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Commentary on Exodus 31 verses 12–18
Here is, I. A strict command for the sanctification of the sabbath day, Exo 31:13-17. The law of the sabbath had been given them before any other law, by was of preparation (Exo 16:23); it had been inserted in the body of the moral law, in the fourth commandment; it had been annexed to the judicial law (Exo 23:12); and here it is added to the first part of the ceremonial law, because the observance of the sabbath is indeed the hem and hedge of the whole law; where no conscience is made of that, farewell both godliness and honesty; for, in the moral law, it stands in the midst between the two tables. Some suggest that it comes in here upon another account. Orders were now given that a tabernacle should be set up and furnished for the service of God with all possible expedition; but lest they should think that the nature of the work, and the haste that was required, would justify them in working at it on sabbath days, that they might get it done the sooner, this caution is seasonably inserted, Verily, or nevertheless, my sabbaths you shall keep. Though they must hasten the work, yet they must not make more haste than good speed; they must not break the law of the sabbath in their haste: even tabernacle-work must give way to the sabbath-rest; so jealous is God for the honour of his sabbaths. Observe what is here said concerning the sabbath day.
1.The nature, meaning, and intention, of the sabbath, by the declaration of which God puts an honour upon it, and teaches us to value it. Divers things are here said of the sabbath. (1.) It is a sign between me and you (Exo 31:13), and again, Exo 31:17. The institution of the sabbath was a great instance of God's favour to them, and a sign that he had distinguished them from all other people; and their religious observance of the sabbath was a great instance of their duty and obedience to him. God, by sanctifying this day among them, let them know that he sanctified them, and set them apart for himself and his service; otherwise he would not have revealed to them his holy sabbaths, to be the support of religion among them. Or it may refer to the law concerning the sabbath, Keep my sabbaths, that you may know that I the Lord do sanctify you. Note, If God by his grace incline our hearts to keep the law of the fourth commandment, it will be an evidence of a good work wrought in us by his Spirit. If we sanctify God's day, it is a sign between him and us that he has sanctified our hearts: hence it is the character of the blessed man that he keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, Isa 56:2. The Jews, by observing one day in seven, after six days' labour, testified and declared that they worshipped the God who made the world in six days, and rested the seventh; and so distinguished themselves from other nations, who, having first lost the sabbath, which was instituted to be a memorial of the creation, by degrees lost the knowledge of the Creator, and gave that honour to the creature which was due to him alone. (2.) It is holy unto you (Exo 31:14), that is, "It is designed for your benefit as well as for God's honour;" the sabbath was made for man. Or, "It shall be accounted holy by you, and shall so be observed, and you shall look upon it a sacrilege to profane it." (3.) It is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord, Exo 31:15. It is separated from common use, and designed for the honour and service of God, and by the observance of it we are taught to rest from worldly pursuits and the service of the flesh, and to devote ourselves, and all we are, have, and can do, to God's glory. (4.) It was to be observed throughout their generations, in every age, for a perpetual covenant. Exo 31:16. This was to be one of the most lasting tokens of that covenant which was between God and Israel.
2.The law of the sabbath. They must keep it (Exo 31:13, Exo 31:14, Exo 31:16), keep it as a treasure, as a trust, observe it and preserve it, keep it from polluting it, keep it up as a sign between God and them, keep it and never part with it. The Gentiles had anniversary-feasts, to the honour of their gods; but it was peculiar to the Jews to have a weekly festival; this therefore they must carefully observe.
3.The reason of the sabbath; for God's laws are not only backed with the highest authority, but supported with the best reason. God's own example is the great reason, Exo 31:17. As the work of creation is worthy to be thus commemorated, so the great Creator is worthy to be thus imitated, by a holy rest, the seventh day, after six days' labour, especially since we hope, in further conformity to the same example, shortly to rest with him from all our labours.
4.The penalty to be inflicted for the breach of this law: "Every one that defileth the sabbath, by doing any work therein but works of piety and mercy, shall be cut off from among his people (Exo 31:14); he shall surely be put to death. Exo 31:15. The magistrate must cut him off the sword of justice if the crime can be proved; if it cannot, or if the magistrate be remiss, and do not do his duty, God will take the work into his own hands, and cut him off by a stroke from heaven, and his family shall be rooted out of Israel." Note, The contempt and profanation of the sabbath day is an iniquity to be punished by the judges; and, if men do not punish it, God will, here or hereafter, unless it be repented of.
