TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 5:6–22.
Here is the repetition of the ten commandments, in which observe, 1. Though they had been spoken before, and written, yet they are again rehearsed; for precept must be upon precept, and line upon line, and all little enough to keep the word of God in our minds and to preserve and renew the impressions of it. We have need to have the same things often inculcated upon us. See Phi 3:1. 2. There is some variation here from that record (Ex. 20), as there is between the Lord's prayer as it is in Mt. 6 and as it is Lu. 11. In both it is more necessary that we tie ourselves to the things than to the words unalterably. 3. The most considerable variation is in the fourth commandment. In Ex. 20 the reason annexed is taken from the creation of the world; here it is taken from their deliverance out of Egypt, because that was typical of our redemption by Jesus Christ, in remembrance of which the Christian sabbath was to be observed: Remember that thou wast a servant, and God brought thee out, Deu 5:15. And Therefore, (1.) "It is fit that thy servants should be favoured by the sabbath-rest; for thou knowest the heart of a servant, and how welcome one day's ease will be after six days' labour." (2.) "It is fit that thy God should be honoured by the sabbath-work, and the religious services of the day, in consideration of the great things he has done for thee." In the resurrection of Christ we were brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore, by the gospel-edition of the law, we are directed to observe the first day of the week, in remembrance of that glorious work of power and grace. 4. It is added in the fifth commandment, That it may go well with thee, which addition the apostle quotes, and puts first (Eph 6:3), that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long. If there be instances of some that have been very dutiful to their parents, and yet have not lived long upon earth, we may reconcile it to the promise by this explication of it, Whether they live long or no, it shall go well with them, either in this world or in a better. See Ecc 8:12. 5. The last five commandments are connected or coupled together, which they are not in Exodus: Neither shalt thou commit adultery, neither shalt thou steal, etc., which intimate that God's commands are all of a piece: the same authority that obliges us to one obliges us to another; and we must not be partial in the law, but have respect to all God's commandments, for he that offends in one point is guilty of all, Jam 2:10, Jam 2:11. 6. That these commandments were given with a great deal of awful solemnity, Deu 5:22. (1.) They were spoken with a great voice out of the fire, and thick darkness. That was a dispensation of terror, designed to make the gospel of grace the more welcome, and to be a specimen of the terrors of the judgment-day, Psa 50:3, Psa 50:4. (2.) He added no more. What other laws he gave them were sent by Moses, but no more were spoken in the same manner that the ten commandments were. He added no more, therefore we must not add: the law of the Lord is perfect. (3.) He wrote them in two tables of stone, that they might be preserved from corruption, and might be transmitted pure and entire to posterity, for whose use they were intended, as well as for the present generation. These being the heads of the covenant, the chest in which the written tables were deposited was called the ark of the covenant. See Rev 11:19.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 5:14 reiterates the foundational Fourth Commandment, declaring the seventh day as the Sabbath belonging to the LORD your God. This divine decree mandates a complete cessation from all forms of work, extending its compassionate provision not only to the Israelite householder but comprehensively to every member of the household—sons, daughters, male and female servants, all livestock, and crucially, the resident alien within their gates. The explicit purpose of this universal rest is to ensure that all, especially the vulnerable, experience the same restorative peace and liberation, echoing Israel's own redemptive history from Egyptian bondage.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 5:14 is situated within Moses' powerful re-proclamation of the Ten Commandments to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. This chapter (Deuteronomy 5) serves as a pivotal covenant renewal ceremony, re-establishing the foundational principles of God's law for the nation's future life in Canaan. While echoing the Decalogue originally given at Mount Sinai (referred to as Horeb in Deuteronomy), Moses' presentation here often includes significant explanatory or motivational clauses. Specifically, the Sabbath commandment in Deuteronomy 5:12-15 is distinct from its counterpart in Exodus 20:8-11. Whereas Exodus grounds the Sabbath in God's completed work of creation, Deuteronomy adds a profound redemptive and ethical motivation, directly linking Sabbath observance to Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt. This contextual shift highlights the compassionate and social justice dimensions of the law, emphasizing that Israel's freedom should translate into freedom for all under their authority.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites, having recently been delivered from centuries of brutal enslavement in Egypt, possessed a vivid and painful memory of forced labor and the deprivation of rest. This formative experience profoundly shaped their understanding of true freedom, justice, and the value of rest. In the broader ancient Near Eastern world, labor was often relentless, and the concept of a regular, universal day of rest for all members of society, including servants and animals, was revolutionary and virtually unparalleled. The typical Israelite household structure was extensive, encompassing not only immediate family but also various categories of servants (who might be acquired through debt, as war captives, or through other means) and essential livestock for agriculture and transport. The "stranger" (Hebrew: ger) refers to a resident alien, a non-Israelite who had left their homeland to live among the Israelite community. These individuals were often vulnerable, lacking the tribal land or kinship networks that provided security for native Israelites. The divine command to extend Sabbath rest to all these categories—especially the most dependent and potentially exploited members of society—represented a radical departure from prevailing cultural norms, reflecting God's unique concern for the oppressed and His desire for Israel to be a society marked by radical justice and compassion, remembering their own past as strangers and slaves.
