READ: Ex. 31:1–18: … Bezalel … wisdom … workmanship … Aholiab … According to all that I have commanded you they shall do … Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death … It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever … on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed …
The prohibition of work from Exodus 20:10 (the fourth commandment) is repeated here and further elaborated. It stands at the conclusion of the instructions for temple service and the construction of the tabernacle with all its furnishings.
By this the LORD emphasizes that even the building of the sanctuary must not violate the Sabbath rest. On that day all work must cease. It is a day of complete rest, holy to the LORD.
The Sabbath commandment is mentioned in several places, such as Exodus 23:12; 34:21; and 35:2–3. The LORD attaches great importance to its observance. Violation of it, by working on the Sabbath, is punishable by death.
The LORD regards the keeping of the Sabbath rest as a public sign of the holy covenant He has made with His people. This sign remains in force for all future generations (v.17). Service to Him and worship of Him are central in this covenant.
Moses also hears more from the LORD about the reason for the Sabbath: God Himself rested and was refreshed after His six-day creation. This also means that He delighted in His work. Humanity may and must now rest with Him, honor Him, and rejoice in Him as Creator.
Even now, the day of rest, as the New Testament Sabbath on the first day of the week, is a public sign of the covenant God has with His church. Let us cherish this sign and certainly not continue our daily work on that day. See how precious this day is to the LORD.
How do you spend Sunday outside the worship services?
Sing: Ps. 92:1–2