Exodus 31:17

Translations

Modern

It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”

Traditional

It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Literal

It is a sign between Me and between the sons of Israel forever; for in six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”

Latin

…inter me et filios Israël, signumque perpetuum; sex enim diebus fecit Dominus cælum et terram, et in septimo ab opere cessavit.

Original

Hebrew

English

It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”

Notes

Exodus 31:12–18

The Sabbath was understood to be the unique sign of the covenant (31:13, 16, 17; see also 20:8–11; Isaiah 58:13–14; Jeremiah 17:21–27; Nehemiah 13:15–22). The Sabbath also played an important role in God’s plan to make his people holy. Holy refers to being set apart for God’s special use and sharing his character (Exodus 31:13, 14, 15).

By resting on the Sabbath, the people showed that they belonged to him. They stopped their own work on that day (31:15, 17).

This rest was also a practical way to show trust in God. It showed that they depended on him to provide what they needed (see 20:8–11 and study notes).

Theme notes and profiles

Pure Worship Temple Design as a Picture of God's Truth

Events

Tabernacle Built

Related verses

Exodus 31:13
“Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.
Genesis 1:31
And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
Genesis 2:2–3
And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work.
Ezekiel 20:12
I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
Hebrews 4:10
For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His.
Ezekiel 20:20
Keep My Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us, so that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’
Hebrews 4:3–4
Now we who have believed enter that rest. As for the others, it is just as God has said: “So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’” And yet His works have been finished since the foundation of the world.
Jeremiah 32:41
Yes, I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul.
Psalm 104:31
May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in His works.
Job 38:7
…while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Parallels

Numbers 15:32–36

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Feasts and Festivals of Israel History of Israel Sabbath Tabernacle

Topics

Anthropomorphisms: Miscellaneous Acts and States of Mind Attributed to Resting Anthropomorphisms: Miscellaneous Figures Creation: Effected in Six Normal Days Fatigue Sabbath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Sanitation: Rest Commanded The Sabbath: A Sign of the Covenant The Sabbath: Observance of, to be Perpetual Token: The Sabbath Day

Exodus 31:17

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