What is the meaning of Exodus 31:17? It is a sign “ ‘It is a sign …’ ” (Exodus 31:17) • Scripture calls the Sabbath a visible, tangible marker. Just as the rainbow signals God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:12-13) and the unleavened bread signals deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 13:9), the weekly Sabbath signals the unique relationship between God and His people (Ezekiel 20:12). • A sign points beyond itself. Every sunset that ushers in the Sabbath whispers, “God keeps His promises.” • Its regular rhythm keeps divine truth before human eyes, preventing forgetfulness (Deuteronomy 6:12). Between Me and the Israelites “ ‘…between Me and the Israelites …’ ” • The covenant rests on a personal pronoun: “Me.” God Himself is the initiator, not a distant force (Exodus 19:4-6). • “The Israelites” refers to the nation He redeemed (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). By extension, Gentile believers who are grafted into the covenant people (Romans 11:17) cherish the same Lord. • Relationship, not ritual for ritual’s sake, is at the heart of the Sabbath (Isaiah 58:13-14). Forever “ ‘…forever …’ ” • The word leaves no gap or expiration date. God means for the Sabbath to carry through every generation (Exodus 31:16). • Isaiah foresees worship “from one Sabbath to another” in the new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 66:22-23). • Hebrews affirms “a Sabbath rest for the people of God” that extends into eternity (Hebrews 4:9-11). The weekly rest anticipates the ultimate, unending rest believers will enjoy in Christ (Revelation 14:13). For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth “ ‘For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth …’ ” • The creation account (Genesis 1) is presented as literal history. God’s workweek sets the prototype for the human week (Exodus 20:11). • Recognizing His six-day creative act guards the Sabbath from being merely cultural; it is rooted in cosmic reality (Nehemiah 9:6). • Creation links worship with wonder: every Sabbath recalls the vast skill and power of the Maker (Psalm 19:1-2). But on the seventh day He rested “ ‘…but on the seventh day He rested …’ ” • “Rested” describes cessation, not weariness. God finished His creative activity (Genesis 2:2) and set the day apart. • The Sabbath therefore celebrates finished work—first in creation, later in redemption when Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). • Jesus affirmed the Sabbath’s benevolent purpose: “The Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27), underscoring its gift-nature. And was refreshed “ ‘…and was refreshed.’ ” • The wording pictures divine delight and satisfaction, not exhaustion (Isaiah 40:28). God takes joy in His completed work (Genesis 1:31). • The Sabbath invites humanity to share that refreshment—renewed perspective, renewed strength, renewed fellowship (Psalm 23:2-3). • True refreshment flourishes when people stop striving and trust the God who provides (Matthew 11:28-29). summary Exodus 31:17 places the Sabbath at the intersection of creation, covenant, and communion. God established a weekly, perpetual sign to remind His people that: • He alone is Creator, completing the universe in six literal days. • They belong exclusively to Him, set apart from the nations. • Rest is His gracious gift, offering delight and refreshment now and foreshadowing eternal rest in His presence. Keeping the Sabbath, therefore, is less about rule-keeping and more about relationship-keeping—honoring the God who both worked and rested for our good and His glory. |
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