The true meaning of Sabbath
It is important to note that when writing about the Sabbath in Genesis 2:1-3, the author never intends to instruct the readers to remember to take a break from work. The focus is never a legalistic command to not do any work, which was a common focus in Pharisees' teachings. Nor is it a friendly reminder to relax on a Sunday afternoon or book a holiday.
It is about the acknowledgement that all satisfaction, fulfillment, and completion of all work belong to God. It is God, not man, who owns and authorizes the fulfillment of all purposes in life.
The Torah reminds God's people about keeping the Sabbath for two reasons:
The Sabbath is about the completion and satisfaction of God's creation (Exodus 20:11)
It is all about God's rescue and freedom (Deuteronomy 5:15)
This is why it is 'set apart' for God as holy. We are to remember we can only find real freedom and fulfillment in life in God alone. Both Alpha and Omega of every part of your life belong to God. This is why our soul can never be satisfied by work alone. True rest is to find satisfaction in God, not in work.
