TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
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.
Continue studying Exodus 31:16 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Exodus 31:16 powerfully declares the Sabbath as an enduring and foundational command for the children of Israel, establishing it not merely as a temporary regulation but as a perpetual sign and binding element of God's covenant with His chosen people. This verse underscores the divine imperative for consistent Sabbath observance across all generations, serving as a constant, tangible reminder of their unique relationship with Yahweh and His sovereign power in creation and redemption.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This divine mandate concerning the Sabbath is strategically placed within the larger discourse on the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, detailed from Exodus 25 through Exodus 31:11. Its position is highly significant, appearing immediately before the narrative of God giving Moses the two tablets of the Testimony, inscribed by the divine finger (Exodus 31:18). This deliberate placement emphasizes that while the intricate details of the physical sanctuary and its rituals are vital, they are secondary to the spiritual relationship defined by obedience to God's commands. The Sabbath, therefore, functions as a theological anchor, ensuring that the focus remains on the covenant relationship itself, preventing the people from becoming solely engrossed in the mechanics of worship. It highlights that true worship involves both structure and spiritual discipline.
Historical & Cultural Context: The command for Sabbath observance is deeply rooted in two pivotal historical events for Israel: God's primordial rest after completing creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and their recent, miraculous deliverance from brutal Egyptian bondage (Deuteronomy 5:15). As former slaves, subjected to relentless toil without respite, the Sabbath offered Israel a revolutionary, divinely ordained rhythm of rest, freedom, and worship. This practice sharply distinguished them from surrounding pagan nations, whose deities often demanded continuous, exhausting labor. The Sabbath thus became a visible, recurring sign of the covenant between Yahweh and Israel, marking them as His unique possession and serving as a weekly reminder of His sovereignty over time, their redemption from slavery, and His faithful provision. It was a distinctive identifier of their covenant relationship with the one true God, setting them apart as a holy nation.
Key Themes: Exodus 31:16 contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating God's ultimate authority over time and human activity by commanding a specific day of rest. It also highlights the theme of Covenant Relationship, as the Sabbath is explicitly called a "perpetual covenant," signifying its role as a tangible sign of the enduring bond between Yahweh and Israel, a relationship founded on His initiative and their responsive obedience. Furthermore, the verse underscores the theme of Sanctification and Distinction, as Sabbath observance set Israel apart as a holy people, distinct from other nations, and reminded them of God's power to sanctify them (Exodus 31:13). Finally, it subtly points to the theme of Rest and Provision, echoing the creation narrative and promising that God would provide for their needs even when they ceased from labor, fostering a reliance on divine grace rather than human striving.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 31:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to impress upon the reader the profound significance of the Sabbath. Repetition is prominently featured in the phrase "shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath," which serves to emphasize and reinforce the centrality and imperative nature of the command. The Sabbath itself functions as a powerful Symbol and Sign (as explicitly stated in Exodus 31:13), acting as a visible and recurring marker of the covenant between God and Israel, signifying their unique relationship and God's sanctifying power. The declaration "a perpetual covenant" is a key Covenant Formula, underscoring the enduring and binding nature of this specific aspect of the Mosaic Law. Furthermore, the verse acts as a form of Inclusio or Framing Device within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle instructions, serving as a theological reminder that despite the grandeur and importance of the sanctuary, the covenant relationship, epitomized by faithful Sabbath observance, remains the ultimate priority.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 31:16 articulates several profound theological truths. It fundamentally highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation and time, demonstrating His inherent right to command a cessation of human labor and to establish a rhythm of rest that acknowledges His completed creative work and His ongoing provision for His people. The Sabbath, designated as a "perpetual covenant," served as a visible and recurring testament to Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people, set apart and sanctified by Him. It was a weekly act of faith, requiring the Israelites to trust in God to provide for their needs even when they ceased from their work, thereby fostering a deep reliance on divine grace rather than human effort. This command also speaks to the holistic nature of the covenant, encompassing not only formal worship and ritual but also the fundamental rhythm of daily life, sanctifying time itself.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific legalistic observance of the Sabbath day, as strictly mandated for ancient Israel under the Mosaic Law, finds its ultimate reinterpretation and fulfillment in the New Covenant through the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles embedded in Exodus 31:16 remain profoundly relevant and spiritually nourishing for believers today. The call for Israel to "keep" and "observe" the Sabbath as a "perpetual covenant" speaks to the enduring importance of intentional rest, dedicated worship, and a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all facets of our lives. In a contemporary world driven by relentless productivity, constant connectivity, and endless demands on our time and energy, the spirit of the Sabbath invites us to deliberately cease from our striving, to cultivate a deep trust in God's unfailing provision, and to set aside consecrated time for spiritual renewal, intimate communion with God, and edifying fellowship with His people. It serves as a vital reminder that our true identity and worth are found not in what we achieve or accumulate, but in who we are as beloved children of God in Christ, enabling us to experience genuine rest for our weary souls.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "perpetual covenant" mean in the context of Exodus 31:16?
