Deuteronomy 5:15—One Command, Two Reasons: Creation, Exodus, and the Sabbath

Why does Exodus connect the Sabbath to God’s rest at creation, while Deuteronomy connects it to Israel’s redemption from slavery in Egypt? Is this a contradiction—or are both passages giving legitimate reasons for observing the same command?

In this episode, Lance Smith examines Deuteronomy 5:15 alongside Exodus 20:8–11 and explores how the Sabbath can have a creation-based foundation while also serving as a reminder of Israel’s freedom from Egypt. The command remains the same, but Deuteronomy emphasizes what Israel’s redemption should mean for the way they treat others.

One command. Two complementary reasons: creation and redemption.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

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Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com

Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI

Mueller, Ekkehardt. “The Sabbath Commandment in Deuteronomy 5:12–15.” Biblical Research Institute. https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/articles/the-sabbath-commandment-in-deuteronomy-5-12-15

Haynes, Matthew, and P. Paul Krüger. “Creation Rest: Exodus 20:8–11 and the First Creation Account.” Old Testament Essays 31, no. 1 (2018). https://scielo.org.za/pdf/ote/v31n1/05.pdf

Jančovič, Jozef. “Semantics of the Concentric Sabbath Commandments in Two Decalogue Versions.” Central European Theological Review. https://cetr.hu/semantics-of-the-concentric-sabbath-commandments-in-two-decalogue-versions/