It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever;This phrase emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites. The "sign" refers to the Sabbath, which serves as a perpetual reminder of God's creation and His special relationship with Israel. The concept of a sign is significant in biblical covenants, as seen with the rainbow in
Genesis 9:12-17, marking God's promise to Noah. The Sabbath as a sign underscores the distinct identity of Israel as God's chosen people, setting them apart from other nations. This perpetual sign is a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises and His faithfulness to His covenant people.
for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth,
This phrase affirms the biblical account of creation as described inGenesis 1. It underscores the belief in a literal six-day creation period, which is foundational to understanding the Sabbath. The reference to creation highlights God's sovereignty and power as the Creator of all things. It also establishes a pattern for human work and rest, reflecting God's own work in creation. The six-day creation is a cornerstone of biblical theology, affirming the intentional and purposeful act of God in bringing the universe into existence.
but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”
The seventh day, the Sabbath, is a day of rest, mirroring God's rest after creation. This rest is not due to fatigue but signifies completion and satisfaction in His work. The concept of rest is deeply rooted in the Hebrew word "Shabbat," meaning to cease or desist. The idea of God being "refreshed" is anthropomorphic, conveying the completeness and perfection of creation. This rest serves as a model for humanity, emphasizing the importance of rest and worship. The Sabbath rest also foreshadows the ultimate rest found in Jesus Christ, as described inHebrews 4:9-10, where believers enter into God's rest through faith in Christ's finished work.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and His role as the Creator.
2.
Heavens and the EarthRefers to the entirety of creation, highlighting God's sovereignty and power in creating all things.
3.
Six Days of CreationThe period during which God created the universe, as described in
Genesis 1.
4.
The Seventh DayThe day God rested, establishing the pattern for the Sabbath.
5.
Sabbath RestA day of rest instituted by God, serving as a sign of the covenant between Him and His people.
Teaching Points
The Importance of RestGod Himself rested, setting an example for us to follow. Rest is not just a physical necessity but a spiritual discipline.
The Sabbath as a SignThe Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant between God and His people, reminding us of His creation and redemption.
Creation's Order and PurposeThe six days of creation followed by a day of rest reflect God's order and purpose, encouraging us to live with intentionality and balance.
Spiritual RefreshmentJust as God was "refreshed," we too are called to find spiritual renewal in our rest, focusing on our relationship with God.
Observing the Sabbath TodayWhile the specific observance of the Sabbath may vary, the principle of setting aside time for rest and worship remains vital for our spiritual health.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 31:17?
2.How does Exodus 31:17 emphasize the importance of the Sabbath for believers today?
3.What does "a sign forever" in Exodus 31:17 teach about God's covenants?
4.How can we apply the concept of rest from Exodus 31:17 in our lives?
5.How does Exodus 31:17 connect to the creation account in Genesis?
6.Why is it important to remember God's rest as mentioned in Exodus 31:17?
7.How does Exodus 31:17 support the concept of a literal six-day creation?
8.Why is the Sabbath described as a perpetual covenant in Exodus 31:17?
9.What does Exodus 31:17 reveal about God's relationship with Israel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 31?
11.What events occur in the biblical book of Exodus?
12.How does the presence of vestigial structures (e.g., the human appendix, whale pelvis) fit with the idea of intentional design?
13.What did the Ark of the Covenant contain?
14.Exodus 31:16–17 – If the Sabbath was meant as a permanent covenant sign “forever,” why do so many believers worship on Sunday instead?What Does Exodus 31:17 Mean
It is a sign“ ‘It is a sign …’ ” (Exodus 31:17)
• Scripture calls the Sabbath a visible, tangible marker. Just as the rainbow signals God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:12-13) and the unleavened bread signals deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 13:9), the weekly Sabbath signals the unique relationship between God and His people (Ezekiel 20:12).
• A sign points beyond itself. Every sunset that ushers in the Sabbath whispers, “God keeps His promises.”
• Its regular rhythm keeps divine truth before human eyes, preventing forgetfulness (Deuteronomy 6:12).
Between Me and the Israelites“ ‘…between Me and the Israelites …’ ”
• The covenant rests on a personal pronoun: “Me.” God Himself is the initiator, not a distant force (Exodus 19:4-6).
