Peter Enns’ Exodus commentary (NIVAC; Zondervan, 2000) was particularly helpful in the preparation of this message and for the first point I will simply quote Enns:
"One important point should be mentioned here, mainly because this will be developed more clearly later on and seems to form a central concern of the biblical writer. Commentators for centuries have noticed that the phrase 'the LORD said to Moses' occurs seven times in chapters 25–31. The first six concern the building of the tabernacle and its furnishing (25:1; 30:11, 17, 22, 34, 31:1), while the final introduces the Sabbath command (31:12). It seems clear that the purpose of the arrangement is to aid the reader in making the connection between the building of the tabernacle and the seven days of creation, both of which involve six creative acts culminating in a seventh-day rest.” (509)
The second point of connection is the expression “the Spirit of God” (rûaḥ elōhîm). This is used in both the preparation passages for the tabernacle and also the building passages (31:3; 35:31) for the chief builder Bezalel. This is also the expression used in Genesis 1:2 as the Spirit of God is hovering over the waters. As the Spirit of God is present in the act of creation so also is the Spirit of God present in the building of the tabernacle.
Both of these connection points cause the reader to remember the original act of creation and God’s indwelling presence in the world highlighting that the tabernacle is an act of new creation that the Exodus community is invited to participate in.
~chris