Exodus 31:15 – “For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day is to be put to death.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Exodus 31:15 continues God’s instruction to the Israelites regarding the observance of the Sabbath. The verse clearly distinguishes between six days of work and one day of rest. The seventh day, the Sabbath, is described as “holy to the Lord,” indicating that it is set apart for a special purpose: rest and worship. The verse also issues a stern warning: anyone who works on the Sabbath is to be put to death. This severe penalty underscores the seriousness with which God regarded the observance of the Sabbath. The Sabbath was not just a day off; it was a sacred time dedicated to God, symbolizing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Historical Context

The command to observe the Sabbath was given to the Israelites as part of the broader covenant God established with them after their exodus from Egypt. The practice of resting on the seventh day is rooted in the creation account, where God rested on the seventh day after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3). For the Israelites, who had been enslaved in Egypt and forced to work without rest, the Sabbath represented a dramatic shift in their way of life. It was a day to stop all labor, focus on God, and remember His provision and deliverance. The Sabbath was a sign of their unique identity as God’s chosen people, and breaking it was seen as a rejection of the covenant relationship with God.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 31:15 emphasizes the holiness of the Sabbath and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The Sabbath is described as “holy to the Lord,” meaning it is set apart for a divine purpose. This verse teaches that rest is not merely a physical necessity but also a spiritual practice that honors God. The severe penalty for working on the Sabbath highlights the seriousness with which God views His commands. It also reflects the idea that disobedience to God’s laws is a serious offense because it disrupts the order and holiness that God intends for His people. The Sabbath is not just about rest; it is about maintaining a relationship with God by following His ordained patterns for life.

Literary Analysis

In the literary context of Exodus, this verse functions as a key part of the broader narrative that outlines the laws and instructions given to the Israelites. The structure of the verse clearly sets apart the six days of work from the seventh day of rest, emphasizing the rhythm that God established for human life. The phrase “holy to the Lord” elevates the Sabbath above the ordinary, marking it as a special time dedicated to God. The stark warning about the penalty for breaking the Sabbath serves to reinforce the command’s seriousness and the expectation that God’s people would observe it faithfully.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 2:2-3 – The origin of the Sabbath, where God rested on the seventh day after creating the world, setting a pattern for rest.
• Exodus 20:8-11 – The fourth commandment, where God commands the Israelites to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy, linking it to the creation account.
• Leviticus 23:3 – A reiteration of the Sabbath command, describing it as a day of sacred assembly and rest.
• Hebrews 4:9-10 – In the New Testament, the concept of Sabbath rest is extended to a spiritual rest that believers enter through faith in Christ.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Exodus 31:15 is a reminder of the importance of setting aside time for rest and worship. While the specific observance of the Sabbath may differ among Christian traditions, the principle remains the same: God calls His people to a rhythm of work and rest. This verse challenges believers to recognize the value of rest as a time to reconnect with God and to remember that their identity and worth come from Him, not from their work. It also encourages Christians to honor God by living in accordance with His patterns for life, which includes regular times of rest and spiritual renewal.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s love for His people by instituting a day of rest. God, knowing the needs of His creation, commands a Sabbath not as a burden but as a gift. It is a day set apart for physical rest, spiritual reflection, and renewed relationship with God. The command to rest shows that God cares about the well-being of His people, providing a time for them to step back from the demands of daily life and focus on what truly matters. The strong language used in the verse about the consequences of breaking the Sabbath serves as a protective measure, underscoring how essential rest is for the health of the community and individual.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 31:15 connects to Jesus Christ in the way He fulfills the deeper meaning of the Sabbath. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28). He taught that the Sabbath was made for humanity’s benefit, not as a legalistic burden (Mark 2:27). Jesus also demonstrated that the Sabbath is a time for doing good and showing mercy, challenging the rigid interpretations of His day. Ultimately, Jesus offers spiritual rest to all who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-29), fulfilling the true purpose of the Sabbath by providing rest for the soul. Through faith in Christ, believers enter into a permanent Sabbath rest, where they cease from striving for righteousness through their own efforts and rest in the finished work of Jesus.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How do you incorporate regular times of rest and worship into your life, in accordance with God’s design?
2. What does the idea of a day being “holy to the Lord” mean to you, and how can you honor that in your weekly routine?
3. How does understanding Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath influence your approach to rest and worship?
4. In what ways can you ensure that your periods of rest are not just physical but also spiritually renewing and focused on God?

This article provides an in-depth exploration of Exodus 31:15, connecting its teachings on the Sabbath to the broader biblical narrative and offering practical insights for how Christians can honor God through regular rest and worship. The article also highlights how Jesus fulfills the true meaning of the Sabbath, offering believers spiritual rest in Him.