What activities are prohibited on the Sabbath according to Deuteronomy 5:14? \The Sabbath Command Restated\ “But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female servant, your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, or the foreigner within your gates—so that your male and female servants may rest as you do.” (Deuteronomy 5:14) \The Key Prohibition: “You Must Not Do Any Work”\ Deuteronomy 5:14 forbids “any work.” The Hebrew word (melakhah) covers normal labor, business, and productive activity. In practical terms, the verse bans: • Personal occupational labor • Household chores done for gain or necessity • Agricultural or animal-driven tasks • Commercial enterprise or profit-making activity \Who Must Rest?\ The verse widens the command beyond the individual: • You – the head of the household • Your son or daughter – all dependent children • Your male or female servant – hired or indentured workers • Your ox, donkey, or any livestock – working animals • The foreigner within your gates – resident aliens, guests, employees No one under your authority may be compelled to work. Exodus 20:10 and 23:12 echo the same range, underscoring universal rest. \The Scope of Work Restricted\ Other passages help fill out what “any work” includes: • Gathering food or fuel – Exodus 16:23-29; 35:3; Numbers 15:32-36 • Field work during critical seasons – Exodus 34:21 • Carrying loads or conducting trade – Nehemiah 13:15-22; Jeremiah 17:21-22 • Selling goods or earning income – Amos 8:5 implies this by condemnation of merchants itching for Sabbath’s end Together, these texts show that physical labor, business transactions, and travel done for commerce all fall under the ban. \Purpose and Heart Behind the Command\ • Rest for all, including servants and animals (Deuteronomy 5:14) • Remembrance of God’s deliverance from slavery (Deuteronomy 5:15) • A sign of covenant holiness (Exodus 31:13) • Refreshment and worship (Isaiah 58:13-14) The ban on work is not merely negative; it protects time for worship, family, and reflection on God’s saving acts. \Principles for Today\ • God’s people are called to cease regular labor one day in seven. • Those in authority must not impose work on dependents or employees. • Economic gain must yield to worship and refreshment. • Sabbath rest honors God’s creative order (Genesis 2:2-3) and redemptive grace (Deuteronomy 5:15). |
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