Definition: Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 31:13. It’s a really important passage about God's relationship with His people! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you.” Let’s unpack each part: “Speak thou also unto the children of Israel…” : This means God is speaking to the Israelites, who are a specific group of people – the nation of Israel. “…saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep…” : "Sabbath" in Hebrew means a day of rest and worship. God is telling them they need to take time off . It's not just about relaxing; it’s a dedicated time for God and His people to connect with Him. “for it is a sign between me and you…” : This is the key part. God wants us to understand that He isn’t just telling them to rest, but He’s also showing us how close He is to us. It's like a connection. “…throughout your generations” : This means it’s an eternal promise – God will always be involved in our lives and relationship with Him. It’s not just about a single day; it’s a constant connection. “that ye may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you.” : This is where the real meaning comes in. "Sanctify" means to make something holy or pure. God isn't just telling them to rest; He’s saying He wants to make them special and holy – to be set apart for Him. He’s using this time of rest as a way to remind them of His presence and power. So, putting it all together: God is reminding the Israelites that they need to take regular breaks (the sabbath) to connect with Him and to remember who He is – that He is the one who makes them special and worthy of His love. It’s a promise of God's presence and protection throughout their lives. Why is this important? This verse is foundational to Jewish tradition, and it highlights God’s covenant (a promise) with his people. It speaks to the idea that He loves us so much that He chooses to be involved in our lives and helps us grow into who He wants us to be. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you a more detailed example of what the "sabbath" is?