Topical Encyclopedia The concept of six working days is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is foundational to the understanding of time and labor in the Judeo-Christian tradition. This principle is established in the creation account and reiterated throughout Scripture, emphasizing the rhythm of work and rest ordained by God.Creation Account The pattern of six days of work followed by a day of rest is first introduced in the creation narrative found in the Book of Genesis. "And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished" (Genesis 2:3). Here, God sets a precedent by working for six days to create the heavens and the earth and then resting on the seventh day, establishing a divine model for human activity. The Fourth Commandment The six-day workweek is codified in the Ten Commandments, where God commands the Israelites to observe the Sabbath. "Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work" (Exodus 20:9-10). This commandment not only prescribes a day of rest but also implicitly ordains six days of labor, underscoring the importance of work in human life. Sabbath Observance The principle of six working days is further reinforced in the laws concerning the Sabbath. In Exodus 31:15, it is stated, "For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD." This reiteration highlights the sanctity of the Sabbath while affirming the expectation of diligent labor during the preceding six days. New Testament Affirmation The New Testament continues to reflect the six-day work principle, though with a focus on the spiritual rest found in Christ. Jesus Himself acknowledges the ongoing work of God, saying, "My Father is working until now, and I am working" (John 5:17). The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the value of labor, instructing believers to work diligently and not be idle (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Theological Implications The six-day workweek is not merely a legalistic requirement but carries profound theological significance. It reflects the order and purpose inherent in God's creation, where work is seen as a divine mandate and a means of participating in God's creative activity. The rhythm of work and rest serves as a reminder of human dependence on God and the ultimate rest found in Him. Practical Application In practical terms, the six-day work principle encourages a balanced approach to life, where work is valued and rest is honored. It calls believers to engage in their vocations with diligence and integrity, recognizing work as a form of worship and service to God. At the same time, it invites them to enter into the rest that God provides, both physically and spiritually, through the observance of the Sabbath and the rest found in Christ. The biblical mandate of six working days, therefore, remains a timeless principle that shapes the believer's understanding of work, rest, and the rhythm of life ordained by God. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 20:9Six days shall you labor, and do all your work: Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 46:1 Library The Sovereignty of God in Operation Six Years in North Bengal --Missionary and Indigo Planter A Day to be Remembered Fourth Commandment Carey's Last Days The Life of Adam Several Laws. Attitude of Men of the Present Day to War. From the Eleventh Chapter. Sovereignty of God in Administration Resources What is the Sabbath day? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Seventh-day Adventism (SDA), and what do Seventh-day Adventists believe? | GotQuestions.org What is the Lord's day? | GotQuestions.org Day: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Gladness Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Good Tidings Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day Which the Lord Has Made Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Good Day Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Solemn Day Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Adversity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Anger Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Calamity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Darkness Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Destruction Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Evil Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Slaughter Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of The Lord Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Trouble Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Vengeance Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Visitation Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Wrath Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of God's Power Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Redemption Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Salvation Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Visitation Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Break of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Decline of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Evening Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Morning Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Noon Day: Artificial, the Time of the Sun's Continuance Above The Day: Day's Journey, Eighteen or Twenty Miles Day: Divided Into Twelve Hours Day: Judgment: A Figure of Spiritual Illumination Day: Judgment: Called the Day of the Lord Day: Later Subdivided Into Twelve Hours Day: Made for the Glory of God Day: Natural, from Evening to Evening Day: Proclaims the Glory of God Day: Sabbath Day's Journey, About Two-Thousand Paces Day: Six Working Days Ordained Day: Sometimes Divided Into Four Parts Day: Succession of, Secured by Covenant Day: Th Sixth Day of the Week Called Preparation Day Day: The First Day of the Week Called the Lord's Day Day: Time of, Ascertained by the Dial Day: Times of Adversity Called Day of the Lord Related Terms Preparation-day (1 Occurrence) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) |