Exodus 16:30
So the people rested on the seventh day.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁבְּת֥וּ
rested
H7673
וַיִּשְׁבְּת֥וּ
rested
Strong's:
H7673
Word #:
1 of 4
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
הָעָ֖ם
So the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
So the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 4
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
This successful Sabbath observance established a pattern that continued throughout wilderness wandering and became one of Israel's defining practices as God's covenant people.
Questions for Reflection
- What enables the shift from Sabbath-breaking to Sabbath-keeping in your spiritual life?
- How does physical rest on the seventh day picture spiritual rest in Christ's finished work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
So the people rested on the seventh day—Finally, Israel obeys. The Hebrew שָׁבַת (shavat, 'ceased, rested') indicates they stopped gathering and trusted God's provision. This corporate rest after initial resistance shows grace's triumph over rebellion. The simplicity of this statement contrasts with previous conflicts, showing obedience brings peace. This Sabbath rest prefigures the rest believers enter through Christ (Heb 4:3): 'we which have believed do enter into rest.' The people's rest on the seventh day anticipates the eternal rest awaiting God's people (Heb 4:9). Israel's physical rest from manna-gathering pictures spiritual rest from works-righteousness—trusting Christ's completed redemption.