Worship Resources for November: Exodus 23:12

Abstract

This verse is one of the unpopular Sabbathrelated texts. Preachers rarely turn to this verse when they are preaching about the importance of Sabbath rest. Far from being unimportant, the verse can be understood as centering the vulnerable in our Sabbath observance instead. I propose three homiletical maneuvers on how preachers can approach this verse. First, to discuss how it pays attention to the most vulnerable in society. Second, to reflect on how the Sabbath rest is a privilege. Third, to rethink the Sabbath concept beyond securing one day of not working but also providing provision for the vulnerable. For the first maneuver, preachers can compare Exodus 23:12 with similar and more famous Sabbath passages of Exodus 20:8–11 and Deuteronomy 5:12–15. Upon the comparison, a few differences can be observed. First, Exodus 23:12 mentions only the ox, donkey, slave, and resident alien. As Biblical scholar Saul Olyan notes, ‘what the ox, donkey, slave, and resident alien have in common is physical labor done for another (an owner or, in the case of the resident alien, a patron).’1 They represent the most vulnerable in society as they are prone to be overworked and overexploited. Slave and resident alien serves as labor power, as well as ox and donkey that functions not only as load-bearer but also for ground traction. Furthermore, in contrast to two other Sabbath commandments, Exodus 23:12 centers the needs of this laboring group as the motivation for Sabbath rest. This stands in contrast with Deuteronomy 5, which wraps up the passage by going back to the head of the household: ‘rest as you do’. With this in mind, preachers can invite the congregants to reflect on their Sabbath observance to center the vulnerable, as Exodus 23:12 suggests. The second maneuver is by reflecting that not everyone can afford the Sabbath and that the Sabbath commandment is not always working well, even in Christian contexts. There is a period in which the enslavers, who are Christians, force the enslaved persons to work every day, including the Sabbath days. It occurred both in North America, such as Louisiana, and in Central and South America (Brazil and the Caribbean).2 As a South African Biblical scholar, Itumeleng Mosala argues, the goal for liberative biblical hermeneutics will not be successfully performed by “denying the oppressive structures.”3 Being honest about the Worship Resources for November: Exodus 23:12