Bible Commentaries
Exodus 31

Verses 1-18

It should be borne in mind that in a certain way, these people were necessarily vulgarized by centuries of slavery and almost certainly devoid of that artistic ability which would enable them to construct the Tabernacle according to pattern. Moreover, they were far removed from the centers of human refinement. They were, however, a people gathered around God, who is ever equal to the task of fitting His people for doing all that His will appoints. Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God, and the effect of that on him is described. He had "wisdom," that is capacity; "understanding," which indicates progress; and "knowledge," the attainment of skill.

The commandment concerning the Sabbath had already been enunciated in the Law. The insertion of a reference to it at this point is interesting.God had commissioned the people to a work specially sacred. Moreover, He had provided for carrying out the work in the special equipment of certain men. How easy it would have been for them to imagine that in doing this work they might dispense with the Sabbath observance.

This first period of communion between God and Moses ended with giving the two tables of stone written with the finger of God.