נחמיה, פרק ט׳, פסוק י״ד

The giving of the Sabbath stands apart from the delivery of the rest of the Torah, holding an entirely unique status among the commandments. Long before the events at Mount Sinai, the Sabbath was already introduced to the Israelites [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This early introduction occurred through the daily miracle of the manna. By providing a double portion of food on the sixth day and completely withholding it on the seventh, God used a physical miracle to clearly show which day was the Sabbath and to highlight its profound holiness [רלב״ג].

Beyond the timing of its delivery, the Sabbath differs from other commandments in its very nature. While many laws and rules only apply in specific situations as part of the natural order, the Sabbath is a constant, special gift granted to the Israelites every single week [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It carries a unique honor, offering people physical rest alongside an increase in intellect and spiritual understanding [אבן עזרא]. Furthermore, the way the Sabbath was made known reveals its deeper purpose: through it, God taught the Israelites the most central foundations of faith, specifically the creation of the world and His direct, ongoing care for the universe [מלבי״ם].

In contrast to the direct revelation of the Sabbath, the rest of the laws, rules, and teachings were delivered through Moses. This stage of receiving the Torah took place right after the Ten Commandments were spoken. Upon hearing the voice of God directly, the Israelites were overcome with terror and feared for their lives. They begged Moses to act as an intermediary and speak to them instead. Answering this request, God commanded the remaining laws through Moses [רלב״ג]. These instructions encompass the entirety of the Torah given to the people throughout their wanderings, spanning from their time in the Sinai desert all the way to their encampment in the wilderness of Paran [מלבי״ם].