“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.”– Exodus 31:15 (KJV)
“You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day to the Lord. Anyone who works on that day will be put to death.”– Exodus 31:15 (NLT)
“Work six days, and the seventh day is a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to God. Whoever works on the Sabbath day will be put to death.”– Exodus 31:15 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 31:15 Mean?
Exodus 31:15 is part of God’s laws that He established for the Israelites. This specific verse emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath—a day of rest that is set apart for holiness. In this verse, we see a clear instruction from God about the workweek, where six days are designated for labor, while the seventh day is reserved for rest. This day of rest is not just a suggestion; it is a commandment with significant gravity attached to it, as indicated by the severe consequence for working on the Sabbath. By setting aside this day, God wanted the Israelites to both cherish their relationship with Him and to recognize their need for rest. The Sabbath serves as a reminder of God’s creation and humanity’s dependence on divine grace.
This commandment is not merely about taking a break from labor. Rather, it invites us into a rhythm of life that includes both work and rest. In our busy lives, we often tend to overlook the need for rest. It’s easy to think we can work seven straight days, pushing ourselves to the brink. Yet, even God rested on the seventh day after creating the world (Genesis 2:2). He modeled the rhythm of work and rest for us. The Sabbath is a gift, allowing us to recharge physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Exodus 31:15 Explanation and Commentary
Let us explore the significance of the Sabbath as outlined in Exodus 31:15 in a bit more detail. The Sabbath was given as a day of restoration, a divine appointment in our week. By resting on this day, we acknowledge that there is more to life than just work. It is about taking a step back, unwinding, and focusing on God and our relationships with others. It brings a sense of balance to our otherwise hectic lives.
The command to refrain from work on the Sabbath can also serve as a form of express obedience to God. By adhering to this commandment, we showcase our trust in His provision and acknowledge that He is in control. We recognize that our worth isn’t based on our productivity. It shifts our perspective on the pressures we might feel to constantly achieve and obtain. In this way, resting can become an act of faith.
When we take the Sabbath seriously, providing ourselves with a day to rest and be refreshed, we find a deeper connection to God. We create space for prayer, worship, and reflection. Imagine being able to dedicate an entire day to nurturing our relationship with God or with family. It can be restorative, and it fills us with renewed energy to take on the challenges of the coming week.
This law also emphasizes community. The Sabbath is a day when families and friends can gather and share experiences. We can reflect on the past week, catch up, and discuss our hopes and dreams and spiritual growth. It reinforces our relationships with others and reminds us that we are not alone on this journey of faith.
Furthermore, Exodus 31:15 carries a warning: the severity of punishment for working on the Sabbath shows that God takes this command seriously. It unapologetically conveys the importance of prioritizing rest and setting apart time for Him. In the Old Testament, working on the Sabbath was treated with a seriousness that encourages us to consider the spiritual ramifications of our actions even today. While we are not under the same law as the Israelites, the underlying principle of honoring rest and God’s call remains.
As followers of Christ, we also find this principle upheld in the New Testament. Jesus highlighted the importance of the Sabbath and often used His own earthly ministry to demonstrate the spirit of the law, revealing that the Sabbath was made for man and not the other way around (Mark 2:27). Our understanding of rest evolves from strict adherence to adherence to the heart behind it—drawing closer to God.
Context of Exodus 31:15
The context helps us understand the broader narrative in which this verse appears. In Exodus, God is giving His laws to the Israelites after freeing them from slavery in Egypt. This revelation lays the groundwork for how they are to live in the land He promised to them. Exodus 20:8-11 outlines the commandment to remember the Sabbath, which is essentially echoed again in Exodus 31:15. This reiteration captures its importance.
Prior to this commandment, God had liberally provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. In Exodus 16, God provided manna, bread from heaven, teaching them to gather enough for each day, but with the instruction to gather a double portion before the Sabbath. This provision underscores the importance of resting and trusting in God’s ongoing provision. It’s not just about abstaining from work; it illustrates how reliance on God fosters our understanding of our need for Him.
