Divine Selection and Empowerment
See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship (Exodus 31:2-3). God specifically chooses and equips individuals for His work.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit of God is the source of wisdom, understanding, and skill. This empowerment is not just for spiritual tasks but also for practical, artistic work.

Collaboration in God’s Work
Oholiab is appointed to assist Bezalel, showing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in fulfilling God’s plans (Exodus 31:6).

The Importance of Obedience
God provides detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of following His commands precisely (Exodus 31:7-11).

The Sabbath as a Sign
The chapter concludes with a reminder of the Sabbath, a covenant sign between God and Israel, underscoring the importance of rest and worship (Exodus 31:13-17).Recognize and Use Your God-Given Talents
Identify the skills and talents God has given you and seek ways to use them for His glory.

Seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you with wisdom and understanding in your daily tasks and responsibilities.

Value Teamwork
Embrace collaboration with others in your community and church, recognizing that God often works through collective efforts.

Prioritize Obedience
Strive to follow God’s instructions in your life, understanding that His ways are perfect and lead to fulfillment.

Honor the Sabbath
Set aside time for rest and worship, acknowledging the importance of the Sabbath as a time to reconnect with God.1. Bezalel
Bezalel is described as the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. He is chosen by God and filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship. His name in Hebrew, בְּצַלְאֵל (Betsal'el), means "in the shadow of God," indicating his divine inspiration and protection in his work.

2. Oholiab
Oholiab is the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He is appointed as an assistant to Bezalel. His name in Hebrew, אָהֳלִיאָב ('Oholi'av), means "father's tent," which may symbolize his role in constructing the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among His people.

3. Moses
While not directly mentioned in the specific verses of Exodus 31, Moses is the recipient of God's instructions regarding Bezalel and Oholiab. He is the leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. Moses' name in Hebrew, מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh), is traditionally understood to mean "drawn out," reflecting his rescue from the Nile River as a baby.Exodus 31 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. Instead, it focuses on instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, the appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab as craftsmen, and the observance of the Sabbath. Since there are no specific places mentioned in this chapter, a numbered list of places cannot be provided. If you have any other questions or need further information on a different topic, feel free to ask!1. Appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab
God speaks to Moses, appointing Bezalel, son of Uri, from the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, from the tribe of Dan, to lead the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The Lord says, "See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah" (Exodus 31:2). The Hebrew root for "called" (קָרָא, qara) signifies a divine selection or appointment.

2. Filling with the Spirit of God
God fills Bezalel with the Spirit of God, granting him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship. The scripture states, "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship" (Exodus 31:3). The Hebrew word for "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah) indicates skill and expertise.

3. Craftsmanship and Artistic Design
Bezalel is endowed with skills for artistic design, working with gold, silver, and bronze, as well as cutting stones and carving wood. The passage notes, "to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft" (Exodus 31:4-5).

4. Assistance of Oholiab
Oholiab is appointed to assist Bezalel, and other skilled craftsmen are also given wisdom to carry out the work. The text mentions, "Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to assist him" (Exodus 31:6).

5. Instructions for the Sabbath
God reiterates the importance of observing the Sabbath as a sign between Him and the Israelites. He commands, "You must observe My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you" (Exodus 31:13). The Hebrew root for "sanctifies" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) means to set apart as holy.

6. Sabbath as a Perpetual Covenant
The Sabbath is established as a perpetual covenant, emphasizing its significance and the consequence of death for those who desecrate it. The scripture states, "It is a sign forever between Me and the Israelites; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed" (Exodus 31:17).

7. Giving of the Tablets of the Testimony
God gives Moses the two tablets of the Testimony, inscribed by the finger of God. The passage concludes, "When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God" (Exodus 31:18). The Hebrew word for "inscribed" (כָּתַב, kathab) indicates writing or engraving.1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Discusses the variety of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the common good.

Colossians 3:23-24
Encourages believers to work heartily as for the Lord, not for men.

Genesis 2:2-3
The origin of the Sabbath, where God rested on the seventh day after creation.Pray for recognition and appreciation of the unique gifts God has given you.
Ask for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance in using your talents effectively.
Pray for unity and effective collaboration within your church and community.
Seek God’s help in maintaining obedience to His Word and commands.
Thank God for the gift of rest and the opportunity to worship Him, especially on the Sabbath.

1. What does the selection of Bezalel and Oholiab illustrate about divine empowerment and calling?

2. How does the divine infusion of "skill, ability, and knowledge" reflect in the work we do every day?

3. Why do you think the Lord commanded such detailed construction of the Tent of Meeting and its furnishings?

4. How can we apply the principle of the Sabbath as a holy day in our modern, busy lives?

5. In what ways can we honor and uphold the sanctity of the Sabbath in our own practices?

6. What does the Sabbath being a "sign of the covenant" signify about our relationship with God?

7. How can we balance the need for work and rest, as outlined in the commandment to observe the Sabbath?

8. Why is the violation of the Sabbath seen as such a grave offense in this passage?

9. What role does the Sabbath play in our understanding of God as our Creator?

10. What is the significance of the two tablets of the Testimony being inscribed by the finger of God?

11. How does the crafting of the sacred objects resonate with our creation by God?

12. How does the notion of 'sanctity' influence our relationship with God and others?

13. How do the concepts of obedience and covenant presented in this passage apply to your life today?

14. What lessons on the intersection of craftsmanship and spirituality can we learn from this passage?

15. How do you perceive the link between creative expression and divine empowerment in this context?

16. How can the commandments on observing the Sabbath influence our understanding of spiritual rest?

17. What can we learn about respect and reverence for God's law from the serious penalties for breaking the Sabbath?

18. In what ways can the divine appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab inspire us in our own vocational paths?

19. How does the giving of the tablets of the Testimony symbolize God's communication and covenant with His people?

20. How might we apply the detailed artistry and skill in the creation of the sacred objects to the crafting of our own lives as 'works of art' dedicated to God?