“For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”
Context:Exodus 20:11 is part of the Ten Commandments, which were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments outline God’s moral and ethical standards for His people, the Israelites. This specific verse addresses the importance of observing the Sabbath day and connects it to the creation account found in Genesis.
God as the Creator:The verse begins by acknowledging God as the Creator of all things. It emphasises that the Lord created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything within them. This declaration establishes God’s authority over all creation.
Six Days of Creation:The verse states that God created everything in six days. This is a reference to the account of creation found in Genesis 1, where God created the world and everything in it in six days, followed by His rest on the seventh day. The use of the word “days” in this context refers to literal 24-hour periods.
Sabbath Rest:God’s creative work was completed in six days, and on the seventh day, He rested. The word “rested” here does not imply weariness on God’s part but rather signifies the completion and enjoyment of His work. God’s rest serves as an example for His people to follow.
Observance of the Sabbath:The verse concludes by stating that God blessed and sanctified the seventh day, making it holy. This act of blessing and sanctifying indicates that the Sabbath day was set apart by God for a specific purpose. It is a day of rest and worship, dedicated to God.
Importance of the Sabbath:By including the commandment to observe the Sabbath day, God established a rhythm of work and rest for His people. The Sabbath was intended as a gift and a blessing, providing physical and spiritual rejuvenation. It also served as a reminder of God’s creative power and His role as the ultimate Provider.
Application:For believers today, Exodus 20:11 highlights the importance of honouring the Sabbath and setting aside a day for rest and worship. While the specific day of the week may vary among different Christian traditions, the principle of observing a day of rest remains relevant. It is an opportunity to prioritise our relationship with God, seek spiritual nourishment, and find refreshment for our bodies and souls.
In summary, Exodus 20:11 emphasises God as the Creator of all things, the significance of the six days of creation, and the establishment of the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship. It reminds us to acknowledge God’s creative power, follow His example of rest, and honour the Sabbath as a blessed and sanctified day.
