Biblical Contradiction: Reason for instituting the Sabbath:

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Biblical Contradiction Explained: Reason God instituted the Sabbath:

God instituted the Sabbath because He rested on the seventh day:

For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.

Exodus 20:11

God instituted the Sabbath because He brought the Israelites out of Egypt:

You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to observe the sabbath day.

Deuteronomy 5:15

Explanation:

When considering the purpose of the Sabbath, it is difficult to make the argument that these passages conflict. God instituted the Sabbath so that we may reflect upon Him. Exodus 20:11 does not tell us why God instituted the Sabbath. This passage only tells us that God did institute the Sabbath and, to serve as an example, He observed the Sabbath on the seventh day of creation.

God instituted the Sabbath so that we may reflect upon Him; rest from our labor and focus on God. This seems perfectly acceptable for God to remind the Israelites that He’s the one that brought them out of Egypt; giving further reason for why the Israelites should stop and reflect upon God one day a week.