Exodus 31:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever.

NIV: The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant.

NASB: So the sons of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to celebrate the Sabbath throughout their generations as a permanent covenant.’

CSB: The Israelites must observe the Sabbath, celebrating it throughout their generations as a permanent covenant.

NLT: The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time.

KJV: Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.

NKJV: Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.

Exodus 31:12–17 emphasizes the importance of Israel honoring the Sabbath day. This will remind Israel of their relationship to the Lord. Sabbath-keeping is also an obvious sign to the rest of the world. Under the laws of ancient Israel, disrespecting the Sabbath could be punishable by death.

God assigns Bezalel and Oholiab as master craftsmen to build the tabernacle and its accessories. They will work with other skilled laborers to make each item precisely as the Lord has commanded (Exodus 25—29). God completes His initial declaration of the covenant with a reminder about the Sabbath. Insulting the Sabbath command is punishable by death. As promised (Exodus 24:12), Moses is given two stone tablets recording the covenant.

For several chapters (Exodus 25—29), God has explained how Israel is to prepare His sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). Objects like the ark (Exodus 25:10), menorah (Exodus 25:31), and altars (Exodus 27:1; 30:1) will require great skill to make. The men charged with this task are not only highly skilled but specifically appointed and equipped by God. Moses brings two tablets from Sinai; these record the covenant. When he returns to the camp, Moses finds Israel deep in idolatry (Exodus 32:1). In a rage, he will smash these original tablets (Exodus 32:19).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/9/2025 8:12:38 PM