”

The Sabbath is to be observed as a perpetual covenant, a sign between God and Israel that reflects His work in creation. The weekly rhythm of work and rest serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His provision for His people.

Exodus 31:18:

“When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.”

The chapter concludes with God giving Moses the two tablets of the covenant law, inscribed by the finger of God. These tablets contain the Ten Commandments, which serve as the foundation of Israel’s covenant relationship with God.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Exodus 31 reveals important theological truths about the role of the Holy Spirit, the value of work and creativity in worship, and the necessity of rest and holiness. Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with the Spirit of God, equipping them with the wisdom and skill needed to construct the Tabernacle. This empowerment reflects the broader biblical theme that the Holy Spirit equips believers for service, granting them gifts and abilities to fulfill God’s purposes (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

The institution of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant highlights the importance of rest and holiness. The Sabbath points forward to the ultimate rest found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the true meaning of the Sabbath by offering rest for the weary (Matthew 11:28-30). Through Christ’s redemptive work, believers enter into the rest of God, finding peace and renewal in Him (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

1. Introduction: The Spirit-Empowered Work of God’s People
   • Set the context for Exodus 31, focusing on the appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab for the construction of the Tabernacle and the institution of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant.
   • Introduce the themes of the Spirit’s empowerment, the value of work in worship, and the necessity of rest and holiness.
2. Point 1: The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit for Service
   • Discuss the significance of Bezalel and Oholiab being filled with the Spirit of God for the work of constructing the Tabernacle.
   • Application: How can we rely on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment in our lives to serve God with excellence and skill in the areas to which He has called us?
3. Point 2: The Value of Skill and Craftsmanship in Worship
   • Explore the importance of skill and creativity in the construction of the Tabernacle, reflecting the value God places on excellence in worship.
   • Application: How can we offer our best to God in worship and service, using the gifts and abilities He has given us for His glory?
4. Point 3: The Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant
   • Highlight the significance of the Sabbath as a sign of God’s covenant with Israel, reflecting the rhythm of work and rest that God established in creation.
   • Application: How can we embrace the rhythm of rest and renewal in our lives, finding our ultimate rest in Christ?
5. Point 4: The Holiness of the Sabbath and Its Fulfillment in Christ
   • Discuss the holiness of the Sabbath and the severe consequences for violating it, pointing forward to the fulfillment of the Sabbath in Christ.
   • Application: How can we live in the rest and renewal that Christ offers, recognizing that He is the fulfillment of the Sabbath and the source of eternal rest for our souls?

Illustrations and Examples:

• Share a personal story or historical example of someone using their skills and abilities to serve God with excellence, drawing parallels to Bezalel and Oholiab’s work on the Tabernacle.
• Use a metaphor of rest and renewal, such as a person finding refuge in a quiet place, to illustrate the significance of the Sabbath and the ultimate rest found in Christ.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Exodus 31 challenges believers to reflect on the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment for service and the value of offering God their best in worship. Just as Bezalel and Oholiab were filled with the Spirit of God to carry out the work of constructing the Tabernacle, believers today are equipped by the Holy Spirit with gifts and abilities to serve God in various capacities. This empowerment should lead to excellence in all areas of service, as believers seek to glorify God with their work.

The institution of the Sabbath reminds Christians of the importance of rest and holiness in the rhythm of life. In a world that values constant productivity, the Sabbath serves as a reminder that rest is a gift from God and a reflection of His work in creation. Ultimately, the Sabbath points to the rest found in Jesus Christ, who invites believers to come to Him for rest and renewal. Through Christ, believers enter into the true Sabbath rest, finding peace and refreshment for their souls.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 31:

God the Father’s sovereignty, holiness, and desire for relationship with His people are central to Exodus 31. The empowerment of Bezalel and Oholiab by the Spirit of God reflects the Father’s provision for the construction of the Tabernacle, where His presence would dwell among His people. The institution of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant emphasizes the Father’s care for His people, providing them with rest and renewal. The weekly rhythm of work and rest serves as a reminder of the Father’s creative work and His sustaining presence in the lives of His people.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 31:

Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Sabbath rest described in Exodus 31. While the Sabbath served as a sign of God’s covenant with Israel, Christ fulfills the true meaning of the Sabbath by offering eternal rest to those who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). Through His redemptive work, believers enter into the rest of God, finding peace and renewal in Him (Hebrews 4:9-10). Christ’s invitation to rest is a fulfillment of the Sabbath command, offering believers a deeper and more profound rest than a mere day of cessation from work.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 31:

The Holy Spirit plays a central role in the empowerment of Bezalel and Oholiab, equipping them with the wisdom, understanding, and skill needed to construct the Tabernacle. This empowerment reflects the broader biblical theme that the Spirit of God equips believers for service, granting them gifts and abilities to fulfill God’s purposes (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Just as Bezalel and Oholiab were filled with the Spirit for their work, believers today are empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God in various capacities, using their gifts and talents for His glory.

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 31:

God’s love is evident in His provision of rest and renewal for His people through the institution of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a gift of rest, reflecting God’s care for His people and His desire for them to experience the rhythm of work and rest. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers eternal rest and renewal to all who come to Him. The empowerment of Bezalel and Oholiab also reflects God’s love, as He equips His people with the skills and abilities needed to carry out His purposes. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to serve God and to reflect His love in their work.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the empowerment of Bezalel and Oholiab by the Spirit of God challenge you to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and gifts in your own life and service to God?
2. In what ways can you offer your best to God in worship and service, using the gifts and abilities He has given you for His glory?
3. How does the institution of the Sabbath in Exodus 31 remind you of the importance of rest and renewal in your life, and how can you find your ultimate rest in Christ?
4. How can you embrace the rhythm of work and rest that God has established, recognizing that rest is a gift from God and a reflection of His care for His people?
5. How does Christ’s fulfillment of the Sabbath command offer you deeper rest and peace, and how can you live in the reality of that rest in your daily walk with God?