Appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab

Exodus 31 details God’s selection of skilled artisans for the construction of the Tabernacle, highlighting the importance of craftsmanship and divine inspiration in sacred work. This chapter also reinforces the significance of the Sabbath as a perpetual covenant between God and Israel.

Divine Selection and Empowerment

• Bezalel and Oholiab: God appoints Bezalel of the tribe of Judah and Oholiab of the tribe of Dan as the chief artisans for the Tabernacle. He fills them with the Spirit of God, granting them skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts to design artistic works in gold, silver, bronze, cutting stones, carving wood, and other crafts (Exodus 31:1-11).
• Purpose of Their Work: Their appointment emphasizes that the beauty and functionality of the Tabernacle are divinely ordained, underscoring the sacredness of their task and the spiritual qualifications necessary for those who serve God in this capacity.

The Sabbath Law

Reinforcement of the Sabbath

• A Sign of the Covenant: God commands Moses to instruct the Israelites to observe the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and them. The Sabbath is to be a day of complete rest, holy to the Lord, set apart from the other days as a symbol of God’s creation rest and their sanctification (Exodus 31:12-17).
• Perpetual Observance: The Sabbath observance is declared a lasting covenant, serving as a perpetual sign of the Creator and His chosen people. It is a reminder of their distinct identity and God’s ongoing work among them.
• Penalty for Violation: The severity of keeping the Sabbath is emphasized by the stipulation that anyone who desecrates it must be put to death, indicating the seriousness with which this command is to be taken (Exodus 31:14-15).

Theological Significance and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christological Echoes

• Fulfillment of Rest: Jesus Christ declares Himself the Lord of the Sabbath and offers a greater rest—the rest from striving to achieve righteousness through works (Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 2:27-28). In Christ, believers find the ultimate fulfillment of the Sabbath as they rest in His completed work on the cross.
• Spirit-Filled Work: The filling of the Spirit given to Bezalel and Oholiab prefigures the spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers through Christ, enabling them to perform good works prepared for them by God (Ephesians 2:10).

Divine Love and Its Implications

• God’s Provision for Worship: By appointing skilled artisans and giving them His Spirit, God provides for the beautiful and proper worship that He deserves. This demonstrates His love by involving His people in His divine plans and enhancing their ability to worship Him through their skills.
• Rest and Renewal: The command to observe the Sabbath highlights God’s love and care for His people, ensuring they have time for rest and renewal, both physically and spiritually.

Contemporary Relevance

Why Exodus 31 Still Matters Today

• Value of Work and Rest: The dual focus on skilled labor for the Tabernacle and the strict observance of the Sabbath teaches the balance of work and rest, a principle that remains vital in today’s work-driven culture.
• Spiritual Gifts and Service: The empowerment of the artisans illustrates how God equips each person with unique abilities and gifts for the building up of the community, encouraging believers to identify and use their God-given talents in service of the church and society.
• Identity and Holiness: The Sabbath serves as a reminder of the believer’s unique identity in God and the call to holiness, urging them to set apart time to reflect on and enjoy their relationship with God.

Exodus 31 not only outlines the practical and spiritual preparations for building the Tabernacle but also offers timeless lessons on the sanctity of work, the blessing of rest, and the importance of living out one’s faith in every aspect of life.