A short reflection on Exodus 35:3 “You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling places on the Sabbath day.”

The Lord strictly forbids the Israelites to kindle a fire on sabbath. I am reminded of the Jews who, to this day, won’t turn on an engine or light on sabbath. It seems strange that God would be so strict about such details.

In my translation (de nieuwe bijbelvertaling, in Dutch) it comes out clearly that God says this in relation to the work on the tabernacle. God introduces rest, even (especially?) in the work done for God. We should kindle no fire on a day of rest. This encourages me to be quiet and wait when God also seems to do so. There will be yet a new day, when we will restart the work with fresh energy and renewed perspective.