What is the meaning of Exodus 31:12? And • The conjunction “And” signals continuity. God’s revelation in Exodus is not an isolated moment but part of an unbroken flow of divine instruction that began in Genesis and will proceed through the rest of Scripture (see Genesis 1:1; John 1:1). • It reminds us that God builds truth line upon line (Isaiah 28:10-13), calling His people to keep listening because He always has more to say. • In the context of Exodus 31, “And” ties the coming Sabbath instructions to the previous directives about the tabernacle (Exodus 25–30). God is weaving worship, work, and rest into one seamless life of obedience. the LORD • “the LORD” (Yahweh) underscores God’s covenant name—the same God who delivered Israel from Egypt (Exodus 3:14-15; 20:2). • He alone possesses absolute authority. When He speaks, there is no higher court of appeal (Psalm 115:3). • The personal name reassures Israel that the commands about Sabbath rest flow from a relationship, not mere rituals (Deuteronomy 7:9; Jeremiah 31:33). • Because “the LORD” never changes (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17), His moral intentions remain constant; what He reveals here still teaches believers today about honoring His set-apart times (Hebrews 4:9-11). said • God is a speaking God. From “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3) to “Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20), His word creates, sustains, and directs life (Psalm 33:6; Hebrews 1:1-3). • When He “said,” He communicated plainly, not in riddles (Numbers 12:6-8). His people could grasp, remember, and obey. • The verb shows that revelation is verbal and propositional, countering any notion that Scripture is merely human reflection (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). • Because God “said,” Israel could trust the message without reservation (Psalm 19:7-11) and arrange their calendar around His word (Leviticus 23:3). to Moses • God addresses Moses personally, confirming his unique mediatorial role (Exodus 3:10-12; Deuteronomy 34:10). • Moses then transmits God’s words to the people, prefiguring Christ, the greater Mediator (Hebrews 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:5). • This one-on-one interaction highlights accountability: Moses must faithfully relay every syllable (Exodus 24:3-4; Numbers 20:7-12). • The phrase also stresses accessibility; although transcendent, the LORD draws near to shepherd His flock through an appointed servant (Exodus 29:45-46; John 10:27-28). summary Exodus 31:12 may appear brief, yet every word carries weight. “And” connects God’s unfolding guidance; “the LORD” declares the covenant Author; “said” underscores clear, authoritative revelation; “to Moses” reveals God’s chosen channel. Together they assure us that Sabbath instructions—and all Scripture—come from a faithful, relational God who speaks so His people can live in obedient, restful fellowship with Him. |
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