Exodus 31:15

Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Exodus 31:15 (KJV)

Context

This verse comes from God’s instructions to Moses about building the tabernacle and appointing skilled artisans. Even the sacred work of constructing the dwelling place for God was not to override the Sabbath rest. The command appears again here to show that worship and labor must both be ordered around God’s designated times of rest.

Meaning

The opening phrase, “Six days may work be done,” grants six days for labor rather than commanding work. The seventh day is called “the sabbath of rest,” a complete rest, and it is “holy to the Lord,” meaning set apart and dedicated to Him. The verse closes with a severe penalty: anyone who works on the Sabbath shall surely be put to death. This consequence underscores how seriously God regarded the Sabbath ordinance within the Mosaic covenant.

Biblical connections

The pattern of six days of work followed by a seventh day of rest reaches back to creation, when God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). The verse also echoes the fourth commandment, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). In the New Testament, Jesus calls Himself the “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28) and offers rest for souls (Matthew 11:28-30).

Application

While the specific Sabbath regulations and penalties belong to the Mosaic covenant and are not binding on Christians today, the principle remains. God designed people to need rest, worship, and time set apart for Him. The Sabbath principle teaches us to pause from regular work, focus on God, and find spiritual renewal in His presence. Even the most holy tasks, like building the tabernacle, were not to crowd out the rest God appointed.

Reflection

Exodus 31:15 reminds us that rest is not laziness but obedience. It calls us to trust God enough to stop working and to honor Him with dedicated time. As Christians, we find the ultimate rest in Christ, who provides rest for our souls. Let this verse encourage you to set aside regular time to rest in God’s presence and prioritize your relationship with Him.