Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
Work can be done for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath, a day of rest that is holy to the LORD. Anyone who does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death.
God is establishing that the Sabbath day must be completely set apart for rest and worship, with severe consequences for breaking this command.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context of Exodus, God was giving detailed laws to the Israelites after their deliverance from Egyptian slavery, where they endured relentless labor without rest, to establish a rhythm of work and sacred rest. This verse is part of the instructions for the Tabernacle and reinforces the Sabbath as a holy day of complete cessation from work, symbolizing God's rest after creation and serving as a sign of the covenant at Mount Sinai. It highlights the cultural transition from oppression under Pharaoh to a structured community under God's authority, emphasizing obedience to maintain their identity as His people.
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