The Israelites were in a transitional period—moving from slavery to freedom, from dependency on Egypt to reliance on God. Establishing the Sabbath was more than a work or rest equation; it was about forming and cultivating their identity as God’s chosen people. This identity would unite them under His law, binding them together as a community dedicated to the Lord.
When we reflect on this broader context, we can ask ourselves how far we’ve come in understanding the purpose of the Sabbath. The commandment calls us to internalize not simply the actions of resting but the spirit of that rest. It’s pivotal for our spiritual growth and our communal identity as a church and as part of God’s family.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 31:15
Examining specific nuances in Exodus 31:15 enriches our learning experience. The mention of “six days” is intentional, as it delineates a structured rhythm necessary for God’s intention for our lives. The organization of the work week emphasizes the idea of balance, showing us that work has its place but not at the expense of rest.
The phrase “holy to the Lord” indicates a sanctified aspect of the Sabbath, one that is set apart for worship and spiritual renewal. This specific designation suggests that just as work can be valuable and meaningful, so too can our restful worship be valuable—showing God our devotion and care for our well-being.
When God mentions “whoever doeth any work,” it calls us to think critically about our activities. What does it mean to work? In modern terms, it can extend beyond physical labor to include mental exertion and busyness. Are we truly resting even when we take a break from regular labor? It challenges us to think about our daily behaviors. Even today, as we find ourselves tangled in screens, notifications, and busy schedules, we must consider our relationship with rest and distractions.
The ultimate goal emphasizes how the Sabbath rests in His presence. It’s a day that is meant to refresh our souls and draw us nearer to God while fostering a lifestyle of gratitude and recognition of His grace and mercy. By breaking down the key parts, we illuminate the profound and personal implications of God’s command and His desire for us to find solace in Him.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 31:15
As we consider the lessons from Exodus 31:15, several themes may emerge that can shape our lives positively. Firstly, prioritizing rest acknowledges our fragility as humans. By embracing the Sabbath, we acknowledge our limitations, where we can receive strength from God instead of relying solely on ourselves. This acknowledgment fosters greater dependence on His grace.
Another significant lesson is the unity of the commandment. The call to rest is not only for individual benefit but for the community as a whole. It encourages families and friends to come together and enjoy each other’s company, engage in spiritual practices, and feed their relationships. Just as the Israelites came together to honor God, we also can take that as an example today.
This scripture also reveals that our spiritual life is not merely a series of tasks to check off. Engaging in rest serves the spiritual disciplines of reflection, worship, and renewal that nourish our souls—creating balance amidst our busy lives. Rest should not be perceived as a weakness or laziness; rather, it is a vital part of a fulfilling and rich relationship with God.
In today’s fast-paced culture, this principle serves as a radical call to reclaim the value of rest. By deliberately setting aside time each week, we make that choice to prioritize our spiritual health, allowing us to develop resilience when life gets especially challenging.
Moreover, this commandment calls us to redefine the way we view work. Work itself is valuable under God’s design, but understanding the need for rest emphasizes the divine order of life. In that sense, work becomes an opportunity to glorify God, while rest becomes a space to encounter Him in a meaningful way. Each come together to form a beautiful rhythm of life.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 31:15 is a powerful reminder of the importance of rest in our lives. It transcends merely taking a break from our to-do lists; it invites us into a deeper relationship with God and with each other. As we reflect on this scripture, let’s make room to incorporate Sabbath-keeping into our lives. We have an incredible opportunity to experience the rejuvenation of our spirits by honoring this sacred pause.
Our practice of setting aside time to recharge can be a beautiful testimony to the world around us—a way to show God’s provision, love, and grace. The rhythm of work and rest teaches us that while we may work hard, we equally need to rest hard. This balance is not just beneficial for our physical bodies but is vital for our spiritual journey as well.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or burdened, I encourage you to seek ways to observe a Sabbath in your life. Embrace this commandment as an expression of faith. Trust that God can sustain you and provide for your needs, even when you take a step back. Remember, it is in resting in Him that we truly find peace and fulfillment.
For more engaging topics on the Bible and its teachings, be sure to check out Matthew 11 or explore the stories in Genesis 18. Each of these resources can provide more insightful perspectives on the scriptures.