Exodus-Chapter-31
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Please Note: Some
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of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it
once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the following truth from our
beloved Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO
THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL
YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
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With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven
Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
Exodus Chapter 31 marks a transition from the technical blueprints of the
Tabernacle to the selection of the people who will bring the vision to life. It
highlights that the construction of a sacred space requires both Divine inspiration
and human craftsmanship, concluding with a powerful reminder that the rhythm of
work must always be balanced by the sanctity of rest.
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Let us
read Exodus Chapter 31, verses 1-18: Below the verses are the Explanation’s. (The Chapter is from JPS-1917 version of the
Torah).
Verse 1-6: “And יְהוָה - the LORD spoke unto Moses,
saying: ‘See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri,
the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and I have filled him with the spirit of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God), in wisdom, and in
understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise skilful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in
brass, and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving
of wood, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab,
the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the
hearts of all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all
that I have commanded thee:
Explanation Verses 1-6: These verses
introduce Bezalel and Oholiab, the primary artisans
chosen to lead the construction. The text emphasizes that Bezalel was filled
with a “divine spirit” of wisdom and understanding. This indicates that true
craftsmanship in a sacred context is not just about physical skill, but about
the ability to perceive and execute a higher plan. By naming specific
individuals from different tribes, the text shows that the entire community’s
talents are being harnessed for this holy project.
Verse 7-11: the tent of meeting, and the ark
of the testimony, and the ark-cover that is thereupon, and all the furniture of
the Tent; and the table and its vessels, and the pure
candlestick with all its vessels, and the altar of incense; and
the altar of burnt-offering with all its vessels, and the laver and its base; and the plaited garments, and the holy garments for Aaron the
priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office; and the anointing oil, and the incense of sweet spices for the holy
place; according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do’.
Explanation Verses 7-11: This section
provides a comprehensive checklist of the items to be manufactured, including
the
Verse 12-17: And יְהוָה - the LORD spoke unto Moses,
saying: ‘Speak thou also unto the children of
Explanation Verses 12-17: The focus
shifts abruptly from the work of building to the commandment of the Sabbath.
This placement is deliberate. It teaches that as important as the building of
the Sanctuary is, it does not override the sanctity of the Seventh Day. The Sabbath
is described as a “sign” and a “perpetual covenant”, serving as a weekly
reminder that the Creator also rested after the work of creation. It
establishes a boundary for human productivity, ensuring that the work of our
hands does not become an idol.
Verse 18: And He gave unto Moses, when He
had made an end of speaking with him upon
Explanation Verse 18: The chapter
concludes with the physical delivery of the two tables of the testimony. These
stone tablets represent the permanent foundation of the covenant. They provide
the moral and ethical framework that the physical Tabernacle is meant to house
and protect.
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My Closing Message:
Exodus 31 teaches us that while we are called to be creators and builders, our
greatest work is framed by the moments we choose to stop. The balance between Bezalel’s inspired labour and the mandatory rest of the Sabbath
shows that holiness is found both in what we make and in how we honour the time
given to us.
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