Exodus 20:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 20:9
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Chapter Context
Exodus 20 is a legal covenant chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, prayer, sacrifice. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
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 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it presents the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) as the cornerstone of biblical law. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 20:9
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Analysis
Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
The Sabbath command begins with permission to work—'six days shalt thou labour' (שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תַּעֲבֹד, sheshet yamim ta'avod). Work isn't curse but calling; labor has dignity. The rhythm is six-then-one, work-then-rest, mirroring Creation's pattern. 'All thy work' (כָּל־מְלַאכְתֶּךָ, kol-melakhtekha) means complete your tasks in six days—the Sabbath isn't catch-up day but genuine rest. This sanctifies ordinary labor: the six days of work are as commanded as the seventh day of rest. God ordains both work and rest; both glorify Him. Secular/sacred divide collapses—plowing and praying, building and Bible-reading, all done unto the Lord.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, continuous labor with no regular rest was common, especially for slaves. God's command to work six days and rest one protected workers from endless toil while dignifying labor itself.
Reflection
- How does this command dignify ordinary work as God-ordained, not just 'ministry' work?
- What does completing your work in six days teach about diligence and trust?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 23:12, 34:21, 35:2, Leviticus 23:3, Luke 13:14