This verse from Exodus 34:21, "“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest: in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest," is a reiteration of the Sabbath commandment, with a particular emphasis on its importance even during the busiest times of the agricultural year. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest...": This is the core of the Sabbath command. God commands people to dedicate six days to their regular work and activities. However, the seventh day is set apart for rest and is to be considered holy.
"...in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.": This is the key phrase that highlights the significance of the Sabbath. Plowing and harvest are two of the most critical and labor-intensive periods in an agricultural society. It's when there's the most pressure to work long hours to ensure a successful crop. This phrase emphasizes that even during these urgent and demanding times, the Sabbath must be observed.
Implication: It emphasizes that the need for physical rest and spiritual observance is more important than immediate economic gain. It means trusting God to provide even when refraining from work during crucial times.
Overall Meaning and Significance
Priority of Rest and Worship: The verse underscores that rest and worship of God are not optional activities that can be postponed when convenient. They are essential aspects of life that should be prioritized even when there are pressing practical demands.
Trust in God's Provision: It implies trusting in God's provision. Farmers might feel they cannot afford to lose a day of work during plowing or harvest. However, God commands them to rest, trusting that He will ensure their needs are met.
Humanity Over Productivity: It's a reminder that people are not merely machines or economic units. They need rest, both physically and spiritually, for their well-being. It discourages a relentless pursuit of productivity at the expense of human needs.
Universality of the Sabbath: By specifying plowing and harvest time, the verse makes it clear that the Sabbath is not just for those with leisure time. It applies to everyone, regardless of their occupation or the urgency of their work.
In essence, this verse is a powerful reminder to prioritize rest, worship, and trust in God, even when faced with pressing deadlines and demanding work. It emphasizes that these spiritual and physical needs are more important than immediate material gain.
This verse from Exodus 34:21, "“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest: in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest," is a reiteration of the Sabbath commandment, with a particular emphasis on its importance even during the busiest times of the agricultural year. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest...": This is the core of the Sabbath command. God commands people to dedicate six days to their regular work and activities. However, the seventh day is set apart for rest and is to be considered holy.
"...in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.": This is the key phrase that highlights the significance of the Sabbath. Plowing and harvest are two of the most critical and labor-intensive periods in an agricultural society. It's when there's the most pressure to work long hours to ensure a successful crop. This phrase emphasizes that even during these urgent and demanding times, the Sabbath must be observed.
Implication: It emphasizes that the need for physical rest and spiritual observance is more important than immediate economic gain. It means trusting God to provide even when refraining from work during crucial times.
Overall Meaning and Significance
Priority of Rest and Worship: The verse underscores that rest and worship of God are not optional activities that can be postponed when convenient. They are essential aspects of life that should be prioritized even when there are pressing practical demands.
Trust in God's Provision: It implies trusting in God's provision. Farmers might feel they cannot afford to lose a day of work during plowing or harvest. However, God commands them to rest, trusting that He will ensure their needs are met.
Humanity Over Productivity: It's a reminder that people are not merely machines or economic units. They need rest, both physically and spiritually, for their well-being. It discourages a relentless pursuit of productivity at the expense of human needs.
Universality of the Sabbath: By specifying plowing and harvest time, the verse makes it clear that the Sabbath is not just for those with leisure time. It applies to everyone, regardless of their occupation or the urgency of their work.
In essence, this verse is a powerful reminder to prioritize rest, worship, and trust in God, even when faced with pressing deadlines and demanding work. It emphasizes that these spiritual and physical needs are more important than immediate material gain.