“But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.”
Exodus 20:10 is part of the Ten Commandments, which were given by God to the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai. This particular verse focuses on the observance of the Sabbath day, which is the seventh day of the week.
The Sabbath day:The verse begins by declaring that the seventh day is the Sabbath, which means it is a day of rest and worship. God commanded the Israelites to set this day apart and keep it holy. The Sabbath is a weekly reminder of God’s creative and redemptive work.
Rest from work:On the Sabbath, God commanded that no work should be done. This included both the Israelites themselves and all those within their households, including family members, servants, and even animals. The emphasis is on ceasing from regular labour and engaging in a time of rest and devotion to God.
Equality in observance:The command extends to all members of society, regardless of their social status. It emphasises that the Sabbath is a day for everyone to rest, not just the wealthy or privileged. This highlights the inclusive nature of God’s commandments and His concern for the well-being of all people.
The resident alien:The verse mentions “the stranger that is within thy gates,” referring to foreigners or resident aliens who were living among the Israelites. Even they were to observe the Sabbath and rest from their work. This demonstrates God’s care for the marginalised and the reminder that all people, regardless of their nationality or background, are equal before Him.
The observance of the Sabbath carries significant spiritual and practical implications. It is a time for physical rest, spiritual renewal, and dedicated worship of God. By setting aside this day, individuals and communities can experience the blessings of observing God’s commandments and enjoy a deeper relationship with Him.
