Topical Encyclopedia The term "Sabbath Day's Journey" refers to a specific distance that Jewish tradition permitted a person to travel on the Sabbath without violating the commandment to rest. This concept is rooted in the interpretation of biblical law and Jewish customs that sought to honor the sanctity of the Sabbath as a day of rest, as commanded in the Ten Commandments: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8).Biblical Context and Origin The idea of a Sabbath Day's Journey is not explicitly mentioned in the Torah but is derived from various scriptural interpretations and rabbinic traditions. The primary biblical basis is found in Exodus 16:29, where it is stated, "Let no one go out of his place on the seventh day." This was understood to mean that travel should be limited on the Sabbath. The specific distance of a Sabbath Day's Journey is traditionally set at about two thousand cubits, which is approximately 0.6 miles or about 1 kilometer. This measurement is based on the distance between the Ark of the Covenant and the people of Israel as they camped in the wilderness, as described in Joshua 3:4: "But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark; do not go near it." Rabbinic Interpretation and Tradition Rabbinic literature further elaborates on the concept of a Sabbath Day's Journey. The Mishnah, a key Jewish text, codifies this distance, and it became a standard measure for permissible travel on the Sabbath. The rabbis reasoned that this distance was sufficient for basic needs, such as attending synagogue or visiting family, without violating the spirit of rest. The Talmud discusses various scenarios and exceptions, such as the establishment of an "eruv," a symbolic boundary that extends the permissible area of travel by connecting private domains. This reflects the Jewish community's effort to balance the observance of the Sabbath with practical living. New Testament Reference In the New Testament, the term "Sabbath Day's Journey" is mentioned in Acts 1:12: "Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away." This reference indicates that the concept was well understood and practiced during the time of Jesus and the early church. Theological Significance The Sabbath Day's Journey underscores the importance of rest and worship in the life of the believer. It reflects a commitment to honoring God's commandment to keep the Sabbath holy, while also recognizing the need for practical guidelines to facilitate community and worship. The concept serves as a reminder of the balance between legalism and the spirit of the law, encouraging believers to focus on the heart of Sabbath observance—rest, reflection, and relationship with God. Nave's Topical Index Acts 1:12Then returned they to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. Nave's Topical Index Resources If Jesus was crucified on the Day of Preparation, why had He already eaten the Passover meal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat day is the Sabbath, Saturday or Sunday? Do Christians have to observe the Sabbath day? | GotQuestions.org On what day was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.org Day: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Gladness Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Good Tidings Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day Which the Lord Has Made Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Good Day Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Solemn Day Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Adversity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Anger Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Calamity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Darkness Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Destruction Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Evil Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Slaughter Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of The Lord Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Trouble Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Vengeance Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Visitation Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Wrath Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of God's Power Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Redemption Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Salvation Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Visitation Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Break of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Decline of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Evening Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Morning Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Noon Day: Artificial, the Time of the Sun's Continuance Above The Day: Day's Journey, Eighteen or Twenty Miles Day: Divided Into Twelve Hours Day: Judgment: A Figure of Spiritual Illumination Day: Judgment: Called the Day of the Lord Day: Later Subdivided Into Twelve Hours Day: Made for the Glory of God Day: Natural, from Evening to Evening Day: Proclaims the Glory of God Day: Sabbath Day's Journey, About Two-Thousand Paces Day: Six Working Days Ordained Day: Sometimes Divided Into Four Parts Day: Succession of, Secured by Covenant Day: Th Sixth Day of the Week Called Preparation Day Day: The First Day of the Week Called the Lord's Day Day: Time of, Ascertained by the Dial Day: Times of Adversity Called Day of the Lord Related Terms Preparation-day (1 Occurrence) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |