“Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.”
This verse is part of the larger context of the instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai regarding the building of the tabernacle and the appointment of skilled artisans to create the sacred furnishings. In this particular verse, God emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath as a perpetual covenant for the children of Israel.
“Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath”: The verse begins by stating that the children of Israel (the descendants of Jacob) are commanded to observe the Sabbath day. The Sabbath, which is the seventh day of the week (Saturday), was set apart as a holy day by God during the creation week (Genesis 2:2-3).
“To observe the sabbath throughout their generations”: God’s commandment to keep the Sabbath was not a temporary or limited requirement; it was meant to be observed by the Israelites throughout all generations. This shows that the Sabbath was an essential part of their relationship with God and a perpetual sign of their covenant with Him.
“For a perpetual covenant”: The observance of the Sabbath is described as a “perpetual covenant.” This means that the Sabbath was not merely a ritualistic or symbolic practice but a tangible sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites. It was a way for them to acknowledge God as their Creator and Redeemer and to set themselves apart as His chosen people.
As we continue studying the Bible, we find that the significance of the Sabbath extends beyond the Old Testament and has relevance for Christians as well:
Sabbath as a Reminder of Creation:In the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), the observance of the Sabbath is linked to God’s creation of the world in six days, with Him resting on the seventh day. It serves as a weekly reminder that God is the Creator of all things.
Sabbath as a Sign of God’s Redemption:In Deuteronomy 5:15, the Sabbath is also connected to God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. As Christians, we can also see the Sabbath as a reminder of our redemption through Jesus Christ, who set us free from sin and death.
Sabbath Rest in Jesus:In the New Testament, Jesus emphasized that He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27-28) and invited people to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30). The Sabbath points to the spiritual rest and salvation that believers can experience through faith in Christ.
The Lord’s Day (Sunday):While the early Christians continued to observe the seventh-day Sabbath, they also began to gather on the first day of the week (Sunday) to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus, which occurred on a Sunday. This day became known as the Lord’s Day and holds significant importance for Christian worship and fellowship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10).
In conclusion, Exodus 31:16 highlights the importance of the Sabbath as a perpetual covenant between God and the children of Israel. While the specific observance of the Sabbath may vary among different groups, its underlying principles of resting in God’s creation and redemption remain significant throughout both the Old and New Testaments. As Christians, we can find rest and spiritual renewal in Christ, who fulfilled the ultimate purpose of the Sabbath.
