Exo 31:12-17 | Clarke

Exodus 31:12-17

Verse 13

My Sabbaths ye shall keep - See Clarke's note on Gen 2:3. See Clarke's note on Exo 20:8. Verse 14

Every one that defileth it - By any kind of idolatrous or profane worship.

Shall surely be put to death - The magistrates shall examine into the business, and if the accused be found guilty, he shall be stoned to death.

Shall be cut off - Because that person who could so far contemn the Sabbath, which was a sign to them of the rest which remained for the people of God, was of course an infidel, and should be cut off from all the privileges and expectations of an Israelite. Verse 16

A perpetual covenant - Because it is a sign of this future rest and blessedness, therefore the religious observance of it must be perpetually kept up. The type must continue in force till the antitype come. Verse 17

Rested, and was refreshed - God, in condescension to human weakness, applies to himself here what belongs to man. If a man religiously rests on the Sabbath, both his body and soul shall be refreshed; he shall acquire new light and life.