Deuteronomy 5:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 5:14
14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 5 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, holiness, judgment. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 5:14
14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
Analysis
The Sabbath command extends rest to 'thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger.' This comprehensive inclusivity demonstrates covenant compassion—even slaves, foreigners, and animals must rest. The prohibition of work extends to subordinates under one's authority, preventing exploitation. This verse reveals God's concern for the vulnerable and Creation-wide scope of Sabbath blessing. The Reformed tradition sees this as establishing principles of humane labor practices, concern for workers' wellbeing, and rest as universal human right, not class privilege.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern societies had no concept of universal rest—slaves and servants worked continuously. Israel's Sabbath was revolutionary in mandating rest for all: family, servants, foreigners residing among them, and even livestock. The Year of Jubilee extended this principle, freeing Hebrew slaves and returning ancestral lands (Leviticus 25). These laws demonstrated Israel's calling to model justice, mercy, and compassion flowing from covenant relationship with Yahweh.
Reflection
- How does the universal scope of Sabbath rest (including servants, foreigners, animals) demonstrate God's compassion for all creation?
- What principles can Christians draw from this command regarding humane labor practices, rest, and care for those under our authority or employ?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Genesis 2:2, Hebrews 4:4
- Parallel theme: Exodus 23:12