What is the meaning of Exodus 35:2? For six days work may be done God’s own Creation pattern sets a six-day rhythm of productive labor (Genesis 1; 2:15). Exodus 20:9 restates it: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work.” Scripture views work as good stewardship, not drudgery. • It provides for our households (Proverbs 12:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). • It serves the common good (Ephesians 4:28). • It mirrors God’s diligence while acknowledging our human limits (Psalm 127:1-2). By commanding six days of activity, the Lord legitimizes honest industry yet sets a boundary so it never becomes an idol (Matthew 6:24). but the seventh day shall be your holy day “Holy” means set apart for God’s special purposes (Leviticus 20:26). The seventh day—first blessed and sanctified in Genesis 2:3—was given to Israel as a covenant sign (Exodus 31:13, 17). • It interrupts routine to realign hearts with their Maker (Deuteronomy 5:15). • It highlights that identity comes from God’s redemption, not personal output (Exodus 19:4-6). Jesus affirmed the day’s benevolent intent: “The Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27). Though the new-covenant believer is not under Mosaic civil law (Colossians 2:16-17), the principle of dedicating time to God endures (Hebrews 4:9-10). a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD Exodus 16:23 calls it “a Sabbath, a holy Sabbath to the LORD.” Rest here is not passive loafing but active worship—ceasing ordinary work so attention turns God-ward. • Physical pause: laying down tools, screens, and schedules (Jeremiah 17:22). • Spiritual focus: assembling with God’s people (Leviticus 23:3; Acts 20:7), hearing His Word (Luke 4:16), and delighting in Him (Isaiah 58:13-14). • Faith lesson: trusting His provision when we do nothing to earn it (Exodus 16:22-30; Matthew 6:33). The day foreshadows the ultimate “Sabbath rest” enjoyed eternally with Christ (Hebrews 4:3-11; Revelation 14:13). Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death The death penalty shows the Sabbath’s covenant gravity for Israel’s theocracy. Numbers 15:32-36 records it enforced. Such severity underscores: • God’s absolute holiness (Leviticus 10:3). • Sin’s lethal wages (Romans 6:23). • Humanity’s need for an atoning Substitute. Under the new covenant, Christ bore the law’s curse for us (Galatians 3:13). While the civil penalty no longer applies (John 1:17), the warning reveals how seriously God defends His worship (Hebrews 10:28-29). Persistent disregard still deadens hearts and invites discipline (1 Corinthians 11:30-32). summary Exodus 35:2 anchors life in a God-given rhythm: six days of diligent labor followed by one day wholly devoted to Him. Work is dignified; the Sabbath is sanctified. Rest is meant for worshipful delight and trust, pointing to the ultimate rest secured by Christ. Though the Mosaic penalty is fulfilled in Him, the passage still calls believers to honor God’s pattern, guarding time for worship, refreshment, and faith. |
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