II. The delivering of the two tables of testimony to Moses. God had promised him these tables when he called him up into the mount (Exo 24:12), and now, when he was sending him down, he delivered them to him, to be carefully and honourably deposited in the ark, Exo 31:18. 1. The ten commandments which God had spoken upon mount Sinai in the hearing of all the people were now written, in perpetuam rei memoriam - for a perpetual memorial, because that which is written remains. 2. They were written in tables of stone, prepared, not by Moses, as it should seem (for it is intimated, Exo 24:12, that he found them ready written when he went up to the mount), but, as some think, by the ministry of angels. The law was written in tables of stone, to denote the perpetual duration of it (what can be supposed to last longer than that which is written in stone, and laid up?), to denote likewise the hardness of our hearts; one might more easily write in stone than write any thing that is good in our corrupt and sinful hearts. 3. They were written with the finger of God, that is, by his will and power immediately, without the use of any instrument. It is God only that can write his law in the heart; he gives a heart of flesh, and then, by his Spirit, which is the finger of God, he writes his will in the fleshly tables of the heart, Co2 3:3. 4. They were written in two tables, being designed to direct us in our duty both towards God and towards man. 5. They are called tables of testimony, because this written law testified both the will of God concerning them and his good-will towards them, and would be a testimony against them if they were disobedient. 6. They were delivered to Moses, probably with a charge, before he laid them up in the ark, to show them publicly, that they might be seen and read of all men, and so what they had heard with the hearing of the ear might now be brought to their remembrance. Thus the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 31:14 emphatically reiterates the divine command for Sabbath observance, highlighting its profound holiness and the severe, covenantal consequences for its desecration. This verse underscores the Sabbath's status as a sacred, God-ordained day, set apart for the Lord, and serving as a crucial sign of the covenant between Yahweh and Israel, distinguishing them as His consecrated people. Its violation was deemed a capital offense, signifying a profound rejection of God's authority, the covenant relationship, and the very identity of Israel.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in God's detailed instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai. Immediately preceding it, the Lord has delivered extensive and intricate blueprints for the construction of the Tabernacle, its sacred furnishings, and the elaborate priestly garments, spanning from Exodus 25 through Exodus 31:11. The abrupt transition from the meticulous work of building God's dwelling place to the strict observance of the Sabbath is profoundly significant. It powerfully conveys that even the most sacred and divinely commanded labor must yield to the Sabbath's sanctity. The Sabbath, initially introduced as the Fourth Commandment in Exodus 20:8-11, is here re-emphasized as the ultimate sign of the covenant, explicitly stated in the immediately preceding verse, Exodus 31:13. This deliberate placement underscores the Sabbath's paramount importance as a perpetual sign of the covenant and God's ongoing sanctifying work among His chosen people, signifying that the relationship with God takes precedence over even religious work.
Historical & Cultural Context: The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai formally established Israel as Yahweh's unique covenant nation, setting them apart from all other peoples in the ancient Near East. While other cultures had various festivals or days of rest, none possessed a universally mandated, weekly day of cessation from labor for all members of society—master and servant, native and sojourner alike—rooted in the creation week and God's own rest, as depicted in Genesis 2:2-3. The Sabbath served as a distinctive identifier of Israel's exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, differentiating them from surrounding pagan nations. Its observance was not merely a ceremonial duty but a profound theological statement, acknowledging God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. The severe penalties for Sabbath desecration—death or being "cut off"—were characteristic of capital offenses within the Mosaic Law, similar to idolatry or blasphemy. These stringent penalties reinforced the gravity of covenant disobedience, demonstrating that violations of the Sabbath were not minor infractions but direct affronts to God's holiness and the very fabric of the covenant community, thereby threatening Israel's unique identity and foundational relationship with God.
Key Themes: Exodus 31:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of Divine Authority and Sovereignty, demonstrating God's absolute right to establish laws and rhythms for His creation and His people. Secondly, it highlights the theme of Holiness and Sanctification, emphasizing that God's people are called to reflect His holiness, not only in their character but also in their use of time, setting apart the Sabbath as holy. This connects to the broader theme of Israel's identity as a "holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of Covenant Fidelity and Consequences. The Sabbath is explicitly a "sign" of the covenant (Exodus 31:13), and its violation carries the most severe penalties, illustrating that disobedience to God's covenant stipulations has dire consequences, including separation from the covenant community. Finally, it speaks to the theme of Rest and Creation, linking the Sabbath back to God's rest after creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and establishing a foundational rhythm for human life that acknowledges God as the ultimate provider and sustainer, rather than human toil.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 31:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with undeniable force and clarity. Repetition is prominently featured in the dual pronouncements of judgment ("shall surely be put to death" and "shall be cut off"), which creates a powerful sense of Emphasis on the extreme gravity of Sabbath violation. This legal Redundancy ensures no ambiguity regarding the severe and certain consequences. The verse also utilizes Covenant Language, as the Sabbath itself is a "sign" of the covenant, and its violation leads to being "cut off" from the covenant people, a term deeply embedded in covenantal discourse signifying a breach of sacred agreement. The structure of the verse functions as a Legal Formula, stating the command, the reason for the command, the prohibited action, and the precise consequences, a typical pattern found throughout Mosaic Law. Furthermore, the Sabbath itself serves as profound Symbolism, representing God's creative order, His sanctifying power, and Israel's unique, set-apart relationship with Him. The violation of this symbol, therefore, is not merely breaking a rule but an attack on the very essence of their identity and their covenant relationship with God.