Exodus 31

God Chooses Skilled Workers for the Tabernacle

1 Then the Lord told Moses,

2 ‘I picked Bezalel, son of Uri, grandson of Hur, from the tribe of Judah.’

3 ‘I filled him with My Spirit, giving him wisdom, understanding, and skill for all kinds of crafts.’

4 ‘He can design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze,’

5 ‘Cut and set gemstones, carve wood, and do all kinds of craftsmanship.’

6 ‘I also chose Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, from the tribe of Dan, to help him. Plus, I gave skill to other craftsmen so they can make everything I commanded.’

7 ‘That includes the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Mercy Seat that covers it.’

8 ‘The table and its utensils, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the incense altar,’

9 ‘The burnt offering altar with all its tools, the wash basin and its stand,’

10 ‘The woven garments, the holy robes for Aaron and his sons, the priests,’

11 ‘The anointing oil, and the special incense for the Holy Place. They must follow My exact instructions.’

The Sabbath Is Holy

12 Then the Lord told Moses,

13 ‘Tell the Israelites: Keep My Sabbath! This is a sign between Me and you for all generations, so you all know I am the Lord who makes you holy.’

14 ‘Respect the Sabbath. Anyone who disrespects it must be cut off from the people. If you work on the Sabbath, you are done, death penalty.’

15 ‘You got six days to handle your business, but the seventh day is a day of complete rest, holy to the Lord. Anyone working on that day must be put to death.’

16 ‘The Israelites must keep the Sabbath forever, as a lasting covenant.’

17 ‘It is a sign between Me and Israel forever. In six days, I made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh, I rested and refreshed Myself.’

God Gives Moses the Stone Tablets

18 When the Lord finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He handed him two stone tablets, written by the finger of God.