Bible Basics Explained | Ten CommandmentsSample

Day 3 | Exodus 20:8-11 | Rest

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Kris: Welcome back to our journey through Exodus. We're slowing down here in chapter 20 as we continue through the Big Ten. The Israelites are gathered at the foot of Mt. Sinai. Fire has descended upon the mountain top; thunder and lightning crack the sky, the great mountain trembles, and the voice of Almighty God speaks the Ten Commandments. 

Jonathan: Now recall that the Ten Commandments represent the moral law, though we should clarify that the Bible text does not make a clear distinction between which laws are moral or civil or ceremonial. Those categories were added by commentators, and they can be helpful. And although we might not all agree on where to draw such lines here, it is clear that these Ten Commandments are set apart by the simple fact that they were spoken by the voice of God to all the Israelites. Because of that, many scholars believe that the Ten Commandments apply to all people throughout all time (though the Sabbath is somewhat controversial).

K: Also, Romans 2 reminds us that all mankind has been given a conscience—a God- given sense of right and wrong. So even those who have never read this law still have a law from God. And these ten are right at the core of morality: no murder, no adultery, no stealing. So here, God clarifies for His people: these are the essentials. 

J: So let's jump back in at Commandment number four in verse 8:

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns” (Exodus 20:8-10).

K: “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy” (Exodus 20:11).

J: Sabbath day. Rest. Rest is a gift from God. Rest is one of the basic needs of the human body and the human spirit. And rest will prove to be one of the Bible's core themes, from Genesis to Jesus, from creation to Revelation. 

K: Can I just say, thank God for the weekend. When I say TGIF, I mean it! Work is a gift, and rest is a gift. So work hard, then rest in Him. Now the original sabbath was on our Friday night and Saturday day—the seventh day. And the rest wasn't just time off, it was "a sabbath to the Lord." Time off from work to rest in Him, and keeping that day holy helps us learn just what holiness is. Sabbath is a day set apart, belonging to God. It is holy.

J: And that gift was for everyone. Young and old, rich and poor, servant or boss—everyone rests. But what exactly counts as rest, and should everyone take it on day seven? The Sabbath has proven to be perhaps the most controversial of the Ten.

K: Right. Jesus stirred up controversy when He healed people on the Sabbath, and even told some to carry a mat. Jewish leaders didn't like that because He violated their definition of rest. But Jesus explained: the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

J: Controversy today centers around which day of the week to take your rest. Jews start Friday evening; most Christians take Sunday off, but some disagree. However, Romans exhorts us to stop arguing and stop judging others regarding Sabbath day.

"One person considers one day more sacred... another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind” (Romans 14:5).

If that confuses or concerns you, please read Romans 14, Colossians 2, and Galatians 4.

K: But there is a greater issue at hand here. Hebrews 4 explains that the Sabbath rest is about more than just a break every weekend. Hebrews says that... 

"...there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God" (Hebrews 4:9). 

That is, our ultimate Sabbath is found in the truth that we do not work for salvation. Jesus completed the work on the cross, and our hearts can rest in Him. That is our Sabbath—no earning, just trusting. And that is better than a thousand Saturdays. 

J: That's it for number four. We'll pick it up at commandment five tomorrow. 

Next: Read Exodus 20:8-11, Romans 14:4-8, & Hebrews 4:4-10

For Thought & Discussion:

1. Why is rest so important in God’s plan for mankind? What is the importance of rest in your life?

2. Hebrews 4:10 describes Christians as those who have “entered God’s rest” and “rested from their works.” What do you think that means, and why is it important?

All verses are quoted from the NIV.