Day 13: Exodus 31:12-18
Read Exodus 31:12-18
Helpful Background Information:
This passage is another Sabbath command, but given in more detail than seen with the Ten Commandments. The likely reason why God re-emphasized the Sabbath command is that God had just given the instructions for the tabernacle - the place of worship for the Israelites. As stated earlier, the sabbath was crucial for the spiritual health of the Israelites, who had a full day to focus on loving and worshipping God in their hearts. If the sabbath were not properly observed, then worship in the tabernacle would not properly take place.
What is important to emphasize about this particular Sabbath command is God’s announcement that the keeping of the Sabbath will be a sign of the covenant he had made with the Israelites. The command to rest reminded the Israelites that God was the creator of the universe who rested from his finished work of creation, and that he was their great redeemer who rescued them from their back-breaking work in Egypt. And as will be seen later, the Sabbath pointed forward to the eternal rest that would be given later in Christ alone (Heb. 4). The Sabbath, then, had great spiritual significance, which set apart the Israelites from the nations around them - it was a sign that showed the world that Yahweh was their God.
Reflection Questions:
At first glance, these words sound startling. Why would God call for such harsh punishments for those who break the Sabbath? Why do you think this was so important to Him? What would happen to a people who didn’t take this day of rest seriously? (i.e., Overwork, unfair employee expectations, etc.)
God likely re-emphasized the Sabbath command so that the Israelites’ hearts would be in the right place when they worshipped publicly. How would taking a sabbath rest to refocus on God enrich and aid your worship at church?
In what ways does observing the Sabbath (or setting aside intentional time for rest and worship) set you apart as God’s people, just as it set apart the Israelites? How can the Sabbath be a witness to others in our busy world?