“Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Sinai, where God gives him the Ten Commandments and additional instructions for the Israelites.
In this specific verse, God is emphasizing the importance of observing the Sabbath day and incorporating rest into the agricultural practices during “earing time” (plowing and planting) and “harvest.”
Observance of the Sabbath:The verse begins by highlighting the significance of the Sabbath day. The Israelites were commanded to work for six days but were required to rest on the seventh day, as established in the Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11). This practice of observing the Sabbath was a crucial part of their religious and communal life, allowing them to remember God’s rest after creation and to focus on worship and spiritual renewal.
Work and Rest Balance:God’s instructions reflect His concern for the well‑being of His people. Working six days a week provided a rhythm for productivity and livelihood, but the command to rest on the seventh day ensured that they didn’t become consumed by work and neglect their spiritual and physical health. God understands the importance of finding a balance between work and rest in our lives.
Rest during Agricultural Seasons:The verse specifies two critical times when rest is to be observed: “in earing time and in harvest.” Earing time refers to the period when farmers plow and prepare the land for planting, while harvest denotes the season when crops are gathered. These were demanding and labor‑intensive periods for agricultural communities, yet God instructed them to rest even during these crucial times.
Trust in God’s Provision:Observing rest during planting and harvest demonstrated the Israelites’ trust in God’s provision and sovereignty. It signified that they acknowledged God as the ultimate provider of the harvest and that their success was not solely dependent on their own efforts.
Spiritual Lessons for Us Today:While this commandment was given to the ancient Israelites, it holds relevant lessons for us today. In our fast‑paced, work‑driven world, we can easily neglect the importance of rest and the Sabbath principle. God’s design for a day of rest is a reminder for us to take time to worship, find spiritual renewal, and spend quality time with our families and communities.
Rest in Christ:In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of finding rest in Him: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV). Resting in Christ involves not just physical rest but also finding rest for our souls through faith in Him.
In conclusion, Exodus 34:21 reinforces the significance of observing the Sabbath and incorporating rest into our lives, even during times of intense work and responsibility. It calls us to trust in God’s provision and to find a healthy balance between work and rest. The verse remains a timeless reminder of God’s care for His people and the importance of honoring Him by setting aside time for worship, reflection, and rejuvenation.
