Exodus 35:2

Context of Exodus 35:2

Exodus 35:2 is part of Moses' instructions to the Israelites regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, immediately following God's command to Moses on Mount Sinai. This particular verse reiterates the importance of the Sabbath, a foundational principle of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing its sanctity even amidst the urgent work of building a sanctuary for God. It serves as a reminder that even divine work must yield to divine rest, highlighting God's sovereignty over all aspects of their lives and time. The command to observe the Sabbath was first given as the Fourth Commandment in Exodus 20:8-11, and its observance was a crucial sign of the covenant between God and Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Sanctity of the Sabbath: The verse explicitly calls the seventh day "an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD." This underscores that the Sabbath is not merely a day off, but a day set apart for God, dedicated to worship and rest from labor. It reflects God's own pattern of creation, where He rested on the seventh day after creating the heavens and the earth.
• Divine Command and Obedience: The instruction is a direct command from God, delivered through Moses. The strict penalty for disobedience highlights the absolute seriousness with which God viewed this commandment. It was not optional but a fundamental requirement of their covenant relationship.
• God's Ownership of Time: By commanding six days of work and one day of rest, God establishes a divine rhythm for human life and asserts His ultimate authority over time itself. The Sabbath is a gift of rest but also a reminder of who is ultimately in control.
• The Severity of Covenant Breaking: The phrase "whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death" reveals the extreme gravity of violating the Sabbath in ancient Israel. This severe punishment underscores that Sabbath-breaking was considered an act of rebellion against God's direct command and a violation of the covenant, equivalent to other capital offenses.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sabbath" is Shabbat (שַׁבָּת), derived from the verb shavat (שָׁבַת), meaning "to cease" or "to rest." This emphasizes the cessation of customary labor. The term "holy day" (kodesh) signifies that the day is consecrated or set apart for sacred purposes, distinct from the other six days. The phrase "sabbath of rest to the LORD" (shabbaton la-YHWH) indicates that the rest is not merely for human benefit but is primarily an act of reverence and dedication to God Himself.

Practical Application and Reflection

While the death penalty for Sabbath-breaking is specific to the Old Covenant and its judicial system, the underlying principles of Exodus 35:2 remain highly relevant.

• The Need for Rest: In a fast-paced world, the concept of intentional rest is vital. God designed humans with a need for physical, mental, and spiritual replenishment. Honoring a day of rest helps prevent burnout and allows for rejuvenation.
• Prioritizing God: The Sabbath reminds us to set aside time specifically for God—for worship, reflection, and deepening our relationship with Him. It's a weekly opportunity to acknowledge His sovereignty and our dependence on Him.
• Trust in God's Provision: Resting from work for one full day requires faith that God will provide for our needs even without continuous labor. It challenges the mentality that our productivity is our sole source of security.
• Spiritual Rest in Christ: For Christians, the Sabbath principle finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is our true rest, as He declared, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The book of Hebrews speaks of a spiritual "rest" that remains for the people of God, signifying salvation and peace found in Him. While the legalistic observance of the Sabbath day is transformed in the New Covenant, the principle of setting aside time for God, worship, and rest remains a timeless wisdom for human flourishing.