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.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
While it points to God's creation rest, the verse also highlights that God "was refreshed" – a metaphor showing He delighted in His finished work. This means the Sabbath isn't just about stopping labor, but about pausing to appreciate the goodness God has made.
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.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After giving detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, God emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath, calling it an eternal sign between Him and Israel. This command appears immediately after the construction plans, highlighting that even sacred work doesn't override the weekly day of rest. The Sabbath is presented as a commemoration of God's own rest after creating the heavens and the earth in six days.
The Bible says God 'rested and was refreshed' on the seventh day. What does this really mean for an all-powerful Creator?
When we read that God 'rested' on the seventh day, it's easy to imagine Him as tired, like we get after a long week. But the original Hebrew language and the context here show us something different.
A Divine Pause
God's 'rest' wasn't about being weary or needing to recover. He is God; He doesn't get tired! Instead, His rest signifies the completion and perfection of His creative work. Think of it like an artist stepping back to admire a finished masterpiece, not because they're exhausted, but because the work is done and it's good.
Delight in Creation
The phrase 'was refreshed' also points to God's deep satisfaction and pleasure in what He had made. Everything was 'very good' (Genesis 1:31). This rest and refreshment are a model for us, inviting us to pause, to appreciate God's work, and to find our own refreshment in Him.
Why did God make the Sabbath a sign 'forever' between Him and Israel? What does this enduring sign point to?
Exodus 31:17 explicitly calls the Sabbath a 'sign between me and the people of Israel for ever.' This wasn't just a rule; it was a deep, covenantal marker.
A Distinctive Identity
For Israel, keeping the Sabbath set them apart. It was a constant reminder of their unique relationship with the LORD, the Creator of all things. It distinguished them from the nations around them, who often worshipped created things rather than the Creator.
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Echoes of Eternity
While the verse points to the beginning of creation, its 'forever' nature also points forward. For believers today, the Sabbath finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. He is our rest, our ultimate Creator and Redeemer. The Sabbath becomes a sign pointing to that deeper, eternal rest we have in Him, a rest that transcends the original physical day.
Understand the original words
oth · Hebrew Noun
A visible token, mark, or evidence appointed by God to serve as a reminder or pledge of His covenantal promises and relationship with His people.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel; it signifies His eternal self-existence, faithfulness, and holiness as the Creator and Redeemer.
shabath · Hebrew Verb
To cease from labor or activity; in a theological sense, it describes God's cessation from the work of creation, establishing a pattern for human rhythm of work and rest.
naphash · Hebrew Verb
To catch one's breath or recover strength; used metaphorically of God, it denotes the satisfaction and delight taken in the completion of His creative work.
This passage directly narrates God's rest on the seventh day after creation, establishing the foundational example that Exodus 31:17 references as the reason for the Sabbath.
Hebrews 4:4-10This New Testament passage connects God's original rest after creation to the spiritual rest believers enter into through Christ, highlighting the enduring significance of the Sabbath concept beyond a mere day of rest.
John 5:16-18This passage shows Jesus being accused of breaking the Sabbath, illustrating the intense focus on Sabbath observance among the Israelites and setting up a contrast with Jesus' understanding of the Sabbath's true purpose, which is rooted in God's work and rest.
Isaiah 58:13-14This passage describes the blessings of honoring the Sabbath, showing it not just as a sign of creation but as a way to find delight and honor from God, thus adding a dimension of spiritual blessing to the observance.
gillExodus 31:17: "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."
It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever,.... In like sense as the land of Canaan was given them for an everlasting possession; and the covenant of circumcision, and the ordinance of the passover, and the fast on the day of atonement, were for ever; that is, unto the end of the Jewish world and state,…
wesleyExodus 31:17: "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."
31:17 On the seventh day he rested - And as the work of creation is worthy to be thus commemorated, so the great Creator is worthy to be thus imitated, by a holy rest the seventh day.
While it points to God's creation rest, the verse also highlights that God "was refreshed" – a metaphor showing He delighted in His finished work. This means the Sabbath isn't just about stopping labor, but about pausing to appreciate the goodness God has made.
After giving detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, God emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath, calling it an eternal sign between Him and Israel. This command appears immediately after the construction plans, highlighting that even sacred work doesn't override the weekly day of rest. The Sabbath is presented as a commemoration of God's own rest after creating the heavens and the earth in six days.
After giving detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, God emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath, calling it an eternal sign between Him and Israel. This command appears immediately after the construction plans, highlighting that even sacred work doesn't override the weekly day of rest. The Sabbath is presented as a commemoration of God's own rest after creating the heavens and the earth in six days.
"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.’”" — While it points to God's creation rest, the verse also highlights that God "was refreshed" – a metaphor showing He delighted in His finished work. This means the Sabbath isn't just about stopping l…
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Last reviewed October 2026