Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 31:12
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Context — The Sign of the Sabbath
Exodus 31:12 Summary
[The LORD spoke to Moses in Exodus 31:12 to give him further instructions and to remind the Israelites of their covenant with Him. This shows that God is a personal God who desires a relationship with His people, as seen in Genesis 17:1-8. He wants us to know Him and follow His commands, just like the Israelites were to observe the Sabbath commandment (Exodus 20:8-11). By listening to God's voice and following His commands, we can experience His love and guidance in our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11-13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the LORD need to speak to Moses again in Exodus 31:12?
The LORD spoke to Moses again to provide further instructions and to emphasize the importance of the Sabbath commandment, as seen in Exodus 31:13, and to remind the Israelites of their covenant with Him, as mentioned in Exodus 19:5-6.
What is the significance of the LORD speaking to Moses in this verse?
The LORD speaking to Moses in Exodus 31:12 signifies the continuation of God's revelation and guidance to His people, as also seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Deuteronomy 5:4-5, where God speaks directly to His leaders and people.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Exodus 31:12 serves as a transition from the instructions for the tabernacle and its furnishings to the emphasis on the Sabbath commandment, highlighting the importance of worship and rest in the life of the Israelites, as also seen in Exodus 20:8-11.
What can we learn from the LORD's direct communication with Moses?
We can learn that God desires a personal relationship with His people, as seen in Exodus 31:12, and that He is willing to guide and direct those who seek to follow Him, as also mentioned in Jeremiah 29:12-13 and John 10:27-28.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for the LORD to speak to us today, and how can we hear His voice?
- How does the concept of the Sabbath commandment apply to our lives today, and what are some ways we can observe it?
- What are some ways we can prioritize our relationship with God and seek His guidance in our daily lives?
- How can we balance the idea of rest and worship with our busy schedules and responsibilities, as seen in the example of the Sabbath commandment?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 31:12
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... After he had described to him the place of worship, and appointed the priests that should minister in it, and ordered the making of all things appertaining to it,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 31:12
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 31:12
Exodus 31:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,Ver. 12. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying.] See on Exodus 31:1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 31:12
THE LAW OF THE SABBATH ANEW UNDER A PENAL .(12-17) The worship of the tabernacle was so closely connected with Sabbatical observance (Leviticus 19:30), that no surprise can be felt at a recurrence to the subject in the present place. It was not only that there might be a danger of zealous men breaking the Sabbatical rest in their eagerness to hasten forward the work of construction now required of them. The re-enactment of the Law might serve to check this tendency if it existed; but clearly the present passage is not specially directed to so narrow an object. It is altogether general in its aim and teaching. It re-enacts the law of the Sabbath (1) under a new sanction; and (2) with new light in its intention and value. Hitherto the Sabbath had been, in the main, a positive enactment intended to test obedience (Exodus 16:4); now it was elevated into a sacramental sign between God and His people (Exodus 31:13). Having become such a sign, it required to be guarded by a new sanction, and this was done by assigning the death-penalty to any infraction of the law of Sabbath observance (Exodus 31:14-15).
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 31:12
The penal law of the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2-3. In the fourth commandment the injunction to observe the seventh day is addressed to the conscience of the people (see Exodus 20:8 note): in this place,
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 31:12
THE SABBATH LAW, Exodus 31:12-17. 13. My sabbaths ye shall keep — How repeatedly the sanctity of the sabbath day is affirmed! In Exodus 20:8-11, (where see notes,) we have it formally enjoined in the decalogue.