“Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Old Testament and is part of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). It follows the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the establishment of the covenant with God at Mount Sinai. The passage we are studying is part of God’s instructions to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and the appointment of skilled artisans to carry out the work.
Sabbath:In this verse, God emphasizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week (Saturday), which God sanctified and rested upon after the six days of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). For the Israelites, observing the Sabbath was a commandment and a way to set apart one day each week for rest, worship, and reflection on God’s goodness and provision.
A Sign:God declares that the observance of the Sabbath is not merely a tradition or a human ritual but a sign between Him and the Israelites. It serves as a symbol of their covenant relationship with Him. By keeping the Sabbath, they acknowledge their allegiance to God as their Creator and Redeemer, and it sets them apart as His chosen people among the nations.
Throughout Your Generations:God emphasizes that the Sabbath is not a temporary commandment but an everlasting one that applies to all future generations of the children of Israel. The practice of observing the Sabbath would be passed down from parents to children, ensuring its continuity and significance throughout the nation’s history.
Sanctification:The Sabbath serves as a reminder that God is the one who sanctifies His people. Sanctification means being set apart and made holy. By observing the Sabbath, the Israelites recognize that it is God who separates them from the world and makes them distinct, guiding them toward a life of righteousness and dedication to Him.
Overall, Exodus 31:13 underscores the importance of observing the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and His chosen people, the Israelites. It teaches us the significance of setting aside time for rest and worship, and it reminds us of God’s role as our Creator and Sanctifier. Though the specific day of the week for Sabbath observance may differ among various Christian denominations, the principle of honoring God with dedicated time for rest and worship remains relevant for believers today.
