1Bezaleel and Aholiab are called, and qualified for the work of the tabernacle. 12The observance of the sabbath is again commanded. 18Moses receiveth the two tables.
1AND the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2See,a I have called 1by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
a Exod. 35:30; 1 Chron. 2:20.
1 That is, chosen before all others unto this employment, as Exod. 35:30.
3And I have filled him 2with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in 3all manner of workmanship,
2 That is, with the gifts of the Spirit of God, such as are related later; whereby it does plainly appear, that skill in honest handicrafts and manufactures is a special gift of God.
3 That is, in all kind or manner of the same, and so verse 5.
4To devise 4cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
4 Hebr. imaginations.
5And in cutting of 5stones, 6to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
5 Understand this of precious stones.
6 Hebr. to fill.
6And I, behold, I have given 7with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put 8wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
7 Hebr. given with or by him.
8 That is, courage, or ingenuity in the art which they practice.
7The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,
8And the table and his furniture, and 9the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,
9 That is, which is to be made of pure gold. See Exod. 25:31.
9And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,
10And the 10cloths of service, and the holy garments 11for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, 12to minister in the priest's office,
10 Understand by them, not only the priests habits and clothes, but also the tapestry and hangings of the tabernacle, whereof mention is made in Exodus 26; 36; likewise 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.
11 That is, the high priest.
12 That is, those which they put on, and wore, whiles they were administering the priestly office.
11And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.
12¶And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
13Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, 13Verily 14my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
13 As if God had said: Although the business of the tabernacle was to be dispatched and completed as quickly as possible, nevertheless ye shall not labor about it on the Sabbath day; or, entirely, ever.
14 That is, instituted for My service.
14Ye shall keepb the sabbath therefore; for it is 15holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, 16that soul shall 17be cut off from among his people.
b Exod. 20:8; Deut. 5:12; Ezek. 20:12.
15 Hebr. holiness.
16 That is, that person.
17 See Gen. 17:14.
15Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
16Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, 18for a perpetual covenant.
18 See Gen. 17:7.
17It is 19a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: forcin six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he 20rested, and was 21refreshed.
19 Compare Gen. 17:11.
c Gen. 1:31; 2:2, 3; Exod. 20:11.
20 See Gen. 2:2.
21 God, being a Spirit, grows never weary; therefore this is but a comparison taken from men, who after long and much pains do breathe and do refresh themselves by rest.
18¶And 22he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tablesd23of testimony, tables of stone, written with 24the finger of God.
22 Namely, the LORD.
d Exod. 32:16.
23 That is, of the law, wherein God testifies how He will be honored, served, and worshipped by His people.
24The finger of God signifies here the power and work of God. Compare Exod. 8:19; Luke 11:20, compared with Mat. 12:28, and elsewhere.