Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 35:2 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Exodus 35:2 (KJV)
Exodus 35:2 is a key verse in the Old Testament, nestled within the broader context of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness and their preparations to build the Tabernacle. This chapter marks a significant moment in Israel’s history, as Moses, having received the law and instructions from God on Mount Sinai, calls the people to action. The specific command in Exodus 35:2 is part of a larger set of instructions regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place of God among His people.
Exodus 35:2 (KJV) reads:
“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.”
This verse, which addresses the observance of the Sabbath, is framed by Moses’ detailed instructions regarding the gathering of materials for the Tabernacle. In this setting, God’s law about the Sabbath takes on special significance. It is important to understand the significance of the Tabernacle and the laws surrounding it in the context of the covenant between God and Israel.
The Israelites were instructed to build the Tabernacle to be a place where God would dwell among them, and this construction would require both physical labor and spiritual devotion. However, God had also commanded a specific day of rest: the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 highlights the importance of honoring the Sabbath rest during this time of intensive work. Thus, this command does not simply emphasize the necessity of stopping work on the seventh day, but it also underscores God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life—including work and rest.
The Larger Context: The Call to Build the Tabernacle
In Exodus 35, Moses calls the people to bring materials for the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:4–9), and he also provides further instructions about how the work should be done (Exodus 35:10–29). Before the command in Exodus 35:2, Moses reminds the Israelites of the commandment to rest on the Sabbath. This was not just a break from work but a sacred time to focus on worship, acknowledge God’s sovereignty, and reflect on His covenant with them.
The Sabbath command, coming at this crucial moment of work on the Tabernacle, serves as a reminder that no work—no matter how sacred the task—should interfere with the time set aside for God. This principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining the spiritual rhythm of life, even when engaged in tasks of great importance, such as building a holy sanctuary.
The Meaning of Exodus 35:2
Exodus 35:2 is deeply significant because it combines two major biblical themes: the importance of the Sabbath and the necessity of sanctifying time. Let’s break down the meaning of this verse:
“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day…”
The first part of the verse underscores the regular work cycle of six days, followed by the seventh day of rest, as established in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:9-10). The command to work six days was not arbitrary; it mirrors God’s own work in creation. In Genesis 2:2, God worked for six days creating the world and then rested on the seventh. By following this rhythm, the Israelites were participating in the divine order of creation, aligning their lives with God’s pattern for the world.
The phrase “an holy day” is significant because it indicates that the Sabbath is not just a break from labor but a sacred, set-apart time. It is a day dedicated to God, to be spent in rest and worship. Unlike the other six days, which are meant for work and daily activities, the seventh day is consecrated as holy and meant to draw people closer to God.
“…a sabbath of rest to the Lord…”
This part of the verse emphasizes that the Sabbath is not merely a day for personal rest but a day dedicated to the Lord. It is a time to honor God, to remember His work in creation and redemption, and to rest in His provision. This highlights the centrality of God in the life of Israel and the importance of setting aside time to rest in His presence.
“…whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.”
The command to execute someone who works on the Sabbath may seem harsh, but it reflects the seriousness with which God views the observance of the Sabbath. In the Old Testament, laws were often enforced with severe penalties to underscore the holiness and importance of God’s commands. The Sabbath was meant to be a day of sacred rest, and any work that detracted from its holiness was seen as a direct violation of God’s law.
While the death penalty may not be applicable in the New Testament era, the seriousness of the command underscores the importance of honoring God’s time, especially when it comes to His appointed days of rest and worship. The Sabbath was not just a guideline but a divine command integral to the spiritual and social life of Israel.
Exodus 35:2 Application in Life
Exodus 35:2 holds several important applications for Christians today, even though it was given specifically to Israel in the context of their covenant with God. Let’s explore how the principles underlying this command can be applied to our modern lives:
The Rhythm of Work and Rest
Exodus 35:2 emphasizes the importance of balancing work with rest, a principle that remains relevant today. Many modern workers experience burnout and stress due to an unbalanced lifestyle that prioritizes work over rest. The command to rest on the Sabbath, though now fulfilled in Christ, teaches the principle of taking time to pause from our labors and reconnect with God.
