“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.”
This verse is part of the broader context of the book of Exodus, where Moses received the instructions from God on various aspects of worship, including the construction of the Tabernacle, the design of the priestly garments, and the observance of the Sabbath.
Six Days of Work:The verse begins by affirming that work is to be done for six days. In the creation account (Genesis 2:2-3), after God had created the heavens and the earth in six days, He rested on the seventh day. This sets a pattern for human work and rest, as we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). It is a reminder that while work is essential and part of our responsibilities, we should also make time for rest and reflection.
The Seventh Day is a Holy Sabbath:The seventh day (Saturday) is designated as a holy day, a day of rest, and is commonly known as the Sabbath. Observing the Sabbath is a commandment given by God to the Israelites (Exodus 20:8-11) as a sign of the covenant between God and His people. The Sabbath was a day to cease regular work and dedicate the time to worship, rest, and spiritual renewal.
Sabbath Rest to the Lord:The Sabbath is not merely a day off but a time of special dedication to the Lord. It is an opportunity to draw near to God, meditate on His Word, and engage in communal worship. The Sabbath is a gift from God, providing physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal.
Penalty for Working on the Sabbath:The severity of the penalty mentioned in the verse reflects the seriousness with which God views the observance of the Sabbath. In the Old Testament context, the penalty for breaking the Sabbath was capital punishment. This shows the importance of honoring God’s commandments and the significance of setting aside time for rest and worship.
For Christians, the principles underlying the Sabbath still hold value, even though the strict observance of the seventh day has evolved for many believers. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasized the principle of rest and liberation from the burden of legalistic practices, stating that the Sabbath was made for man’s benefit (Mark 2:27). Christians often gather for worship on Sundays, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus, which occurred on the first day of the week.
In conclusion, Exodus 35:2 highlights the importance of balancing work and rest in our lives. It reminds us of the significance of setting aside time for God, worship, and spiritual rejuvenation. While the specific penalties for Sabbath-breaking do not apply in the same way today, the underlying principles of rest, worship, and devotion to God remain essential aspects of the Christian faith.
