This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to Exodus 31 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In Exodus 31 the Holy Spirit is given to Bezalel and Oholiab, who are two tradesmen, for their work in building the tabernacle. This is surprising because we usually think the Spirit is given for spiritual work. Yet we see that building this tabernacle is spiritual work.
Earlier in scripture God was with Joseph in all he did, and later the “spirit of the gods” was with Daniel. We see in these examples that the Spirit of the Lord is given for our regular work as well, to give us success and favour with unbelievers.
Bezalel and Oholiab were trained in Egypt, and probably had slave jobs building elaborate things for Kings. Even so, this is still considered “wisdom’ that God has put into these men, and to be used for him. Everything good we have comes from God, even that which we learn from strange sources.
This chapter then makes clear that the Sabbath is Holy. Holy means it belongs to God. Later in the New Testament we see that the Sabbath has become the first day of the week coinciding with the resurrection. Fitting it remains holy and is called very clearly “the Lord’s day.” Finally, God gives the tablets of stone written with his finger. NOTE: These tables were double sided and there were two copies.
The finger of God is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and later in Jeremiah God says he is going to give a new covenant and write the law on our hearts. It is the finger of God that does that writing too. The Holy Spirit causes us to love God’s laws, and hate wickedness. If that is not your experience, then you need to seek the Spirit’s work within you so he writes on your heart.
Mar 23, 2021 | Message by David Alley