“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.”
This verse is a part of the larger context of God’s instructions to Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle and the appointment of skilled artisans for this task. Let’s break down this verse and explore its significance in the biblical context:
Observance of the Sabbath:The verse begins by reiterating the commandment to observe the Sabbath. In the creation account, God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3), setting a precedent for humanity to follow. In the Ten Commandments given to Moses, the fourth commandment states, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8), which emphasizes the importance of resting on the seventh day.
The Sabbath as a Day of Rest:The verse declares the seventh day (Saturday) as the Sabbath of rest. It is a day set apart from the regular workweek to focus on worship, reflection, and spiritual growth. The Sabbath is considered holy and dedicated to the Lord.
Consequences of Sabbath Violation:The latter part of the verse emphasizes the severity of breaking the Sabbath commandment. Engaging in work on the Sabbath was punishable by death under the Mosaic Law. This reflects the seriousness of honoring God’s appointed day of rest and the significance of obedience to His commands.
Fulfillment in Christ:While the command to observe the Sabbath was given to the Israelites as part of the Mosaic Covenant, Christians see the Sabbath commandment fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28), and He proclaimed that He is the one who provides rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30). As such, many Christians observe Sunday as the day of worship, commemorating Christ’s resurrection.
Understanding the Principle:Although the specific regulations about the Sabbath and its penalties may not directly apply to Christians today, the principle behind it remains relevant. The Sabbath principle teaches us the importance of setting aside time to rest, worship, and prioritize our relationship with God. It reminds us that we are not meant to work tirelessly without rest but rather to find rejuvenation in God’s presence.
In summary, Exodus 31:15 reminds us of the significance of the Sabbath, the day of rest set apart for worship and honoring God. While the Sabbath regulations may not be binding on Christians today, the principle of dedicating time to God, seeking rest, and finding spiritual renewal remains essential in our faith journey.
