Day 12: Exodus 20:8-11

Read Exodus 20:8-11

Helpful Background Information:   

• In Exodus 19, the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai after their deliverance from Egypt, and the scene is set for the making of the covenant that will enable the Israelites to experience God’s presence among them. After Moses descends to them from the mountain, a voice sounds from the mountain summit. In awe, the Israelites listen as God speaks to them. Here, in Exodus 20, we find the Ten Commandments given by God. These laws or principles will form the basis of how life will be lived in this covenant relationship with God. 

• Verses 8-11 are traditionally known as the “Fourth Commandment.” This is the law about the Sabbath Day. This command is rooted in creation; just as God rested from his work on the seventh day, so too would the Israelites. The focus of this command is to help the Israelites become spiritually stronger and closer to God. Keeping it holy and observing it to the Lord meant a day where the Israelites could rest from their work; they were free to focus on worshipping and remembering the Lord. The Sabbath was not meant to be a burden, but it was meant to aid and guard the spiritual health of the Israelites.

• The Sabbath was a day of refreshment, not lazy inactivity. Loving God doesn’t just mean taking it easy one day a week. It means using that day to focus on Him—worshiping, learning, serving others, and doing things that help your heart and spirit grow stronger. 

Reflection Questions:

• In what ways can you set aside a Sabbath (or a day of rest) not just to stop working, but to intentionally focus on God?

• How might your walk with God change if you treated a Sabbath (or a day of rest) as a gift for renewal rather than an obligation needed to please God? 

Note: While Christians differ on how exactly the Sabbath command applies today, all agree that observing a day of rest is seen as wise. It offers spiritual and physical renewal through prayer, Scripture, and rest from work.