“It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) traditionally attributed to Moses. Exodus recounts the story of how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and established them as a nation with a covenant relationship with Himself. In this verse, God is emphasising the importance of the Sabbath day, which is the seventh day of the week.
The Sabbath as a Sign:God refers to the Sabbath as a “sign” between Him and the children of Israel. The Sabbath was a significant part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites. Observing the Sabbath was a way for the people to remember God’s creation of the world in six days and His rest on the seventh day (Genesis 2:1-3). The Sabbath also signified the covenant relationship between God and Israel (Exodus 20:8-11), highlighting their identity as God’s chosen people.
Rest and Refreshment:In this verse, God sets an example for humanity by highlighting the importance of rest and refreshment. After creating the heavens and the earth, God rested on the seventh day. This does not imply that God was weary or tired from His creative work, as He is omnipotent and does not tire (Isaiah 40:28). Instead, it emphasises the divine principle of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and worship.
Sabbath Observance:The Sabbath is a day of rest, dedicated to God, which was to be observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening in Jewish tradition. It was a day when the Israelites were commanded to refrain from work (Exodus 20:9-10). The observance of the Sabbath was not just a legalistic practice but was meant to provide physical, mental, and spiritual rejuvenation for the people. It was an opportunity for them to draw near to God, reflect on His goodness, and find spiritual restoration.
Application:Though the verse specifically mentions the Sabbath in the context of the Mosaic Law and the Israelites, the principle of taking regular time for rest and renewal remains relevant for believers today. In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the importance of rest in Him, saying, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, ESV). Believers can find spiritual rest and refreshment by trusting in Christ and setting aside dedicated time for worship, prayer, and reflection on God’s Word.
In conclusion, Exodus 31:17 emphasises the significance of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and the children of Israel. The verse highlights the importance of rest and refreshment, setting a precedent for God’s people to take time to draw near to Him and find renewal in their relationship with Him. While the specific observance of the Sabbath may differ in Christian practice today, the principle of regular rest and spiritual reflection remains an essential aspect of our walk with God.