For Christians, this rest is no longer confined to a specific day but can be found in the rhythm of life that includes regular times of worship, prayer, and reflection. The Sabbath rest points to a deeper spiritual truth: our work and labor are not ends in themselves but are meant to honor God. Rest is not just physical but also spiritual—taking time to pause and reflect on God’s provision, grace, and the work of Christ.
Holy Time Dedicated to God
Exodus 35:2 calls for the seventh day to be “an holy day,” which teaches us that not all time is the same in God’s eyes. Just as the Israelites were commanded to set aside the seventh day as holy, we, too, are called to dedicate certain times—whether weekly, daily, or annually—to God. This could take the form of regular church attendance, personal devotions, or simply times of quiet reflection where we acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives.
In a world that often rushes from one task to another, dedicating time to worship and reflect on God can serve as a powerful reminder of what is truly important. Even in the busyness of modern life, taking moments to pause and honor God reminds us of His central place in our lives.
The Seriousness of God’s Commands
The severity of the penalty for breaking the Sabbath in Exodus 35:2 shows how seriously God takes His commands. While we no longer live under the Old Covenant, the seriousness with which God regards our relationship with Him remains unchanged. The New Testament affirms that God is still a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) and desires that His people prioritize Him above all else.
This can be a convicting reminder for us today. Do we take God’s commands seriously? Do we honor Him with our time, making space for Him in our schedules, or are we too consumed by our work and the demands of the world?
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 35:2 relates to several other key biblical passages, especially concerning the Sabbath and the rhythm of work and rest.
The Creation Account: Genesis 2:2-3
The foundation of the Sabbath command is found in Genesis 2:2-3, where God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. The Sabbath is a divine institution that predates the Law given to Israel at Sinai. In Exodus 35:2, the people are reminded of the creation order, which sets the pattern for human life: six days of work, followed by a day of rest.
The Ten Commandments: Exodus 20:8-11
In Exodus 20:8-11, the commandment to keep the Sabbath is given as one of the Ten Commandments. Like Exodus 35:2, it emphasizes the holiness of the day and the requirement for rest. However, the Ten Commandments also point to the reason for the Sabbath rest: God rested on the seventh day after creation, and the Israelites are to remember that in their observance of the Sabbath.
Jesus’ Teaching on the Sabbath: Matthew 12:8
In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the Sabbath but also points to the deeper significance of the day. In Matthew 12:8, He declares, “For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.” Jesus’ teachings show that the Sabbath was not just a legalistic observance but a day meant to bring humanity into alignment with God’s will.
Hebrews 4:9-10
The book of Hebrews draws a theological connection between the Sabbath and the rest that believers find in Christ. Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a “rest” that remains for the people of God, which is ultimately found in salvation through Jesus. While the Sabbath rest in the Old Testament pointed to physical rest, the true “Sabbath rest” is found in spiritual peace with God through Christ.
Modern-Day Relevance of Exodus 35:2
Exodus 35:2 remains highly relevant in today’s world, despite the changes in how the Sabbath is observed under the New Covenant. The verse speaks to the need for spiritual rhythms that balance work with rest, for the importance of dedicating time to worship God, and for honoring the Lord’s commands in all areas of life.
In our fast-paced, 24/7 world, the principle of the Sabbath reminds us that rest is necessary—not just physically but spiritually. It calls us to step away from our work and distractions and make space to reconnect with God, reflect on His provision, and honor His sovereignty.
Conclusion
Exodus 35:2 teaches us timeless principles about work, rest, and holiness. It underscores the importance of honoring the rhythm of creation—six days of labor followed by a sacred day of rest dedicated to God. The verse calls us to prioritize our relationship with God and reminds us of the seriousness of following His commands. Though we are no longer bound by the Old Covenant law, the principle of Sabbath rest remains relevant, and Christians are called to find true rest in Christ while setting aside time for worship, reflection, and renewal. In all aspects of life, God desires that we honor Him and trust in His provision and sovereignty.
Exodus 35:2 Commentary
Exodus 35:2 calls the people of Israel to respect the Sabbath rest as part of the sacred process of building the Tabernacle. While they were engaged in holy work, they were not to neglect the holiness of the day. The command serves as a reminder that even sacred tasks, like the building of the Tabernacle, should not become an excuse to forsake the importance of God-centered rest. The verse also underscores the seriousness with which God regards His commands. The Israelites were not to treat the Sabbath lightly; it was integral to their covenant relationship with God.
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