What does "a sign between Me and them" reveal about God's covenant? The Context of the Sign • Ezekiel 20:12, “Moreover, I gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between Me and them, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.” • God speaks to exiled Israel, reminding them that the Sabbath is not merely a day off but a covenant marker, originating in Exodus 31:13–17. What the Sign Reveals about God’s Covenant • Identity of the Covenant Maker – The sign anchors Israel’s awareness that “I am the LORD.” Covenant is rooted in the character of Yahweh, the self-existent, faithful God (Exodus 3:14). • Ownership and Belonging – “Between Me and them” declares divine possession. Israel is God’s treasured people (Deuteronomy 7:6). • Sanctification – “Who sanctifies them.” God Himself sets His people apart; holiness is granted, not earned (Leviticus 20:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). • Perpetual Reminder – A weekly rhythm prevents forgetfulness. Each Sabbath rehearses creation’s pattern (Exodus 31:17) and redemption’s purpose (Deuteronomy 5:15). • Continuity through Generations – The sign is “for the generations to come” (Exodus 31:13). Covenant faithfulness spans family lines and centuries (Psalm 103:17-18). • Rest and Freedom – The covenant offers rest from labor and from slavery’s memory, anticipating ultimate rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10). • Exclusivity and Loyalty – Keeping the sign separates Israel from surrounding nations; it rejects idolatry (Ezekiel 20:16). Covenant loyalty is visible and public. Other Scriptural Signs and Their Parallels • Rainbow: universal covenant with Noah, promising preservation (Genesis 9:12-13). • Circumcision: Abrahamic covenant, marking bodily identity (Genesis 17:11). • Passover Blood: sign of deliverance for households in Egypt (Exodus 12:13). • The Lord’s Supper: new-covenant memorial of Christ’s sacrifice (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25). These signs, like the Sabbath, are tangible tokens validating God’s spoken promises. Implications for Believers Today • God still ties His promises to visible, practical expressions; obedience manifests covenant reality (John 14:21). • Rest remains central to the gospel: ceasing from self-reliance and trusting Christ’s finished work (Matthew 11:28-30). • Corporate worship sets apart God’s people, testifying publicly that He alone is Lord (Hebrews 10:24-25). Summary Statements • “A sign between Me and them” proclaims divine ownership, ongoing sanctification, and the unbreakable bond of covenant love. • God graciously gives outward signs so His people continually remember inward truths and live in the freedom He provides. |
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