4: Death Penalty and Tabernacle Instructions

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  • Exodus 31:12–17 – The Sabbath as a perpetual covenant
  • Exodus 35:1–3 – Prohibition of fire on the Sabbath

Theme: Covenant Sign, Holiness, and Sacred Limits

1. Introduction

Following the giving of the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath command is reaffirmed with grave solemnity in Exodus 31:12–17. Here, it is explicitly linked to covenant identity, and the penalty for its violation is death. The reiteration in Exodus 35:1–3, in the context of constructing the tabernacle, further illustrates the boundaries of sacred work and divine time. These passages together elevate the Sabbath beyond mere ritual—it becomes a non-negotiable sign of Israel’s relationship with God.

2. Biblical Text and Summary

📖 Exodus 31:14–15 (NKJV)

“You shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people.”

“Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD.”

📖 Exodus 35:2–3 (NKJV)

“Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you… Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings on the Sabbath day.”

3. Theological Significance

A. Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant

In Exodus 31:13, God declares:

“Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations…”

This parallels other covenant signs like:

  • Circumcision (Genesis 17:11)
  • The rainbow (Genesis 9:13)

Unlike circumcision, which applies only to males, Sabbath observance is universal for all Israelites—male, female, slave, foreigner.

The Sabbath thus becomes a public declaration of loyalty to YHWH, visibly distinguishing Israel from the nations (cf. Ezekiel 20:12, 20).

B. Death Penalty and the Seriousness of Sabbath Profanation

The death penalty (môt yûmāṯ, מוֹת יוּמָת) is not symbolic—it is a legal sanction. This reflects:

  • The sacredness of time as God’s own possession (cf. Leviticus 25:23 – “The land is Mine”).
  • That to profane the Sabbath is to reject the covenant itself.

The phrase “cut off from among the people” may imply either divine judgement or community expulsion.

C. Holiness in Practice: No Fire on the Sabbath

The specific prohibition of kindling fire (Exodus 35:3) introduces the boundaries of household activity. It likely addresses:

  • Cooking or food preparation, as that would imply work (see Exodus 16:23)
  • Craftsmanship for tabernacle construction, since fire was essential for metalwork, dyeing, and pottery

Thus, even holy work must stop for the sake of the holy day.

4. Context: Tabernacle and Sacred Rhythm

This section of Exodus connects the construction of sacred space (tabernacle) with the observance of sacred time (Sabbath). Before any instructions for building the sanctuary are obeyed (Exodus 35:4 onward), the people are reminded that God’s time is not subordinate to religious enthusiasm.

Key Insight: God prioritises the sanctity of time above the sacredness of space.

This reinforces the idea that Sabbath observance precedes and governs all ministry.

5. Implications for Covenant Life

The Israelites are called to:

  • Cease even holy work in obedience to God’s structure of time.
  • Trust God’s presence more than their performance.
  • Model divine rest in contrast to surrounding nations’ endless toil.

This connects deeply with the liberation theme of Sabbath, guarding against religious or economic exploitation.

6. Scholarly Perspectives

  • Nahum Sarna notes that the Sabbath as covenant sign indicates Israel’s unique mission “to sanctify time as God sanctified creation.”
  • Walter Brueggemann argues the death penalty for Sabbath-breaking may seem harsh, but reflects the “radical freedom” that the Sabbath ensures: a break from empire-thinking and self-deification.
  • Moshe Weinfeld suggests that by tying Sabbath to the tabernacle, God ensures that even religious leaders are subject to divine time.

7. Conclusion

This case illustrates that Sabbath observance is not optional or ceremonial, but central to covenant fidelity. The threat of death is not arbitrary—it signifies that to reject the Sabbath is to reject God’s reign, rhythms, and rule. In stopping to rest, Israel reflects her Creator and signals to the world that YHWH is sovereign, not Pharaoh, not toil, and not even temple work.

8. Cross-References

  • Genesis 2:2–3 – God rests and sanctifies time
  • Exodus 16:22–30 – Early Sabbath observance with manna
  • Ezekiel 20:12 – Sabbath as a sign of sanctification
  • Isaiah 58:13–14 – The blessing of honouring the Sabbath
  • Mark 3:4 – Jesus redefines lawful Sabbath doing in mercy
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