Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryExodus 31
Francis D. Nichol (ed.) and contributors
Read Exodus 31 in the BibleExodus 31:2
I have called. Having given detailed directions for the construction of the tabernacle and its equipment, and the preparation of its supplies, God next appointed those who were to have the oversight of the work. Bezaleel was to be in charge, with Aholiab as his assistant. Without doubt these men were selected because of their superior talent and previous experience. To this God promised to add special wisdom and knowledge. Thus they were fitted both naturally and supernaturally for their task (see PP 214; DA 827; Matt. 13:12). Gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and skill for doing secular work are as surely given men by God as are spiritual gifts 1 Cor. 12:8). The church as verily needs among its members those who are Bezaleels and Aholiabs as it does those who are Isaiahs and Pauls. Only those whom God calls to some special service does he “call by name” (Ex. 3:4; Isa. 45:1–4).
Ellen G. White
2-7. Did Not Depend on Skilled Egyptians—In ancient times, the Lord instructed Moses to build Him a sanctuary. The people were to provide the material, and skillful men must be found to handle the precious material. Among the multitude were Egyptians, who had acted as overseers for such work, and thoroughly understood how it should be done. But the work was not dependent upon them. The Lord united with human agencies, giving them wisdom to work skillfully. [Exodus 31:2-7 quoted.]
Exodus 31:3
Filled him. The Holy Spirit would impart to Bezaleel “knowledge,” or factual information, “understanding,” or common sense in the application of known facts, and “wisdom,” or discernment, sound judgment, and discretion. In addition he was to receive additional skill in “workmanship,” including both dexterity and art as a master craftsman.
Exodus 31:4
To devise. He was to have not only the gift of creating designs but the ability to execute these designs. While specific directions were given Moses for the construction of the sanctuary and its equipment, nothing had been said concerning many details, such as the form of the cherubim, the patterns to be woven or embroidered in the various textiles, the shapes of the vessels, the capitals of the pillars, or the laver. Much would depend upon the initiative, inventiveness, taste, and craftsmanship of those in charge of the work.
Exodus 31:6
Aholiab. It seems from ch. 38:23 that Aholiab was to superintend the design and production of the textile fabrics, including both weaving and embroidery. It is interesting
to note that Hiram, the chief artist Solomon employed to make the ornamental work of the Temple, was also a descendant of Dan (2 Chron. 2:13, 14). In the hearts. Every artist, whether he be poet, painter, sculptor, musician, or designer, must have within him a natural talent, without which he can never attain to excellence. Such gifts should be regarded as a sacred trust from God, to be used for His glory and for the betterment of mankind—not for the advancement of self. Failing this, one’s great ability may contribute only to moral depravity. Manual labor was sanctified by God for the construction of the tabernacle. Our Lord dignified physical labor by devoting most of His years on earth to the carpenter shop in Nazareth (see Mark 6:3). Paul supported himself by working as a tentmaker (Acts 18:1–3).
Exodus 31:10
Cloths. Or, “finely worked garments” (RSV). These were the distinguishing vestments of the high priest, which he alone was permitted to wear. They included the blue robe, the ephod, the girdle of the ephod, and the breastplate. The other “holy garments” that made up the high priest’s attire were the linen drawers, the tunic, the inner girdle, and the miter. The “garments of his sons” included their linen drawers, tunics, girdles, and caps (ch. 28).
Exodus 31:12
Ellen G. White
Loyal to Whom?—God has declared that it means much to discard the Word of the living God, and accept the assertions of those who seek to change times and laws. [Exodus 31:12-17 quoted.]
Exodus 31:13
My sabbaths. One of the striking features of the closing chapters of Exodus is the recurring admonition to sacred observance of the seventh-day Sabbath (see chs. 16:22– 30; 20:8–11; 23:12; 34:21; 35:2, 3). This attests the great importance of the Sabbath, for no other commandment of the Decalogue is so mentioned. The reference here made to its observance is not merely a repetition of similar notices; it introduces the Sabbath as a “sign” between God and His people, and it warns that the penalty for Sabbath violation is “death.” A sign. God had already given the Israelites circumcision as a “sign” in their flesh of His “covenant” relation with them (Gen. 17:9–14; Acts 7:8). Now the Sabbath was to be an additional “sign” of this covenant relationship, not in the flesh but in the heart (Ex. 31:12, 13, 16, 17; Jer. 31:31–33; Eze. 20:12, 20; 2 Cor. 3:3).