Key Themes
Deuteronomy 5:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent within the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. A primary theme is Universal Rest and Inclusivity, demonstrating God's profound concern for the well-being of all living beings, particularly those who might otherwise be exploited or marginalized. The expansive list—"thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates"—underscores a radical inclusivity that challenges the hierarchical and often exploitative structures prevalent in the ancient world. This theme is deeply intertwined with Compassion and Social Justice, as the explicit reason given for this broad application is "that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou." Having personally experienced the harshness of forced labor in Egypt, Israel was commanded to ensure that no one under their authority suffered similar burdens, even for one day a week. This reflects God's own liberating character and His call for His people to embody justice, a principle reiterated throughout the Deuteronomic law (e.g., Deuteronomy 24:14-15). Finally, the declaration "the sabbath of the LORD thy God" reinforces the theme of Divine Authority and Covenant Fidelity. The Sabbath is not merely a practical suggestion or a human custom but a divine ordinance, a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, calling them to trust in His provision and honor His holy time. This act of obedience was a tangible expression of their loyalty to the God who delivered them (see Exodus 31:13).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from the verb shavat, meaning "to cease, to rest, to stop." This term denotes a complete cessation from work or activity. More than merely a break from labor, it signifies a sacred time, divinely set apart, reflecting God's own rest after the work of creation. In this Deuteronomic context, it emphasizes an enforced, universal cessation for the entire household, underscoring its divine origin and purpose as "the sabbath of the LORD thy God."
This term refers to a resident alien or sojourner, a non-Israelite who had left their native land and settled among the Israelite community. Unlike a casual visitor, the ger had a semi-permanent status and was often vulnerable, lacking tribal land or the full protections of kinship. The explicit inclusion of the ger in the Sabbath command highlights the radical inclusivity and compassionate nature of God's law, extending divine provision and protection even to those outside the formal covenant community, mirroring Israel's own experience as strangers in Egypt.
While not the direct noun for Sabbath, the verb nuach is used at the end of the verse: "that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest (nuach) as well as thou." Nuach signifies not just physical inactivity but also a profound sense of tranquility, peace, and security. It implies refreshment and restoration, a release from burden and oppression. The command ensures that this profound, God-ordained rest is experienced by all, emphasizing equity and shared well-being within the community, reflecting God's desire for the flourishing of all His creatures.
Verse Breakdown
"But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God:"
This opening clause firmly establishes the divine ownership and sacred nature of the seventh day. It is not merely a human custom or a practical arrangement, but a day specifically designated and consecrated by Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This immediately elevates its importance and underscores the theological foundation of the command, setting it apart as a day belonging uniquely to God.
"[in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates;"
This is the prohibitive core of the commandment, detailing the absolute cessation of work and, critically, the expansive scope of its application. The prohibition begins with the householder ("thou") and systematically extends to every category of dependent within their sphere of influence: immediate family (son, daughter), human laborers (manservant, maidservant), draft animals (ox, ass, any cattle), and finally, the resident alien ("stranger that is within thy gates"). This comprehensive enumeration leaves no room for exclusion, emphasizing the universal nature of the required rest and preventing any form of exploitation.
"that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou."
