Exodus 35:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 35:2
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 35 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, worship, mercy. 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 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 35:2
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.
Analysis
The Sabbath command precedes tabernacle construction, establishing that even the holiest work must not violate God's rest principle. The Hebrew structure emphasizes 'six days' (שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים, sheshet yamim) for work and 'the seventh day' (הַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי, ha-yom ha-shevi'i) as קֹדֶשׁ (kodesh, holy) to the LORD. This order of priorities teaches that worship precedes work, being precedes doing, and relationship with God supersedes even building His dwelling place.
Historical Context
This reiteration of Sabbath law (see 31:12-17) was necessary because tabernacle construction might tempt workers to labor continuously. Ancient Near Eastern temple construction often involved relentless work, but Israel's pattern distinctly honors sacred rest.
Reflection
- Why does God place Sabbath-keeping before the most sacred work of building His dwelling?
- How does the principle of rest before work challenge contemporary approaches to ministry and Christian service?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6944 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- Holy: Leviticus 23:3
- Parallel theme: Exodus 23:12, 34:21