Ellen G. White
13 (ch. 25:8). Sabbath Kept During Construction—God directed that a tabernacle should be built, where the Israelites, during their wilderness-journeying, could worship Him. Orders from heaven were given that this tabernacle should be built without delay. Because of the sacredness of the work and the need for haste, some argued that the work of the tabernacle should be carried forward on the Sabbath, as well as on the other days of the week. Christ heard these suggestions, and saw that the people were in great danger of being ensnared by concluding that they would be justified in working on the Sabbath that the tabernacle might be completed as quickly as possible. The word came to them, “Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep.” Though the work on the tabernacle must be carried forward with expedition, the Sabbath must not be employed as a working day. Even the work on the Lord’s house must give way to the sacred observance of the Lord’s rest day. Thus jealous is God for the honor of His memorial of creation (The Review and Herald, October 28, 1902).
Exodus 31:14
Defileth it. More exactly, “profanes it.” The Sabbath is holy (Gen. 2:1–3); therefore it is a sin to bring into its sacred hours that which is common (see on Ex. 12:16; 16:23). The Sabbath is defiled when any unnecessary work is done upon it. Acts of mercy, of necessity, or of religious observance are not forbidden on that day (Matt. 12:1– 13; Mark 2:23–28). Put to death. This severe penalty was a constant reminder that Sabbath violation severed the covenant relation between the Lord and the people. The Sabbath was the distinctive sign of loyalty to God, and its violation was therefore an offense of the gravest character, an act of treason against the divine government (see Ex. 35:2; Num. 15:32–36).
Exodus 31:15
Sabbath of rest. Literally, “rest of restfulness” (see on chs. 16:23–26; 20:10). This expression implies complete rest from all secular concerns (Ex. 35:2; Lev. 23:3; Isa. 58:13).
Exodus 31:17
Was refreshed. The very fact that God uses language here distinctly adapted to human experience shows how earnestly He desired to impress upon His people their obligation to Him and the need of their following His example. There can be no more convincing reason for complying with a divine command than that God Himself has set the example (John 13:13–15; 1 Peter 2:21).
Exodus 31:18
Two tables of testimony. God had informed Moses that the ark in the holy of holies was to contain this “testimony” (ch. 25:16). Since this was the chief purpose of the
ark, and the ark was the most sacred article of furniture in the tabernacle, it is appropriate that this section dealing with the structure of the tabernacle and its officiants should close with a statement regarding that which gave the ark and the tabernacle their significance. “Two tables” should be “the two tables,” those which God had already promised Moses (ch. 24:12), and which were supernaturally inscribed (ch. 32:16). The writing of the Ten Commandments on stone (Deut. 4:13) points to their immutable and eternal character (Matt. 5:17–19). The two tables emphasize man’s obligation—to God (the first four commandments), and to his fellow men (the last six; Matt. 22:36–40). The two tables of stone folded together like a book (EW 32).
Ellen G. White
18. Original Law in Heavenly Ark—I warn you, Do not place your influence against God’s commandments. That law is just as Jehovah wrote it in the temple of heaven. Man may trample upon its copy here below, but the original is kept in the ark of God in heaven; and on the cover of this ark, right above that law, is the mercy seat. Jesus stands right there before that ark to mediate for man (Manuscript 6a, 1886).
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary — Francis D. Nichol (ed.) and contributors. Review and Herald Publishing Association · all rights reserved
Exodus 31:1
Ellen G. White
1-6 (1 Timothy 5:13). Meddling Punished by Death—The Lord loves to see His work done as perfectly as possible. In the wilderness, the Israelites had to learn to accomplish with exactness and promptness the work connected with the order of the camp and especially the work of the tabernacle, its ornaments, and its service. All had to learn before they could accomplish this, to them new work. They had to be trained before they could do it as God desired. There were men there ready to give counsel and advice and to meddle with the work of mounting and dismounting the tabernacle; and those who neglected their special work to meddle with the work of others, thinking they had special wisdom and knew how it should be done, were put to death. Each one had to be taught the value of promptness and exactness in every position of trust. The memory had to be taxed, and they had to realize the responsibility of doing everything in due time.