“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,”
This verse marks the beginning of a specific section in the book of Exodus where God instructs Moses about the construction of the Tabernacle and the appointment of skilled artisans to carry out the work. Let’s delve deeper into the context and key points of this verse:
Background Context:The book of Exodus recounts the journey of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. After their miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea, the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai, where God revealed Himself to them and gave them the Ten Commandments. The following chapters of Exodus contain detailed instructions regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable dwelling place for God’s presence among His people.
Divine Communication:The verse starts with the phrase, “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying.” This recurring formula indicates that the following content is a direct message from God to Moses. It highlights the divine origin and authority of the instructions that follow.
God’s Communication with His Servant:God chose Moses as His intermediary to convey His laws and instructions to the people of Israel. Throughout the book of Exodus, we see Moses consistently in communication with God, receiving guidance, commands, and encouragement to lead the Israelites according to God’s will.
The Theme of Divine Appointment:In the verses that follow (Exodus 31:2-11), God appoints Bezalel and Oholiab, and fills them with His Spirit, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all manner of workmanship. These men were chosen to be the chief artisans responsible for constructing the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This emphasizes the importance of God’s anointing and empowerment for the tasks He calls people to do.
Significance of Skilled Labor:The appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab illustrates God’s value of skilled craftsmanship. The Tabernacle was to be a place of great significance in Israel’s religious life, and God wanted it to be constructed with excellence and attention to detail. This reminds us that whatever work we do, we should strive for excellence and use our skills for God’s glory.
Application:As we study this verse, we can draw a few practical applications:
- Seek God’s guidance:Just as Moses received direct instructions from God, we should also seek God’s guidance in prayer, reading His Word, and listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
- Embrace our God-given skills:God has uniquely gifted each of us with talents and abilities. We should use these gifts for His purposes and in service to others.
- Recognize the importance of craftsmanship:Whether in our professions or personal endeavors, doing our best work with integrity and excellence honors God.
- Acknowledge God’s empowerment:Bezalel and Oholiab’s skills were enhanced by the Holy Spirit. Similarly, we should rely on God’s strength and wisdom to fulfill the tasks He sets before us.
In conclusion, Exodus 31:1 sets the stage for the detailed instructions on constructing the Tabernacle. It highlights God’s direct communication with Moses and His choice of skilled individuals to carry out the important work. The passage encourages us to seek God’s guidance, use our skills for His glory, and rely on His empowerment in all that we do.
