The LORD spoke to Moses and told him that He had called Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, who was a craftsman whom He had filled with His Spirit in wisdom, understanding, knowledge and workmanship to design and work in gold, silver, bronze, cutting jewels, carving wood and all manner of workmanship. He had also called Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to work with Bezaleel as well as all artisans to be obedient in their work for God (v1-6). These men were chosen and equipped by God just as Moses and Aaron were. The practical work was just as important as the spiritual and all required to be full of His Holy Spirit.
We must seek to be filled with God’s Spirit to fulfil His work and all to be done for His glory. We work for God, not ourselves. We must never think that any work for God is unimportant. We don’t have to be called to be front persons, it is just as important to work behind the scenes or to do practical things at His call.
In verses 7-11 we have the items listed once again for those who were called to make, just as He had laid down the specific pattern.
After giving all these instructions which indicate that it will take a lot of hard work to build the tabernacle and all the items in it, God reminds them that they must keep the Sabbaths as a sign between God and His people (v12-17). It was to be kept throughout all generations as holy to God and to the people. Six days work and rest on the seventh. Anyone who does not keep the Sabbath was to be cut off from the people.
Whilst we are not bound by the law of the Old Covenant, the principle still applies, and we should do all in our power to be faithful to our Lord. Some professions are required to work on Sundays which since the resurrection has become the equivalent of our Sabbath and we should seek to be a holy people living under the grace of God.
The chapter ends with God giving Moses the Ten Commandments written with His own finger.
We need to remember that all these instructions listed in chapters 25 to 31 were given to Moses when he was alone up Mount Sinai. There was a lot to remember but it was vial that he did. We are reminded of this by the statement repeated, several times, that he was to do everything according to the pattern shown to him in the mount.