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 31:14 profoundly articulates the theological significance of the Sabbath within the Old Covenant. It reveals God's absolute sovereignty over time and His creation, asserting His divine prerogative to designate a portion of time as holy and set apart for Himself. The Sabbath's holiness is intrinsically linked to God's own character, reflecting His perfection, His rest after creation, and His sanctifying presence among His people. Its observance was a tangible act of worship, a public declaration of Israel's allegiance to Yahweh as their Creator and Redeemer, and a constant reminder of His covenant faithfulness. The severe penalties for its violation underscore the seriousness of covenant disobedience, demonstrating that rejection of God's commands—especially one so central to their identity and relationship with Him—was tantamount to rejecting God Himself and forfeiting one's place within His chosen people. This verse thus speaks to the enduring themes of divine authority, covenant fidelity, the nature of holiness, and the dire consequences of rebellion against God's established order.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers under the New Covenant are not bound by the ceremonial specifics of the Mosaic Sabbath law in the same way (as clarified in Colossians 2:16-17), Exodus 31:14 still offers profound and enduring principles for contemporary Christian living. It challenges us to consider the seriousness with which God views obedience and the paramount importance of honoring His commands. The underlying principle of setting aside intentional time for God—for rest, worship, spiritual renewal, and communion—remains eternally valid. In a world relentlessly driven by constant activity, productivity, and the clamor of demands, this verse calls us to intentionally pause, acknowledging God as the sovereign Lord of our time and the ultimate source of our true rest. It reminds us that our identity and worth are found not in our work, our achievements, or our busyness, but fundamentally in our relationship with God. True spiritual flourishing and deep communion with Him require dedicated time for reflection on His finished work and for intimate fellowship with Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the penalty for Sabbath breaking so severe, specifically "put to death" or "cut off"?
Answer: The severity of the penalty for Sabbath breaking—death or being "cut off" from the community—underscores the profound theological and covenantal significance of the Sabbath under the Mosaic Law. The Sabbath was not merely a ceremonial regulation; it was a foundational sign of the covenant between Yahweh and Israel, distinguishing them as His holy people and acknowledging Him as their sanctifier (Exodus 31:13). To profane the Sabbath was to reject God's authority as Creator and Redeemer, to deny His sanctifying power, and to break the very covenant that defined Israel's existence and identity. It was considered an act of open rebellion and a defilement of the sacred relationship, akin to idolatry or blasphemy, which also carried capital punishment. The penalty served as a stark warning, preserving the holiness of the community and reinforcing the absolute seriousness of covenant fidelity. An example of this penalty being carried out is found in Numbers 15:32-36, where a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath was stoned to death.
Does this verse, particularly its commands and penalties, apply directly to Christians today?
Answer: While the specific commands and capital penalties of the Mosaic Sabbath law do not apply directly to New Covenant believers in the same way, the underlying principles of Exodus 31:14 remain highly relevant. The New Testament teaches that Christ is the fulfillment of the Sabbath, offering ultimate rest from our labors and establishing a new covenant relationship based on grace, not law (Colossians 2:16-17). Therefore, Christians are not bound by the Old Covenant's legalistic observance of a specific day or its associated penalties. However, the verse still teaches the importance of honoring God's commands, recognizing His holiness, and setting aside dedicated time for rest, worship, and spiritual renewal. The principle of entering into God's rest, a spiritual reality for all who trust in Christ's finished work, is beautifully described in Hebrews 4:9-10, pointing to a deeper, ongoing rest found in Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 31:14, with its profound emphasis on the Sabbath's holiness and the dire consequences for its violation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant Sabbath, as a sign of God's rest in creation and His sanctifying covenant with Israel, inherently pointed forward to a greater, more profound rest. Jesus Himself declared, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27-28). This declaration demonstrated His divine authority over its legalistic interpretations and revealed its true, redemptive purpose: to bring healing, liberation, and life, as seen in His many Sabbath miracles (e.g., Luke 13:10-17). Jesus invited all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him, promising, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30). The "rest" foreshadowed by the Old Covenant Sabbath is fully realized in Christ's finished work on the cross, where He accomplished perfect salvation, enabling believers to cease from their own futile efforts to earn righteousness and to enter into God's perfect rest by faith. This spiritual rest, described in Hebrews 4:9-10 as a "Sabbath-rest for the people of God," is a present reality for all who trust in Him, and it anticipates the eternal rest of heaven. Thus, the severe penalty for defiling the Sabbath in Exodus 31:14 ultimately highlights the even more severe consequence of rejecting the true Sabbath rest offered in Christ, whose sacrifice alone provides the means for reconciliation and eternal life, ensuring that those who are "in Christ" are never "cut off" from God's people but are eternally secure in His covenant.