Exodus 31

Bezaleel and Aholiah are called by God for the making of the Tabernacle , the whole frame and furniture of it , v.1, etc. the hallowing of the Sabbath day is commanded again , 12. Moseh receiveth the two Tables of the Law , 18.

1. After that the LORD spake unto Moseh, saying :

2. Behold, I have called by Name, Bezaliel the son of Uri, the son of Hur , of the Tribe of Judah. [i.e.i hav chosen this man before the rest, and fitted him for this emploiment : as below, chapter 35.30.]

3. And I have replenished him with the Spirit of God ,with wisdome, and with understanding , and with knowledge, [i.e. with the gifts of the Spirit of God , such as are related here ; whereby it plainly doth appear , that skill in honest handicrafts and manufacturers , is a special gift of God]

4. For to devise understanding labour : [Heb. devisings] to work in gold , and in silver, and in copper .

5. And in artificial stone-cutting , [Understanding this of precious stones] for to set them , [heb. to fill] and in artificial wood-cutting ; for to work in all (or every) handi-craft.

6. And I, behold, i have joined to him [Heb. given with (or by) him]aholiah the son of Abisamach , of the Tribe of Dan , and into the heart of every one that is wise of heart , i have iven wisdome , [i.e. understanding and ability in the art which they profess and practise] and they shall make all that I commanded thee.

7. (Namely) the Tent of the Congregation , and the Ark of the Testimony , and the expiation-cover , that shall be thereupon : and all the furniture of the Tent.

8. And the Table with the furniture thereof , and the pure Candlestick, [That is, which is to be made of pure gold : see Exodus 25:31.] with all his furniture , and the Incense-Altar.

9. Also the burnt offering-Altar ,with all his furniture ; and the laver with its foot.

10. And the officiating garments , and the holy garments , [Understand by them , not only the Priests habits and cloaths , but also the Tapestry and Hangings of the Tabernacle , whereof mention is made , above ch.26. And below, chap.36. Item, the coverings wherewith they used to cover the Table ,the Ark, the Altar, and other holy furniture, and utensils, winding and wrapping them about , when the Camp broke up, and the Tent was to be removed : see Num.4,5,9,11,12.] of Aaron the Priest , [i.e. the high Priest] and the garments of his sons , for to administer the Priestly office. [i.e. those which they put on , and wore whiles they were administring the Priestly office .]

11. Likewise the anointing oil, and the Incense of sweet smelling spices for the Sanctuary : according to all that i commanded thee shall they make it .

12. Further the Lord spake unto Moseh, saying ;

13. Speak now unto the children of Israel , saying ; However, ye shall keep my Sabbaths : [instituted for my service . The meaning here is , That although the business of the Tabernacle was was to be dispatched and compleated out of hand , nevertheless ye shall not labour about it on the sabbath day] for this is a token betwixt me and betwixt you , in your generations : that men may know that i am the LORD that sanctifieth you.

14. Keep the Sabbath then , because it is holy to you , [Heb. Holiness] he that prophaneth it shall surely be put to death ; for every one that doth any work upon the same, that soul [i.e. person] shall be destroyed [see Gen. 17.v.14.] out of the midst of her people .

15. Six days shall men do the work , but on the Seventh day is the Sabbath of Rest , a Holiness of the LORD : he that labour on the Sabbath day , shall surely be put to death .

16. Let the children of Israel then keep the Sabbath ; observing the Sabbath in their generations for an everlasting Covenant . [See Gen.17.v.7.]

17. It shall be betwixt me , and betwixt the children of Israel , a token in eternity ; [Compare Gen.17.11.]because the LORD in six days made Heaven and Earth , and on the Seventh day he rested , see Gen.2.2.] and refreshed himself , [God, being a spirit , grows never weary ; threfore this is but comparison taken from men , who after long and much pains taking , use to breath and refresh themselves, by rest .]

18. And he [viz. the LORD] gave unto Moseh, when he had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two Tables of the Testimony , [i.e. the Law , wherein god testifieth how he will be honoured , served , and worshipped by the people] Tables of stone inscribed by the fingure of God . [The fingure of God doth here signifie the power and work of God . Compare above chap.8. Verse 19. Luke 11:20. compared with Matth.12.28. and elsewhere.]