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Book of Exodus - Chapter 31 - Verse 15

31:15
Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Meaning

The verse 'Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.' emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath day as a day of rest and worship. In the Jewish tradition, the Sabbath, or Shabbat, begins at sundown on Friday evening and ends at nightfall on Saturday. It is considered a holy day, set aside for spiritual reflection, prayer, and spending time with family and community. The commandment to rest on the Sabbath is seen as a way to honor and remember God's creation of the world in six days and His resting on the seventh day. By refraining from work on the Sabbath, individuals demonstrate their trust in God's provision and sovereignty over their lives. The consequence of death for those who violate the Sabbath serves as a stern reminder of the seriousness of this commandment in the eyes of God.

Theological Overview

This verse from Exodus 31:15 emphasizes the importance of honoring the Sabbath day as a day of rest and worship. The theological interpretation of this verse is grounded in the belief that the Sabbath is a holy day set apart by God for His people. By abstaining from work on the seventh day, individuals are showing their dedication and obedience to the Lord. The word "rest" in this verse carries the connotation of not only physical rest but also spiritual renewal and connection with God. The severity of the consequences outlined in the verse for those who violate the Sabbath underscores the significance of this commandment in the eyes of God. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the meaning of key terms such as "holy" and "rest," shedding light on the rich theological implications of this verse. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder to prioritize worship and rest in our lives, recognizing the sacredness of the Sabbath day as a gift from God.

American Standard Version

Six days shall work be done; but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Jehovah; whosoever doeth any work on the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
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