Exodus 23:12

Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

Six {H8337} days {H3117} thou shalt do {H6213} thy work {H4639}, and on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} thou shalt rest {H7673}: that thine ox {H7794} and thine ass {H2543} may rest {H5117}, and the son {H1121} of thy handmaid {H519}, and the stranger {H1616}, may be refreshed {H5314}.

"For six days, you are to work. But on the seventh day, you are to rest, so that your ox and donkey can rest, and your slave-girl's son and the foreigner be renewed.

For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident.

Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest; that thine ox and thine ass may have rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the sojourner, may be refreshed.

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 23:12

Exodus 23:12 is a powerful reiteration and expansion of the Sabbath commandment, found within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33). This section of scripture provides detailed laws and statutes that elaborate on the principles established in the Ten Commandments, guiding Israel in their conduct as a holy nation.

Context

This verse is part of a broader set of social and ethical laws given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, immediately following the Ten Commandments. While Exodus 20:8-11 establishes the Sabbath as a divine institution rooted in creation, Exodus 23:12 emphasizes its humanitarian aspect. It frames the Sabbath rest not just as an act of obedience to God, but as a compassionate provision for all living beings under one's care, underscoring God's concern for the welfare of the vulnerable.

Key Themes

  • Universal Rest and Renewal: The primary theme is the necessity of a weekly day of rest. This rest is not merely an absence of work but a time for refreshment and renewal for all, reflecting God's own pattern of resting after creation (Genesis 2:2).
  • Compassion and Inclusivity: The verse explicitly extends the benefit of Sabbath rest beyond the Israelite landowner to include their working animals (ox and ass), the "son of thy handmaid" (servants), and the "stranger" (resident alien or foreigner). This highlights God's deep concern for the marginalized and those without direct familial protection, promoting a society built on care and justice. This emphasis on social welfare is also seen in Deuteronomy 5:14.
  • Social Justice: By mandating rest for all, the law prevents exploitation and ensures that even the lowest members of society and working animals are afforded dignity and relief from ceaseless labor. It’s a foundational principle for a just and equitable community.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "refreshed" in this verse is naphash (נָ׀ַשׁ), which literally means "to take a breath" or "to be revived." It implies more than just physical inactivity; it conveys a sense of restoration, revitalization, and catching one's breath. This deeper meaning underscores the life-giving purpose of the Sabbath, allowing not just rest, but a true renewal of strength and spirit for all who participate.

Practical Application

For a general audience today, Exodus 23:12 offers profound insights into work-life balance, compassion, and social responsibility:

  • Prioritizing Rest: In a world that often glorifies constant productivity, this verse reminds us of the divine design for regular rest. It's essential not just for physical health, but for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
  • Empathy and Care for Others: The principle extends beyond personal rest to our responsibility for those under our influence or care, including employees, household members, and even animals. It challenges us to ensure that others are not overworked or exploited.
  • Inclusivity: The inclusion of the "stranger" emphasizes that God's compassion and laws of justice apply to everyone, regardless of their social standing or origin. This calls believers to advocate for and ensure fair treatment for all in society. Jesus himself affirmed the humanitarian purpose of the Sabbath, stating that "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath."
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 13:14

    And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

  • Exodus 35:3

    Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

  • Exodus 20:8

    Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

  • Exodus 20:11

    For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

  • Deuteronomy 5:13

    Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:

  • Deuteronomy 5:15

    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.

  • Exodus 34:21

    Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.
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