Exodus 31:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’"

NIV: It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’ "

NASB: It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.'

CSB: It is a sign forever between me and the Israelites, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed."

NLT: It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’'

KJV: 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.

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

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.