Answer: In this context, "perpetual covenant" (Hebrew: berit olam) signifies an enduring and binding aspect of the Mosaic covenant specifically for the children of Israel and their successive generations. It indicates that the Sabbath observance was not a temporary command or a transient regulation, but a lasting and continuous obligation for Israel throughout the entire duration of that particular covenant. While the Hebrew term olam can sometimes imply absolute eternity, here it refers to an indefinite period that would persist as long as the Mosaic covenant remained in effect for Israel, distinguishing it as a permanent and unceasing feature of their national and religious life, a constant sign of their unique relationship with God.
Was the Sabbath command only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to all people today?
Answer: The Sabbath command, as explicitly given in Exodus 31:16 and reiterated elsewhere in the Old Testament, was specifically instituted for the children of Israel as a unique sign of their covenant relationship with Yahweh (Exodus 31:13). While the underlying principle of rest from labor has universal benefits and echoes God's original creation rest (Genesis 2:2-3), the specific legalistic observance of the seventh-day Sabbath as a covenant sign was unique to Israel under the Mosaic Law. The New Testament reinterprets the concept of rest for believers, emphasizing a spiritual rest found in Christ rather than a strict adherence to a particular day (Hebrews 4:9-10), highlighting that the shadow has given way to the substance.
How does the New Testament view the Sabbath in light of this "perpetual covenant"?
Answer: The New Testament views the Old Covenant Sabbath as a shadow or type that finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant Sabbath was indeed a "perpetual covenant" for Israel, the New Covenant introduces a profound new understanding of rest. Jesus Himself declared that He is "Lord of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:28), thereby demonstrating His supreme authority over it and revealing its true, deeper purpose. Believers in Christ are no longer bound by the legalistic demands of the Mosaic Law, including the specific observance of the Sabbath day (Colossians 2:16-17). Instead, the New Testament emphasizes a spiritual rest from human works and striving, a profound peace found in trusting Christ's finished work on the cross, which provides true cessation from the burden of sin and the futility of self-righteousness (Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:9-10). This spiritual rest is an ongoing reality, not confined to a single day.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 31:16, which powerfully declares the Sabbath a "perpetual covenant" for Israel, finds its most profound and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. The Sabbath, as a divine command to cease from labor and a tangible sign of God's covenant with His people, ultimately pointed forward to the greater, eternal spiritual rest that is found exclusively in Christ. He is the true "Lord of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:28), who perfectly embodied and reinterpreted its deepest purpose, shifting the focus from legalistic observance to a liberating spiritual reality. Whereas the Old Covenant Sabbath provided a weekly cessation from physical toil, Jesus offers a perpetual, soul-deep rest from the crushing burden of sin and the futility of self-righteous works (Matthew 11:28-30). His finished work on the cross, culminating in His resurrection, represents the ultimate cessation from striving, allowing all who believe to enter into God's promised rest (Hebrews 4:9-10), a spiritual reality that transcends any specific day or ritual. Furthermore, the "perpetual covenant" of the Sabbath beautifully foreshadows the New Covenant, which is established in Christ's precious blood (Luke 22:20). This New Covenant is truly everlasting, offering eternal life and an unbroken, intimate relationship with God, thereby fulfilling the deepest longings for covenant faithfulness and divine communion that the Old Covenant Sabbath so powerfully symbolized.