Six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse declares that the Sabbath is "holy to the LORD," emphasizing its sacredness above even the urgent work of building the Tabernacle. It underscores that this day of rest is not a mere human decree, but a divine command where the honor of God's appointed rest supersedes all other duties.
Six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Right after God gave the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, Moses reiterates a crucial command: the Sabbath. This reminder is placed before the Israelites are asked to contribute materials or labor, emphasizing that even the sacred work of building God's dwelling was subordinate to the observance of the holy day. Any work on the Sabbath, even for the Tabernacle itself, carried the severe penalty of death, highlighting its paramount importance.
Imagine being told to build God's dwelling place, but then being reminded that even that sacred task must pause for the Sabbath. How could such a command be understood?
This passage places the Sabbath command right before the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle. Notice that the text clearly states:
The penalty for working on the Sabbath in this verse is stark and severe. What does this extreme consequence reveal about God's heart concerning the Sabbath?
The text doesn't mince words: 'Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.' This powerful statement serves several critical purposes:
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Understand the original words
shabbat · Hebrew Noun
A period of cessation from ordinary labor; established by God at creation and codified in the Decalogue, it signifies rest, worship, and recognition of God as Creator and Redeemer.
shabbathon · Hebrew Noun
A state of complete cessation of activity or toil, meant to provide physical and spiritual refreshment in connection with the Sabbath observance.
qodesh · Hebrew Adjective
Set apart, consecrated, or made distinct for God's exclusive use; it describes God's nature and anything or anyone dedicated to His service.
This passage establishes the original pattern of Sabbath rest, showing it's a divine institution rooted in creation, not just a Mosaic law. It highlights the holiness God imbued in the seventh day from the very beginning.
Exodus 31:12-17This passage directly parallels Exodus 35:2, reinforcing the Sabbath commandment's significance, especially in the context of the Tabernacle's construction. It emphasizes the perpetual nature of the covenant sign the Sabbath represents.
Deuteronomy 5:12-15This retelling of the Ten Commandments frames the Sabbath not just as a remembrance of creation, but as a memorial of Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt. It connects Sabbath rest to freedom and God's redemptive work.
Isaiah 58:13-14This prophetic passage offers a glimpse into the *purpose* of Sabbath observance, calling it a delight and a day for honoring the Lord. It shifts the focus from mere prohibition to joyful participation in God's rhythm.
Mark 2:27-28Jesus' teaching here reorients the Sabbath's meaning, stating that 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.' This highlights that the core principle is human well-being and connection with God, not rigid legalism.
cambridgeExodus 35:2: "Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death."
2 . an holy day ] Heb. holiness (without ‘day’). Probably ḳôdesh has been accidentally transposed; and we should read, as in Exodus 31:15 , a sabbath of entire rest, holy to Jehovah . For ‘entire rest,’ see on Exodus 16:23 .
wesleyExodus 35:2: "Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death."
35:2 Six days shall work be done - Work for the tabernacle, but on the seventh day - You must not strike a stroke, no not at the tabernacle - work; the honour of the sabbath was above that of the sanctuary.
This verse declares that the Sabbath is "holy to the LORD," emphasizing its sacredness above even the urgent work of building the Tabernacle. It underscores that this day of rest is not a mere human decree, but a divine command where the honor of God's appointed rest supersedes all other duties.
Right after God gave the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, Moses reiterates a crucial command: the Sabbath. This reminder is placed before the Israelites are asked to contribute materials or labor, emphasizing that even the sacred work of building God's dwelling was subordinate to the observance of the holy day. Any work on the Sabbath, even for the Tabernacle itself, carried the severe penalty of death, highlighting its paramount importance.
Right after God gave the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, Moses reiterates a crucial command: the Sabbath. This reminder is placed before the Israelites are asked to contribute materials or labor, emphasizing that even the sacred work of building God's dwelling was subordinate to the observance of the holy day. Any work on the Sabbath, even for the Tabernacle itself, carried the severe penalty of death, highlighting its paramount importance.
"Six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death." — This verse declares that the Sabbath is "holy to the LORD," emphasizing its sacredness above even the urgent work of building the Tabernacle. It underscores that this day of rest is not a mere human…
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Last reviewed October 2026