Matthew Henry on Exodus 31:12-17

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Orders were now given that a tabernacle should be set up for the service of God. But they must not think that the nature of the work, and the haste that was required, would justify them in working at it on sabbath days.

The Hebrew word /shabath/ signifies rest, or ceasing from labour. The thing signified by the sabbath is that rest in glory which remains for the people of God; therefore the moral obligation of the sabbath must continue, till time is swallowed up in eternity.

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commentaryThe Observance of the Sabbath. (b. c. 1491.)THE OBSERVANCE OF THE SABBATH. (B. C. 1491.) Here is, I. A strict command for the sanctification of the sabbath day, Exodus 31:13-17. The law of the sabbath had been given them before any other law, by was of preparatio…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:12Bezaleel and Aholiab. The calling of these two craftsmen for the work of the sanctuary, and the statement concerning Bezaleel that Jehovah had "filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:12-18The Sabbath. If this prohibition to work upon the Sabbath is introduced, as probably it is, lest the people, in their zeal for the service of the sanctuary, should be tempted to infringe upon the holy day, it has certai…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:13-17Covenant signs. To each covenant which he has made with man, God has attached some special sign or signs. And each sign has been significant, has set before the mind of those to whom it was given some great religious tr…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:13-17EXPOSITION THE PENALTY FOR NOT OBSERVING THE SABBATH. Various reasons have been given for this recurrence to the sanctity of the sabbath. Kurtz connects it with the giving of the two tables, in which "the law of the sab…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:13Verily. Rosenmuller suggests, "Nevertheless." But there is no need for any change. It is a sign. Hitherto circumcision had been the only visible "sign" that the Israelites were under a special covenant with God—his peop…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:14Every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death. To defile the sabbath was to do any unnecessary servile work upon it. Works of mercy, works of necessity, and works connected with religious observance were not p…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 31:15The sabbath of rest. Rather, "a sabbath." There were other sabbaths besides that of the seventh day (Exodus 23:11; Le Exodus 25:2-12; etc.). By the expression, "a sabbath of rest"—literally, "a rest of resting"—the idea…Joseph S. Exell and contributors