This concluding clause provides the explicit motivation and ethical rationale for the command's broad application. It reveals God's profound heart for social justice and compassion. The ultimate purpose of the universal rest is not merely convenience or ritualistic adherence, but the genuine well-being and equitable treatment of all, particularly those who are often vulnerable, exploited, or overworked. By ensuring that servants and others experience rest "as well as thou," the command fosters empathy and reminds Israel of their own history as slaves who longed for such relief, calling them to embody the very liberation they received.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 5:14 employs several powerful Literary Devices to convey its profound message and underscore the comprehensive nature of the Sabbath command. The most prominent is Emphatic Enumeration, where the verse meticulously lists every category of person and animal within the household who must observe the Sabbath. This detailed listing ("nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger") serves to underscore the absolute and universal reach of the commandment, leaving no room for exceptions or loopholes. This comprehensive scope is further reinforced by a subtle form of Anaphora, the repeated use of "nor thy," which rhythmically emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the prohibition. The verse also utilizes a crucial Motivation Clause ("that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou") which provides the ethical and theological rationale behind the command. This teleological statement transforms the prohibition from a mere rule into a principle rooted in divine compassion and justice, inviting the hearer to consider the welfare of others. Finally, the structure itself creates a form of Inclusio, beginning with "thou shalt not do any work, thou" and concluding with "may rest as well as thou," framing the extensive list of dependents within the householder's own experience of rest, thereby reinforcing the shared and equitable nature of the Sabbath blessing.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The Sabbath commandment in Deuteronomy 5:14 is a profound theological statement, intricately woven into the fabric of God's character and His covenant relationship with Israel. It is not merely a legalistic observance but a tangible expression of trust in God's provision and a radical commitment to justice and compassion. By commanding rest for all, including the most vulnerable, God demonstrates His own liberating nature and calls His people to reflect His heart. The Sabbath becomes a weekly reminder of both creation (God's sovereign work) and redemption (God's deliverance from bondage), serving as a sign of the covenant and a foretaste of ultimate rest. It teaches dependence on God rather than relentless human striving, fostering a rhythm of work and rest that honors divine order and human dignity.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 5:14 transcends its ancient context, offering timeless principles for contemporary life. In a world often driven by relentless productivity, constant busyness, and the pressure to perform, this verse calls us back to the divine rhythm of rest. It challenges us to recognize that true productivity and human flourishing are not found in endless toil but in a balanced life that honors God's design for rest, renewal, and spiritual refreshment. Beyond personal well-being, the commandment compels us to consider the welfare of those around us, particularly those who may be vulnerable, dependent, or in positions of less power. It asks us to examine our workplaces, our homes, and our communities to ensure that compassion and opportunities for genuine rest are extended to all, reflecting God's heart for justice and equity. Embracing the spirit of the Sabbath means cultivating a posture of trust in God's provision, acknowledging that our worth is not solely defined by our output, and actively creating space for spiritual and physical refreshment, not just for ourselves but for everyone within our sphere of influence, thereby participating in God's ongoing work of liberation and restoration.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the Sabbath still binding for Christians today?
While the specific Mosaic Law regarding the Sabbath (observance on the seventh day, prohibitions against certain activities) is understood by most Christians to have been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. The New Testament teaches that Christ is the "Lord of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27-28) and that the ceremonial aspects of the law, including specific holy days, were a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" (Colossians 2:16-17). Therefore, Christians are not under the legalistic obligation to observe the Sabbath on a specific day in the same way ancient Israel was. However, the enduring principles of the Sabbath—regular rest, worship, trust in God's provision, and compassionate care for others—are vital. Hebrews 4:9-11 speaks of a "Sabbath rest" that remains for the people of God, which is found in Christ and His finished work, and which believers enter into through faith. This encourages a lifestyle of spiritual and physical rest, acknowledging God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him, and fostering a rhythm of life that reflects His peace and justice.
Why does Deuteronomy give a different reason for the Sabbath than Exodus?
The reasons for Sabbath observance in Exodus 20:11 and Deuteronomy 5:15 are complementary, not contradictory, offering a fuller theological understanding. Exodus grounds the Sabbath in the creation narrative, reminding Israel that God rested on the seventh day after His work of creation, thereby establishing a universal pattern for all humanity and emphasizing God's sovereignty as Creator. Deuteronomy, however, adds a crucial redemptive and ethical dimension, explicitly linking the Sabbath to Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt: "And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day" (Deuteronomy 5:15). This Deuteronomic emphasis highlights the ethical imperative of the Sabbath: because Israel experienced liberation from forced labor, they were commanded to extend that same freedom and rest to all within their community, especially the vulnerable like servants and strangers. Both reasons are foundational, demonstrating God's character as both Creator and Redeemer, and providing both a cosmic and a historical basis for the Sabbath command, emphasizing its dual purpose of honoring God's design and reflecting His compassion.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 5:14, with its profound emphasis on universal rest and compassionate liberation, finds its ultimate and most glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus. He is the true "Lord of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27-28), demonstrating its authentic purpose by consistently healing and doing good on the Sabbath, thereby revealing that the day was made for humanity's benefit and flourishing, not as a burdensome legalistic yoke. More significantly, Jesus offers the weary and heavy-laden the ultimate rest—a spiritual rest from the futile striving of works-righteousness and the crushing burdens of sin (Matthew 11:28-30). His completed, perfect work on the cross provides the true cessation (Sabbath) from our own efforts to earn salvation, inviting us into God's promised, eternal rest (Hebrews 4:9-10). Just as the Sabbath in Deuteronomy extended rest to the vulnerable, the dependent, and the stranger, Christ's work extends salvation and spiritual rest to all who believe, regardless of their background, social status, or past, breaking down every barrier and offering true freedom from the ultimate bondage of sin and death. He embodies the compassionate heart of God, bringing the liberating rest foreshadowed in the Old Testament command to its glorious and eternal reality.