View Exodus 31 in the note window.
ezaleel and Aholiab are appointed and qualified for the work
of the tabernacle. (1-11) The observance of the sabbath. (12-17)
Moses receives the tables of the law. (18)
Verses 1-11: The Israelites, who had been masons and bricklayers in
Egypt, were not qualified for curious workmanship; but the
Spirit who gave the apostles utterance in divers tongues,
miraculously gave Bezaleel and Aholiab the skill that was
wanting. The honour which comes from God, is always attended
with a work to be done; to be employed for God is high honour.
Those whom God calls to any service, he will find or make fit
for it. The Lord gives different gifts to different persons; let
each mind his proper work, diligently remembering that whatever
wisdom any one possesses, the Lord put it in the heart, to do
his commandments.
Verses 12-17: Orders were now given that a tabernacle should be set up
for the service of God. But they must not think that the nature
of the work, and the haste that was required, would justify them
in working at it on sabbath days. The Hebrew word /shabath/
signifies rest, or ceasing from labour. The thing signified by
the sabbath is that rest in glory which remains for the people
of God; therefore the moral obligation of the sabbath must
continue, till time is swallowed up in eternity.
Verse 18: The law was written in tables of stone, to show how lasting
it is: to denote likewise the hardness of our hearts; one might
more easily write on stone, than write any thing good on our
corrupt natural hearts. It was written with the finger of God;
by his will and power. God only can write his law in the heart:
he gives a heart of flesh; then, by his Spirit, which is the
finger of God, writes his will in the heart, (2Co 3:3).
