Exodus 31:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is important to highlight to Israel the significance of the Lord’s rest on the seventh day and to remind the people of the holy narrative of creation, which they are intimately familiar with. There is little doubt that the Biblical account of the world’s creation and the events preceding Abraham were retained in the memories of the elders. Additionally, by the time this law was proclaimed, the stories of the Bible had begun to be recorded under Moses' direction and were being shared through instruction among the people, particularly by those seventy elders who hold an esteemed place in Hebrew tradition—not only as instructors but also as individuals who had the privilege of being on the mountain with Moses (Ex. 24) and who received unique wisdom and revelations. It is believed that verses 16 and 17 of this chapter suggest that the initial chapters of Genesis were already compiled.