Exodus 31 marks a pivotal moment in the process of constructing the Tabernacle, as God not only gives further instructions for the building but also provides the means by which His people can carry out His will. This chapter is about empowerment, calling, and rest—a powerful reminder that God equips those He calls, that our work for Him is to be done with excellence, and that even in our service, we must honor Him through rest and Sabbath.
The chapter opens with God calling two men by name—Bezalel and Oholiab—and filling them with His Spirit. These two craftsmen are chosen for their specific skills to work on the Tabernacle’s construction, and God gives them the wisdom and ability to carry out the detailed designs He has given Moses. Bezalel is described as a man filled with the Spirit of God, gifted in all manner of craftsmanship, including working with gold, silver, and bronze, as well as woodworking, engraving, and weaving. Oholiab is also filled with the Spirit and called to assist Bezalel. These two men are empowered to use their natural talents in service to God, and their work will contribute to building a sacred space where God’s presence will dwell among His people.
For us, this is a powerful reminder that God equips us for the work He calls us to. Just as He gave Bezalel and Oholiab the skill and wisdom needed to build the Tabernacle, He gives us gifts, talents, and abilities to serve Him in our own unique ways. Each of us has something to offer, and God calls us to use what He has given us for His glory. The idea that the Holy Spirit empowered Bezalel and Oholiab to use their craft for God’s purposes encourages us to consider how we can approach our own work and skills with the same attitude. Whether we are teachers, artists, engineers, or parents, our work can be sacred when done with a heart dedicated to God. This chapter invites us to see our gifts as God’s provision for us to carry out His will in the world.
As the chapter continues, God emphasizes the importance of doing the work of building the Tabernacle in accordance with His specific instructions. He is not leaving anything to chance. The exactness of the plans reflects His desire for the Tabernacle to be a place of holiness, beauty, and perfection. The message here is clear: when we are working for God, we must do so with excellence. Mediocrity is not an option when it comes to honoring God. Every detail of the Tabernacle—the altar, the lamps, the curtains—was to be made with care, precision, and reverence. This challenges us in our own service to God. Are we giving our best to Him in our work, relationships, and worship? Are we approaching our tasks with the understanding that every part of our life is an opportunity to bring glory to Him?
After the instructions about the work to be done, God gives a command that is as critical as the building itself: the Sabbath. He reminds the Israelites that while the work of constructing the Tabernacle is essential, it is also essential to take time to rest and honor God through the Sabbath. God declares that the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between Him and the Israelites, a perpetual reminder of the need for rest and renewal. “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord.” This command is not just about taking a break from physical work; it’s about dedicating that day to God, recognizing that He is the one who gives us the strength and ability to work.
The Sabbath is often seen as a command for physical rest, but its deeper meaning goes beyond that. It is about spiritual renewal. In a world that values productivity, achievement, and constant motion, the Sabbath is a call to pause and acknowledge that we are not defined by our work. We are defined by our relationship with God. Just as God rested after creating the world, He invites us to rest in Him, trusting that He is in control and that our identity is not rooted in our labor but in His love. The Sabbath is a reminder to slow down, to be present with God, and to reflect on His goodness. It’s a space where we can reconnect with the Creator, remembering that our work has meaning only because it is done for Him.
God reiterates the importance of the Sabbath, saying that anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. This is a serious command, showing how essential it is to honor this day of rest. It was a sign of the covenant, a symbol of their commitment to God’s ways. The punishment for breaking the Sabbath was severe because the observance of the Sabbath was integral to the identity of the people of Israel. For us, while we may not be under the same penalty today, the Sabbath still holds significant meaning in our lives. It reminds us that we are not our work; we are God’s people, called to rest in Him and to trust that He provides all we need.
At the end of the chapter, God gives Moses two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which serve as a tangible reminder of the covenant. The stone tablets are not just for the people to read; they are a physical manifestation of God’s covenant with Israel. The presence of the tablets signifies that the people’s relationship with God is not based on emotions or ideas alone but on something concrete—His word. For us, the tablets point to the importance of God’s Word in our lives. Just as the Israelites had the Ten Commandments as their guide, we have the Bible, a divinely inspired collection of wisdom and instruction to guide our lives.
Exodus 31, with its emphasis on craftsmanship, dedication, and rest, challenges us to reflect on how we live out our own calling. God equips us with gifts and talents, and He calls us to use them for His glory, always aiming for excellence in all we do. Yet, He also calls us to rest—spiritually and physically—reminding us that our worth is not found in our work but in our relationship with Him. The Sabbath is a gift, an opportunity to step away from our labor and reflect on the goodness of God. Finally, God’s Word remains our guide, a tangible reminder of the covenant He has made with us, and an anchor for our souls as we navigate the challenges of life. Let us, like Bezalel and Oholiab, embrace our callings with skill and dedication, while also honoring God with rest and reflection.