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Exodus 31 Commentary

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Exodus 31:1-11

The LORD specifies which Israelites were to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

The LORD gives a strong reminder that, in spite of their spiritual duty to build the tabernacle and the furnishings, the craftsmen are required to observe the Sabbath and cease their work. Anyone who did not observe the Sabbath would face dire consequences.

Exodus 31:18

The LORD finishes speaking to Moses. This is most likely at the end of the forty days that Moses was in His presence on Mount Sinai.

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Book Theme

The book of Exodus is the second book of the Torah (“law”). It continues the story of Genesis concerning the migration of the family of Jacob (the Israelites) to Egypt (Genesis 50). It describes the commissioning of Moses and Aaron as God’s representatives on earth to accomplish God’s deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt and lead them to the Promised Land (the land of Canaan). It also relates the miraculous deliverance from Egypt beginning with the plagues on Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea. It then describes the journey to Mount Sinai and the establishment of the Mosaic covenant with the Israelites. The last part of the book involves the specifications and building of the tabernacle – the place where the Lord Himself dwelt amongst His people.

In the book of Exodus, the focus shifts to the deliverance of God’s people.

Chapter Context

In Exodus 31, the LORD declares what He has done in equipping certain Israelites to manage the building of the tabernacle and all its furnishings. He also reminds His people that the Sabbath rest must be faithfully observed during the construction.

Chapter 31 can be outlined as follows:

The LORD Appoints Skilled Workers (31:1 – 11)
The LORD Requires Sabbath Observance (31:12 – 17)
Conclusion and Transition (31:18)

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