Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.
Work for six days, and on the seventh day you must rest. This way your ox and donkey can rest too, and your servants and foreigners living among you can be refreshed.
God is establishing a rhythm of work and rest that includes not just you, but also your animals, servants, and even foreigners in your community.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of Moses, God was giving the Israelites a set of laws to guide their new life as a free nation after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This specific command about resting on the seventh day was part of the broader Sabbath regulations, emphasizing not just personal rest but also care for animals, servants, and foreigners to promote justice and compassion in their community. It echoed God's own rest after creation, reminding the people of His provision and their dependence on Him.
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