• “The Israelites” refers to the nation He redeemed (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). By extension, Gentile believers who are grafted into the covenant people (Romans 11:17) cherish the same Lord.
• Relationship, not ritual for ritual’s sake, is at the heart of the Sabbath (Isaiah 58:13-14).
Forever“ ‘…forever …’ ”
• The word leaves no gap or expiration date. God means for the Sabbath to carry through every generation (Exodus 31:16).
• Isaiah foresees worship “from one Sabbath to another” in the new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 66:22-23).
• Hebrews affirms “a Sabbath rest for the people of God” that extends into eternity (Hebrews 4:9-11). The weekly rest anticipates the ultimate, unending rest believers will enjoy in Christ (Revelation 14:13).
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth“ ‘For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth …’ ”
• The creation account (Genesis 1) is presented as literal history. God’s workweek sets the prototype for the human week (Exodus 20:11).
• Recognizing His six-day creative act guards the Sabbath from being merely cultural; it is rooted in cosmic reality (Nehemiah 9:6).
• Creation links worship with wonder: every Sabbath recalls the vast skill and power of the Maker (Psalm 19:1-2).
But on the seventh day He rested“ ‘…but on the seventh day He rested …’ ”
• “Rested” describes cessation, not weariness. God finished His creative activity (Genesis 2:2) and set the day apart.
• The Sabbath therefore celebrates finished work—first in creation, later in redemption when Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
• Jesus affirmed the Sabbath’s benevolent purpose: “The Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27), underscoring its gift-nature.
And was refreshed“ ‘…and was refreshed.’ ”
• The wording pictures divine delight and satisfaction, not exhaustion (Isaiah 40:28). God takes joy in His completed work (Genesis 1:31).
• The Sabbath invites humanity to share that refreshment—renewed perspective, renewed strength, renewed fellowship (Psalm 23:2-3).
• True refreshment flourishes when people stop striving and trust the God who provides (Matthew 11:28-29).
summaryExodus 31:17 places the Sabbath at the intersection of creation, covenant, and communion. God established a weekly, perpetual sign to remind His people that:
• He alone is Creator, completing the universe in six literal days.
• They belong exclusively to Him, set apart from the nations.
• Rest is His gracious gift, offering delight and refreshment now and foreshadowing eternal rest in His presence. Keeping the Sabbath, therefore, is less about rule-keeping and more about relationship-keeping—honoring the God who both worked and rested for our good and His glory.
(17)
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth.--Whatever other grounds there were for Sabbath observance, this idea always lay at its root. Man was through it to be made like unto his Maker--to have from time to time a rest from his labours, as God had had (
Genesis 2:2-3)--and thereby to realise the blessedness of that final rest which he may be sure "remaineth for the people of God."
Verse 17. -It is a sign. See above, ver. 13.For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth. See the comment on Exodus 20:11.And was refreshed. Literally," and took breath." The metaphor is a bold one, but not bolder than others which occur in holy scripture (Psalm 44:23;Psalm 78:65). It does but carry out a little further the idea implied in God's "resting." We cannot speak of any of God's acts or attributes without anthropomorphisms. CHAPTER 31:18
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
It
הִ֖וא(hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, are
is a sign
א֥וֹת(’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 226:A signal, as a, flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence
between
בֵּינִ֗י(bê·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 996:An interval, space between
Me and the Israelites
בְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son
forever;
לְעֹלָ֑ם(lə·‘ō·lām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769:Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always
for
כִּי־(kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction
in six
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת(šê·šeṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8337:Six (a cardinal number)
days
יָמִ֗ים(yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A day
the LORD
יְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
made
עָשָׂ֤ה(‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make
the heavens
הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם(haš·šā·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064:Heaven, sky
and the earth,
הָאָ֔רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land
but on the seventh
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י(haš·šə·ḇî·‘î)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 7637:Seventh (an ordinal number)
day
וּבַיּוֹם֙(ū·ḇay·yō·wm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A day
He rested
שָׁבַ֖ת(šā·ḇaṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7673:To repose, desist from exertion
and was refreshed.’”
וַיִּנָּפַֽשׁ׃(way·yin·nā·p̄aš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5314:To breathe, refreshed
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OT Law: Exodus 31:17 It is a sign between me (Exo. Ex)
