Exo 31:12-18 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Exod 31:12-18: 31:12-18 The Sabbath was understood to be the unique sign of the covenant (31:13 , 16 , 17 ; see also 20:8-11 ; Isa 58:13-14 ; Jer 17:21-27 ; Neh 13:15-22 ). The Sabbath is also said to figure significantly in the achievement of God’s underlying purpose of making his people holy , that is, set apart for his exclusive use and sharing his character (Exod 31:13 , 14 , 15 ). Resting from their own work (31:15 , 17 ) was also a practical way of demonstrating genuine dependence on God to meet their needs (see 20:8-11 and study notes).

Summary for Exod 31:12-18: 31:12-18 ^a The Sabbath was understood to be the unique sign of the covenant (31:13 ^b, 16 ^c, 17 ^d; see also 20:8-11 ^e; Isa 58:13-14 ^f; Jer 17:21-27 ^g; Neh 13:15-22 ^h). The Sabbath is also said to figure significantly in the achievement of God’s underlying purpose of making his people holy, that is, set apart for his exclusive use and sharing his character (Exod 31:13 ⁱ, 14 ^j, 15 ^k). Resting from their own work (31:15 ^l, 17 ^m) was also a practical way of demonstrating genuine dependence on God to meet their needs (see 20:8-11 ⁿ and study notes).
Summary for Exod 31:14-15: 31:14-15 ^o It is absolutely important to learn that we can find life in God only by coming to him in his way. This is underlined by the death sentence for disobedience (see also Num 15:32-36 ^p). This is not to say that followers of God must always punish those who commit these offenses in this way; but here at the outset, it was vital to make this truth clear (see Acts 5:1-11 ^q). If the spiritual truth of this lesson has not been learned, mere ritual obedience will be of no value (see Col 2:16-19 ^r).
31:18 ^s Normally, each party to a covenant received a written copy of the terms of the covenant. So it may be that the two stone tablets were identical, one being God’s copy and the other the people’s copy, to be kept together in the Ark of the Covenant.

• finger of God: See 34:28 ^t.