Bible Commentaries
Exodus 31

Verse 1

CONTENTS

The same interesting interview between God and his servant is continued, and the account of it is recorded in this Chapter. The Lord tells Moses who shall be appointed for the workmen in the tabernacle; the Lord again enjoins the holy observance of the Sabbath, and delivers to Moses the two tables of testimony which he had written.

Verses 1-5

It is profitable to observe, that all the appointments, as well of Providence as of grace, are of divine authority. Ephesians 4:11-12 ; Proverbs 16:33 .

It is equally profitable to remark, that the common gifts of understanding, as well as the special gifts of grace, are all from the same Almighty Giver. Isaiah 28:26 ; Job 38:36 . And how sweetly doth the Apostle speak of these things; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 .

Verses 6-11

If the Lord was graciously pleased to qualify men for the adorning the tabernacle, which was but a shadow of good things to come, what may we not suppose the same gracious Lord will do, in qualifying ministers, under the gospel dispensation, for the building up believers, which are the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 .

Verses 12-17

Some have thought, that the repeating the commandment respecting the sabbath in this place, was with this intention; lest the children of Israel should suppose, that while building the tabernacle, which was now to be set about, they might, as it was God's work, go on with the continuance of the work on God's day. Hence they were taught, that even the works for God must not break in upon the holy day of God. Oh! how much to be wished is it, that Christians would remember this!

Verse 18

The Lord had promised these tables at the opening of the interview. Exodus 24:12 . And now the time approached for Moses to go down to the people, the Lord delivers them. Reader! remark with me, they were written, it is said, on stone, and with the finger of God. None but God himself can write his law on the stony heart of man. See that sweet scripture, 2 Corinthians 3:3 . Lord grant that this may be my portion! Hebrews 8:10 .

REFLECTIONS

It is a comfortable consideration, suited to all ranks and orders of men, that what the Lord calls any man to, he graciously fits him for. If Bezaleel and Aholiab be appointed to the curious construction of the tabernacle building, the Holy Ghost will make them fit for the employment. And when Jesus called his poor fishermen of Galilee to be fishers of men, how soon were they qualified for the arduous work. My God! send me where, and how, and for what purpose thou art pleased; be thou but with me, and I shall soon demonstrate how thy strength is made perfect in human weakness.

But let me not close the chapter until, in the view of the qualified workmen for the tabernacle, I behold thee, thou first and last, thou Author and finisher of our faith, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man. Hail, Holy Jesus! thou who art the foundation stone of the spiritual building; who hast reared up an everlasting tabernacle of redemption in thy blood and righteousness, and finished the work the Father gave thee to do. Lord, finish the work in my soul also, and make me as a fit stone for thy temple, now than hast, I trust, hewn me out of the rough quarry of nature; that, being built upon thee as the chief corner stone, and fitly framed together, I may be found an habitation for God through the Spirit.