The Ten Commandments: Fourth Commandment

Exodus 20:8-11

The Ten Signposts of the Bible
CAMDE—400—CALY
Creation. Abraham. MOSES. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to Come.

Three months after freeing the Israelites from slavery, God gathered them at the base of Mount Sinai and gave them the law. His instructions included civil, ceremonial, and moral guidelines for Israel to follow. The moral law is summarized in the Ten Commandments. The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God, while the last six provide guidance on how we should interact with each other.

Remember, the law was never intended to bring people into a relationship with God (Rom. 3:20). Instead, it serves as a constant reminder of our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. Whether you’re reading in the Old Testament or the New Testament, the basis of salvation is always grace, the means of salvation is always faith, and the object of salvation is always Jesus.

Today, let’s consider the fourth commandment.

First Commandment: No god but God (Ex. 20:2-3)
Second Commandment: No Images (Ex. 20:4-6)
Third Commandment: Don’t misuse God’s name (Ex. 20:7)

FOURTH COMMANDMENT: REMEMBER THE SABBATH (Ex. 20:8-11)

Exodus 20:8-11
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 

Throughout the Old Testament and church history, this command has been widely debated. The word “Sabbath” refers to the seventh day of the week, which was designated as a time for rest.

The Jews had many questions about what it meant to rest on the Sabbath. To address this, they came up with thirty-nine clarifications. For example, you couldn't carry an object that was equal to or heavier than a dried fig. How much does a dried fig weigh? I honestly have no idea. I’m guessing not much! 

These rules became more detailed and legalistic. You could only pick up your child after making sure they had nothing in their hands. You were allowed to walk no more than a thousand yards from your home. Later, more laws were added. You couldn’t wear false teeth on the Sabbath because if they fell out, you might be tempted to pick them up! The restrictions easily became the main focus of Sabbath observance for some. 

Christians are still debating this fourth commandment. Some people called Sabbatarians gather on Saturdays—the seventh day of the week—to worship. I grew up in a church that had Sabbath-like rules for Sunday. We weren’t supposed to read the newspaper or go bowling on Sundays. Wouldn’t you know it, every Sunday I craved Chick-fil-A chicken strips with waffle fries and longed to join my friends at the Perry bowling alley! Couldn’t do either. 

So, what does it mean to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy?

One aspect that stands out in this command is the “Creation Rhythm.” God created for six days and rested on the seventh (Ex. 20:11; Gen. 2:1-3). Let’s examine some points to consider.

There was no instruction for Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob to observe the Sabbath. When Israel lived as slaves in Egypt, they could not take Saturdays off. The first indication that the Sabbath was special was regarding the collection of manna. On the sixth day, people collected twice as much because there was no manna to collect on the Sabbaths (Ex. 16:22-23).

What does it mean that God rested on the Sabbath? We know that God wasn’t tired or needed a break. The word “rest” means “completion,” “cessation from work,” “celebration” of God’s perfect work. The Creation Rhythm should be defined this way: The Sabbath rest indicates peace between God and his creation.

But after Genesis 2, Genesis 3 followed. Sin disrupted the peace between God and humanity, as well as between God and his creation. Therefore, the fourth commandment is a picture of grace. On the Sabbath, the Israelites were instructed to stop working, a reminder that they could not, through their own efforts, restore the peace that sin had broken. They were unable to buy and sell, which encouraged them to trust that God would provide for their needs. Another symbol of God’s gracious provision was that he gave two portions of manna on the sixth day, so there was no gathering food on the seventh day. 

The Old Testament Sabbath rest was a weekly reminder that God's people enjoyed both his temporal and spiritual blessings apart from human efforts. Interestingly, all the commandments are reiterated in the New Testament except commandment #4. Why is that? 

Jesus has become our Sabbath rest (Heb. 4:9-11). The peace with God disrupted by sin is now made possible through Jesus. And trusting in Jesus is apart from works (Eph. 2:8-9). The seventh-day celebration in the Creation Rhythm has moved from the seventh day to the first day of the week because that is the day Jesus rose from the dead, sealing our salvation. Our relationship with Jesus is to be celebrated every day of the week. Paul says it this way in Colossians 2:16-17: “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” 

The substance, the Sabbath, belongs to Jesus (Luke 6:5).  He is our Sabbath rest! 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Read and reflect on Exodus 20:8-11. Where do you find yourself trying to “work” for God’s approval instead of resting in the finished work of Christ?

Talking to God: Ask God how you can intentionally celebrate the grace of Jesus throughout your week, not just on Sunday.

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to assist as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond soon. If you're interested in learning more about a relationship with Jesus or seeking spiritual guidance, let us help you take the next step.

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