‏ Exodus 31

* Bezaleel and Aholiab are appointed and qualified for the work

of the tabernacle. (1-11) The observance of the sabbath. (12-17)

Moses receives the tables of the law. (18)

1-11 The Israelites, who had been masons and bricklayers in

Egypt, were not qualified for curious workmanship; but the

Spirit who gave the apostles utterance in divers tongues,

miraculously gave Bezaleel and Aholiab the skill that was

wanting. The honour which comes from God, is always attended

with a work to be done; to be employed for God is high honour.

Those whom God calls to any service, he will find or make fit

for it. The Lord gives different gifts to different persons; let

each mind his proper work, diligently remembering that whatever

wisdom any one possesses, the Lord put it in the heart, to do

his commandments. 12-17 Orders were now given that a tabernacle should be set up

for the service of God. But they must not think that the nature

of the work, and the haste that was required, would justify them

in working at it on sabbath days. The Hebrew word /shabath/

signifies rest, or ceasing from labour. The thing signified by

the sabbath is that rest in glory which remains for the people

of God; therefore the moral obligation of the sabbath must

continue, till time is swallowed up in eternity. 18 The law was written in tables of stone, to show how lasting

it is: to denote likewise the hardness of our hearts; one might

more easily write on stone, than write any thing good on our

corrupt natural hearts. It was written with the finger of God;

by his will and power. God only can write his law in the heart:

he gives a heart of flesh; then, by his Spirit, which is the

finger of God, writes his will in the heart, #2Co 3:3|.