SABBATH
The concept of the Sabbath is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition as a weekly day of prayer, rest, and reflection. Observed from sunset on Friday until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night, the Sabbath is a time when Jews cease from their labors and focus on spiritual rejuvenation. The practice begins with the lighting of candles shortly before sunset on Friday, marking the commencement of this sacred time.
Biblical Foundation of the Sabbath
The observance of the Sabbath is grounded in two primary biblical precepts: the creation account and the commandments of God. According to Genesis, after creating the world in six days, God “rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made” (Gen 2:2-3). This divine rest established a pattern for humanity to follow.
Additionally, the commandment to observe the Sabbath was explicitly given at Mount Sinai. God declared, “Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD” (Ex 31:15). Thus, the Sabbath was set apart as a day of rest and holiness, reinforcing its significance in the lives of the Israelites.
Social and Ethical Dimensions
The Sabbath commandment has profound social and ethical implications, particularly for those in servitude or labor-intensive occupations. In ancient times, slaves, servants, and laborers would often work daily without respite. The Sabbath provided a divinely mandated day of rest, ensuring that everyone, including slaves and animals, could experience a reprieve from their labors. “But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou” (Deut 5:14). This commandment reminded the Israelites of their own liberation from Egyptian slavery and encouraged them to extend similar compassion and mercy to others.
Sign of the Covenant
The Sabbath also served as a perpetual sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever” (Ex 31:16-17). Observing the Sabbath was a visible affirmation of their unique relationship with God, marked by rest and holiness.
Consequences of Violation
The gravity of Sabbath observance is underscored by the severe penalties for its violation. ” Therefore, you must keep the sabbath for it is holiness for you. Whoever desecrates it shall be put to death. If anyone does work on that day, that person must be cut off from the people.” (Ex 31:14). This strict enforcement highlighted the sacredness of the Sabbath and the seriousness with which it was to be kept.
Sabbath Observance at Home
Sabbath observance begins at home with joy and family unity. The preparations include special bread (challah), wine, and candles. The woman of the house lights two candles before sunset on Friday, symbolizing the commandments to “remember” (zakhor) and “observe” (shamor) the Sabbath. This ritual recalls God’s creation and the Israelites’ deliverance from Egyptian slavery. The family then participates in an evening service, reciting Kiddush (a sanctification prayer over wine) and prayers over the challah. A festive, leisurely meal follows, concluding with grace and further reflection on the Torah.
Sabbath Observance at the Synagogue
Communal Sabbath observance occurs in the synagogue, beginning with a relaxed evening service filled with music. The Saturday service involves public readings from the Torah and the prophetic books (Haftarah). These gatherings emphasize the study of Scripture and prayer, creating opportunities for teaching and community support. The synagogue also serves as a place of charity, where collections are taken for the poor and needy.
Jesus and the Sabbath
Jesus challenged the rigid interpretations of Sabbath observance that had developed over time. He emphasized mercy and compassion, viewing acts of kindness as integral to true Sabbath worship. When criticized for his disciples’ actions on the Sabbath, Jesus reminded his accusers of the exceptions made for essential needs and the priests’ work in the Temple. He declared, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mk 2:27) and affirmed his authority over the Sabbath (Mk 2:28).
Priests Working on the Sabbath
Despite the general prohibition of work, priests in the Temple were required to perform additional duties on the Sabbath to maintain sacrificial practices (Num 28:9). This included preparing sacrificial animals and changing the showbread, highlighting that religious service and acts of worship were permissible and necessary.
Circumcision on the Sabbath
Circumcision was a command given by God to Abraham as a sign of the covenant between God and His people (Gen 17:10-14). According to this command, every male child was to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth. This covenantal sign was so crucial that it took precedence over the Sabbath rest.
In the Law of Moses, the importance of the Sabbath was clearly stated (Ex 20:8-11; Deut 5:12-15), and any work on this day was generally prohibited. However, the command for circumcision on the eighth day was also considered non-negotiable, creating an apparent conflict when the eighth day fell on the Sabbath.
REFLECTION
The Sabbath is not merely a day of rest but a profound expression of our covenant relationship with God. It is a time to cease from our daily labors, reflect on God’s creation, and extend mercy to others. For Christians, Sunday observance should embody these principles, serving as a reminder of Christ’s resurrection and our liberation from sin. By dedicating time to worship, rest, and acts of compassion, we honor God and strengthen our faith community.
As we reflect on the Sabbath, let us remember its divine purpose: to draw us closer to God, to rejuvenate our spirits, and to foster a sense of compassion and mercy towards all. May our observance of the Lord’s Day be filled with joy, worship, and acts of kindness, reflecting the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ.