Exodus 31

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with God's appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab to oversee the construction of the tabernacle, as stated in Exodus 31:1-11. God fills them with the Spirit of God, giving them the skills and knowledge necessary for the task. The passage then describes the Sabbath as a day of rest, commanded by God in Exodus 31:12-17. The chapter concludes with Moses receiving the two tablets of the Testimony, as recorded in Exodus 31:18. Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty, provision, and holiness are emphasized.

Context for the Chapter

Exodus chapter 31 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which describes the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's sovereignty, provision, and holiness. The construction of the tabernacle, described in Exodus 31:1-11, is a key part of this narrative, as it serves as a symbol of God's presence among His people.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Exodus chapter 31, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and provision in our lives. We are called to trust in His goodness and to use the gifts and talents He has given us to serve Him and others, as seen in Exodus 31:1-11. We are also encouraged to prioritize rest and trust in God's provision, as commanded in Exodus 31:12-17.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Exodus chapter 31 is about God choosing and equipping people to build the tabernacle, a special place for worship. God fills them with the Spirit, giving them the skills they need, as seen in Exodus 31:3. The chapter also reminds us to rest and trust in God's provision, as commanded in Exodus 31:12-17.

Voices from the Church

“The Spirit of God is the great Architect, and He hath filled Bezalel with His Spirit, that he may be able to construct the tabernacle according to the divine plan, as seen in Exodus 31:3.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Sabbath is a day of rest, not only for the body, but also for the soul, that we may be refreshed and renewed in our devotion to God, as commanded in Exodus 31:12-17.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1-11) — God chooses and equips Bezalel and Oholiab to oversee the construction of the tabernacle, demonstrating His sovereignty and provision.
2. The Command to Observe the Sabbath (Exodus 31:12-17) — God commands the Israelites to observe the Sabbath, a day of rest, which serves as a reminder of His creation and redemption.
3. The Reception of the Tablets of the Testimony (Exodus 31:18) — Moses receives the two tablets of the Testimony, which serve as a symbol of God's covenant with His people.
4. The Significance of the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-11) — The tabernacle, constructed according to God's instructions, serves as a symbol of God's presence among His people and points to the ultimate dwelling place of God, which is Christ, as described in John 1:14.
5. The Connection to Christ (John 1:14) — The tabernacle, described in Exodus 31:1-11, points to Christ, who is the true tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among men, as described in John 1:14.

Core Doctrines

God's Sovereignty

Exodus chapter 31 emphasizes God's sovereignty, as He chooses and equips individuals to accomplish His will, as seen in Exodus 31:1-11.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

The chapter highlights the gift of the Holy Spirit, who fills and empowers individuals to serve God, as seen in Exodus 31:3.

The Importance of Rest

The Sabbath, commanded in Exodus 31:12-17, serves as a reminder of the importance of rest and trust in God's provision.

The Significance of the Tabernacle

The tabernacle, constructed according to God's instructions in Exodus 31:1-11, serves as a symbol of God's presence among His people and points to the ultimate dwelling place of God, which is Christ, as described in John 1:14.

Lessons from Exodus 31

1. God's Sovereignty and Provision — Exodus chapter 31 teaches us that God is sovereign and provides for His people, as seen in Exodus 31:1-11.
2. The Importance of Rest and Trust — The Sabbath, commanded in Exodus 31:12-17, serves as a reminder of the importance of rest and trust in God's provision.
3. The Significance of the Tabernacle — The tabernacle, constructed according to God's instructions in Exodus 31:1-11, serves as a symbol of God's presence among His people and points to the ultimate dwelling place of God, which is Christ, as described in John 1:14.
4. The Gift of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the gift of the Holy Spirit, who fills and empowers individuals to serve God, as seen in Exodus 31:3.
5. The Connection to Christ — The tabernacle, described in Exodus 31:1-11, points to Christ, who is the true tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among men, as described in John 1:14.

Themes from Exodus 31

1. God's Sovereignty — Exodus chapter 31 emphasizes God's sovereignty, as He chooses and equips individuals to accomplish His will, as seen in Exodus 31:1-11.
2. The Gift of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the gift of the Holy Spirit, who fills and empowers individuals to serve God, as seen in Exodus 31:3.
3. The Importance of Rest and Trust — The Sabbath, commanded in Exodus 31:12-17, serves as a reminder of the importance of rest and trust in God's provision.
4. The Significance of the Tabernacle — The tabernacle, constructed according to God's instructions in Exodus 31:1-11, serves as a symbol of God's presence among His people and points to the ultimate dwelling place of God, which is Christ, as described in John 1:14.
5. The Connection to Christ — The tabernacle, described in Exodus 31:1-11, points to Christ, who is the true tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among men, as described in John 1:14.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does Exodus chapter 31 teach us about God's sovereignty and provision?
2. How does the Sabbath, commanded in Exodus 31:12-17, serve as a reminder of God's creation and redemption?
3. What is the significance of the tabernacle, constructed according to God's instructions in Exodus 31:1-11?
4. How does the filling of the Spirit, described in Exodus 31:3, relate to our lives and ministry?
5. What does Exodus chapter 31 teach us about the connection between the tabernacle and Christ, as described in John 1:14?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Exodus 31

	Sermon	Description
	Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of
	A Missional Awakening by David Platt	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the language and emotions used in preaching the word of God. He shares a personal experience of a passionate lady who would grab his shirt a
	Pray and Be Alone With God by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a Bible conference in the Andes Mountains where he brought a physician. Despite the lack of medicine and tools, the desperate peopl
	(Blood Covenant) 6 - Intercession by Milton Green	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to the tapes in numerical order to fully understand the series. The sermon begins with a prayer of worship to God
	Prophetic Reality Versus Fantasy by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prevalence of fantasy and escapism in our culture, particularly in the entertainment industry. He highlights the example of a space-theme
	(Exodus) Exodus 20:8-17 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the fourth commandment, which is to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. He explains that the Sabbath was given to the nation of Israe
	(Exodus) Exodus 31:1-6 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a man who had stage fright and felt unable to speak in public. Despite this, the man was incredibly helpful and willing to
	(Exodus) Exodus 31:12-17 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of observing the Sabbath day. He emphasizes that the Sabbath was given to the children of Israel as a sign between them and G
	Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 1 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being detached from worldly attractions and desires in order to serve God effectively. He uses the example of Moses, who h
	The Sabbath & Sabbatarianism by J.I. Packer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of Christian liberty in relation to the Fourth Commandment. He explains that the reformers believed that apart from attending wor

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 31

In Exodus chapter 31, we see the Lord's provision for the construction of the tabernacle, a symbol of His presence among His people. The appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab, filled with the Spirit of God, demonstrates the Lord's sovereignty and provision. The command to observe the Sabbath serves as a reminder of the Lord's creation and redemption, and provides a day of rest for the Israelites to trust in His provision. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in the Lord's sovereignty and provision, and of prioritizing rest and trust in His goodness. The tabernacle, constructed according to God's instructions, points to Christ, who is the true tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among men, as described in John 1:14. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?