Exodus 16:22-30

The Israelites had not observed the Sabbath or a day of rest until now (Exodus 16:23). This is probably one reason they did not immediately observe it faithfully as a special day. As slaves in Egypt they probably worked seven days a week. However, God was blessing them with a day of rest and preparing them for the giving of the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11). This is the first reference to the Sabbath as such in Scripture.