It is not clear why Mormon chose to include this command to Alma's people. We might expect that they had observed the Sabbath as part of their observance of the laws of Moses. However, it is possible that Sabbath observance had become corrupted along with other concepts, and this is a call for renewed commitment. It is important to note, however, that Sabbath observance was not to be seen as a separation from their religious lives. They were not to live six days secularly and reserve the seventh for the Sabbath. On the other days they were also to give thanks to their Lord. Alma's people were to renew their covenant to become God's people, honoring the Sabbath, but honoring God every day.