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Exodus 31:16 - Eternal Shabbat covenant obligation?

Exodus 31:16 - שמות 31:16

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁמְרוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּת לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּת לְדֹרֹתָם בְּרִית עוֹלָם׃

English Translation

Wherefore the children of Yisra᾽el shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.

Transliteration

V'shamru bnei Yisra'et et-hashabat la'asot et-hashabat l'dorotam brit olam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁמְר֥וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת לַעֲשׂ֧וֹת אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּ֛ת לְדֹרֹתָ֖ם בְּרִ֥ית עוֹלָֽם׃
וְשָׁמְר֥וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת לַעֲשׂ֧וֹת אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּ֛ת לְדֹרֹתָ֖ם בְּרִ֥ית עוֹלָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Eternal Covenant of Shabbat

The verse (Shemot 31:16) emphasizes the perpetual nature of Shabbat observance for Bnei Yisrael. Rashi explains that the phrase "לְדֹרֹתָם" (throughout their generations) teaches that Shabbat is an everlasting mitzvah, binding upon all future generations without interruption. The term "בְּרִית עוֹלָם" (perpetual covenant) underscores that Shabbat serves as an eternal sign between Hashem and the Jewish people.

Shabbat as a Divine Sign

Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 30:15) elaborates that Shabbat is not merely a day of rest, but a testimony to Hashem's creation of the world in six days and His resting on the seventh. The Mechilta adds that observing Shabbat demonstrates our belief in Hashem as the Creator and our acceptance of His sovereignty.

Two Aspects of Shabbat Observance

  • שְׁמִירָה (Guarding): The term "וְשָׁמְרוּ" implies both positive observance (e.g., kiddush, meals) and negative prohibitions (the 39 melachot). The Talmud (Chagigah 10a) teaches that one must be vigilant to protect Shabbat's sanctity.
  • עֲשִׂיָּה (Doing): The phrase "לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּת" refers to actively sanctifying the day through special mitzvot like lighting candles and reciting kiddush (Magen Avraham 242:1).

The Unbreakable Bond

The Sforno notes that Shabbat serves as an unbreakable bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, similar to the covenant of milah. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 11:8) states that Shabbat protested before Hashem that all other mitzvot have partners (e.g., tzedakah has the poor), but Shabbat stands alone - to which Hashem responded that Klal Yisrael would be its eternal partner.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 118b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of observing Shabbat and its eternal covenant.
📖 Yoma 85b
Cited in the context of the sanctity of Shabbat and its observance as a perpetual covenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 31:16 mean about Shabbat?
A: Exodus 31:16 teaches that the Jewish people must observe Shabbat (the Sabbath) as an eternal commandment for all generations. It emphasizes that Shabbat is not just a temporary practice but a permanent covenant between G-d and the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this verse highlights the everlasting nature of the Shabbat obligation.
Q: Why is Shabbat called a 'perpetual covenant' in this verse?
A: Shabbat is called a 'perpetual covenant' (ברית עולם) because it represents an unbreakable bond between G-d and the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 1:1) explains that Shabbat is one of the fundamental mitzvot (commandments) that testifies to G-d's creation of the world and His special relationship with Israel. This covenant is eternal and cannot be nullified.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: This verse applies to all Jews today by obligating them to observe Shabbat according to halacha (Jewish law). The Talmud (Shabbat 118a) states that even if all Jews were to properly observe just two Shabbats, the final redemption would come. This shows the ongoing importance of Shabbat observance in Jewish life and its power to bring spiritual elevation.
Q: What does 'throughout their generations' teach us about Shabbat?
A: The phrase 'throughout their generations' teaches that the mitzvah of Shabbat applies in every era and in every location where Jews live. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 25:12) explains that Shabbat is comparable to all other mitzvot combined, and its observance maintains the Jewish people's unique identity across all generations and circumstances.
Q: Why is Shabbat observance so important in Judaism?
A: Shabbat observance is central to Judaism because it serves as both a remembrance of Creation (as G-d rested on the seventh day) and as a sign of the Exodus from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15). The Talmud (Beitza 16a) teaches that Shabbat contains a special spiritual gift - an 'additional soul' (neshama yeteira) - that elevates the Jewish people. Proper Shabbat observance sanctifies both time and the Jewish people.