Exodus: Sabbath
Ex.31.12-18
Discussion Questions
1. Why does God emphasize the Sabbath immediately after instructions about building the tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-11)? How might the Sabbath relate to the work of creating a sacred space?
2. In verse 13, God calls the Sabbath a "sign" of the covenant. What does this signify about the relationship between God and the Israelites? How does keeping the Sabbath reflect their identity as God’s chosen people?
3. The passage describes the Sabbath as a day of rest and holiness (verses 14-15). How do you understand the connection between rest and holiness? What does this suggest about the purpose of rest in our lives today?
4. Why do you think the penalty for violating the Sabbath was so severe (verse 14)? How does this reflect the seriousness of the covenant in the context of ancient Israel?
5. Verse 16 refers to the Sabbath as a "perpetual covenant." What does this imply about the enduring nature of the Sabbath? How might this apply to modern faith communities?
6. Verse 17 mentions that God rested on the seventh day after creation. How does God’s example of rest influence the way we should approach the Sabbath or periods of rest in our own lives?
7. How can the principles of Sabbath rest be applied in today’s fast-paced world? What challenges do people face in observing a day of rest, and how can they overcome them?
8. How are physical and spiritual rest related?
9. How is Jesus the fulfillment of the Sabbath?
Discussion Questions
1. Why does God emphasize the Sabbath immediately after instructions about building the tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-11)? How might the Sabbath relate to the work of creating a sacred space?
2. In verse 13, God calls the Sabbath a "sign" of the covenant. What does this signify about the relationship between God and the Israelites? How does keeping the Sabbath reflect their identity as God’s chosen people?
3. The passage describes the Sabbath as a day of rest and holiness (verses 14-15). How do you understand the connection between rest and holiness? What does this suggest about the purpose of rest in our lives today?
4. Why do you think the penalty for violating the Sabbath was so severe (verse 14)? How does this reflect the seriousness of the covenant in the context of ancient Israel?
5. Verse 16 refers to the Sabbath as a "perpetual covenant." What does this imply about the enduring nature of the Sabbath? How might this apply to modern faith communities?
6. Verse 17 mentions that God rested on the seventh day after creation. How does God’s example of rest influence the way we should approach the Sabbath or periods of rest in our own lives?
7. How can the principles of Sabbath rest be applied in today’s fast-paced world? What challenges do people face in observing a day of rest, and how can they overcome them?
8. How are physical and spiritual rest related?
9. How is Jesus the fulfillment of the Sabbath?