16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
16 The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant.
16 Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever.
16 The Israelites will keep the Sabbath, observe Sabbath-keeping down through the generations, as a standing covenant.
16 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.
16 The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 31:16
Commentary on Exodus 31:12-17
(Read Exodus 31:12-17)
Orders were now given that a tabernacle should be set up for the service of God. But they must not think that the nature of the work, and the haste that was required, would justify them in working at it on sabbath days. The Hebrew word /shabath/ signifies rest, or ceasing from labour. The thing signified by the sabbath is that rest in glory which remains for the people of God; therefore the moral obligation of the sabbath must continue, till time is swallowed up in eternity.