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Exodus 31:17 - Shabbat: Eternal Divine-Human Covenant

Exodus 31:17 - שמות 31:17

Hebrew Text

בֵּינִי וּבֵין בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אוֹת הִוא לְעֹלָם כִּי־שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים עָשָׂה יְהוָה אֶת־הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֶת־הָאָרֶץ וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שָׁבַת וַיִּנָּפַשׁ׃

English Translation

It is a sign between me and the children of Yisra᾽el for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Transliteration

Beini uvein bnei Yisrael ot hi le'olam ki-sheshet yamim asah Adonai et-hashamayim ve'et-ha'aretz uvayom hashvi'i shavat vayinafash.

Hebrew Leining Text

בֵּינִ֗י וּבֵין֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל א֥וֹת הִ֖וא לְעֹלָ֑ם כִּי־שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים עָשָׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם וְאֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י שָׁבַ֖ת וַיִּנָּפַֽשׁ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
בֵּינִ֗י וּבֵין֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל א֥וֹת הִ֖וא לְעֹלָ֑ם כִּי־שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים עָשָׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם וְאֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י שָׁבַ֖ת וַיִּנָּפַֽשׁ׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Source and Context

The verse appears in Shemot 31:17, where Hashem instructs Moshe regarding the sanctity of Shabbat as an eternal covenant between Him and Bnei Yisrael. This follows the commandment to observe Shabbat as a day of rest, emphasizing its significance as a foundational mitzvah.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 31:17) explains that the phrase "אות היא לעולם" ("it is a sign forever") underscores that Shabbat is an everlasting testimony to the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. He notes that the six days of creation followed by the seventh day of rest serve as a perpetual reminder that Hashem created the world. Rashi also highlights that the term "וינפש" ("and was refreshed") teaches that just as Hashem "rested" in a metaphysical sense, so too must we refrain from melachah (creative labor) to emulate His divine rest.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (2:31), the Rambam discusses Shabbat as both a commemoration of creation and a rejection of the belief in an eternal, uncreated universe. By observing Shabbat, Bnei Yisrael affirm their faith in Hashem as the Creator. The Rambam also emphasizes in Hilchot Shabbat (30:2) that Shabbat is not merely physical rest but an opportunity for spiritual elevation through Torah study and reflection.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Shabbat 10b teaches that Shabbat is a "gift" from Hashem to the Jewish people, reinforcing the intimate bond between them. The Talmud states that one who delights in Shabbat is granted boundless reward.
  • The Mechilta (Shemot 31:17) interprets "ביני ובין בני ישראל" ("between Me and the children of Israel") as excluding non-Jews, meaning Shabbat is uniquely entrusted to the Jewish nation as a sign of their special covenant.
  • Bereishit Rabbah (11:2) elaborates on "וינפש" ("and was refreshed"), suggesting that Shabbat brings "נפש" (soulful rejuvenation) to those who observe it properly.

Theological Significance

This verse encapsulates the dual nature of Shabbat: historical (commemorating creation) and national (affirming the unique covenant with Israel). The Sforno adds that Shabbat serves as a weekly reminder of our purpose—to recognize Hashem’s sovereignty and live in accordance with His will. By abstaining from melachah, we testify to our belief in a Creator who shaped the world with intention.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 118b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of observing Shabbat, emphasizing it as a perpetual sign between God and the children of Israel.
📖 Sanhedrin 58b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the universality of Shabbat observance and its significance as a covenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse mean when it says Shabbat is a 'sign' between Hashem and the Jewish people?
A: Rashi explains that Shabbat serves as an eternal sign of the special covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. Just as a wedding ring symbolizes the bond between husband and wife, Shabbat symbolizes our unique relationship with Hashem. The Rambam adds that observing Shabbat publicly testifies to our belief in Hashem as Creator of the world.
Q: Why does the verse mention the six days of creation when talking about Shabbat?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 69b) teaches that mentioning creation reminds us that Shabbat observance affirms our belief that Hashem created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. This differentiates us from other worldviews and philosophies. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) notes that just as Hashem 'rested' after creation, we too emulate His ways by resting on Shabbat.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem 'was refreshed' on Shabbat?
A: The term 'vayinafash' (was refreshed) is explained by Rashi to mean that Hashem 'gained a soul' - meaning that just as the soul gives life to the body, Shabbat gives spiritual vitality to the week. The Kli Yakar adds that this teaches us that Shabbat isn't just about physical rest, but about renewing our spiritual energy through Torah study and connection with Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat) writes that Shabbat observance remains one of the fundamental mitzvot that defines Jewish identity. The Sforno explains that by keeping Shabbat properly - refraining from creative work (melacha) and dedicating the day to spiritual growth - we continually reaffirm our covenant with Hashem and our belief in Him as Creator.
Q: Why is Shabbat called an 'eternal' sign?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that Shabbat will never be abolished, even in the Messianic era. The Ohr HaChaim explains that this eternal nature shows Shabbat is not just a historical commemoration, but an ongoing living connection between Hashem and the Jewish people that transcends time and continues to bring holiness into our lives every week.