“Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.”
Context:Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, traditionally ascribed to Moses. It records the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and the establishment of the covenant between God and the people of Israel.
In Exodus 31, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai and giving him specific instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and the ordination of skilled artisans who will create the sanctuary and its furnishings. In verse 13, God emphasizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy, and verse 14 follows up with a severe warning against anyone who would defile the Sabbath.
The Sabbath’s Holiness:The Sabbath day, which is the seventh day of the week (Saturday), was set apart as holy by God Himself during the creation week (Genesis 2:2-3). In the Ten Commandments, God commands the Israelites to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy (Exodus 20:8-11). The concept of holiness implies that it is dedicated to God and reserved for worship, rest, and spiritual reflection.
The Significance of Rest:Observing the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant relationship between God and His people. By resting on the Sabbath, they acknowledge God as the Creator and recognize their dependence on Him for sustenance and provision. Resting on the Sabbath also reflects trust in God’s ability to provide, rather than relying solely on their own efforts.
Severe Consequences for Defilement:God warns of severe consequences for those who defile the Sabbath by doing work on that day. In the Old Testament, there are instances where individuals were put to death for violating the Sabbath (e.g., Numbers 15:32-36). While this strict penalty may seem harsh, it highlights the seriousness with which God views the observance of the Sabbath and the need for obedience to His commandments.
Spiritual Significance for Christians:For Christians, the observance of the Sabbath has evolved under the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. While many Christians gather on Sundays to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus, there is no explicit command to observe the Sabbath in the same way it was observed in the Old Testament. Instead, Christians are encouraged to rest in Christ, find their spiritual rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 4:9-11), and remember Him through regular fellowship and worship.
Rest and Renewal:The principle of rest remains significant, regardless of whether it is observed on Saturday or Sunday. Taking regular time to rest, unplug, and seek God in prayer and worship is essential for spiritual growth and renewal.
Application:
- Honoring God’s Appointments:Just as God set apart the Sabbath as a holy day, we should set aside time to seek God, rest, and engage in worship and spiritual reflection.
- Prioritizing God in Our Lives:Observing the Sabbath reminds us to prioritize God above all else and recognize our dependence on Him for our daily needs.
- Balancing Work and Rest:God’s design includes a balance of work and rest. We must remember that our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being can be enhanced by incorporating regular rest into our lives.
- Obedience and Reverence:Just as God warned the Israelites about defiling the Sabbath, we should approach God’s commands with reverence and obedience, knowing that they are given for our benefit and spiritual growth.
Remember that understanding and applying biblical principles require study, prayer, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Biblical interpretation should also consider the context of the entire Bible and be consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
