Topical Encyclopedia The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that they believed were necessary to interpret and apply the Law correctly. Among these traditions, the observance of the Sabbath held a significant place. The Sabbath, a day of rest on the seventh day of the week, was instituted by God as a sign of the covenant between Him and Israel (Exodus 31:16-17). The Pharisees developed extensive traditions to ensure that the sanctity of the Sabbath was maintained, often leading to conflicts with Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament.Sabbath Observance and Oral Traditions The Pharisees' traditions regarding the Sabbath were rooted in the commandment to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). To safeguard this commandment, they established a comprehensive set of rules detailing what constituted work, which was prohibited on the Sabbath. These rules were part of the oral law, later codified in the Mishnah, and included prohibitions against activities such as carrying burdens, kindling fire, and traveling beyond a certain distance. Conflict with Jesus The Gospels frequently depict Jesus challenging the Pharisaic interpretation of the Sabbath. In Mark 2:23-28 , Jesus and His disciples were criticized by the Pharisees for plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath. Jesus responded by highlighting the precedence of human need over ritual observance, stating, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). This incident underscores the tension between Jesus' emphasis on the spirit of the Law and the Pharisees' focus on its letter. Another significant encounter is recorded in Matthew 12:9-14 , where Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. The Pharisees questioned the legality of performing such acts on the Sabbath, to which Jesus replied, "It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:12). This interaction further illustrates the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the Sabbath laws and Jesus' challenge to their understanding. Pharisaic Concerns and Motivations The Pharisees' meticulous observance of the Sabbath was motivated by a desire to maintain holiness and obedience to God's commandments. They believed that strict adherence to the Law and its interpretations was essential for the preservation of Jewish identity and the favor of God. The Sabbath, as a sign of the covenant, was central to this belief, and any perceived violation was met with strong opposition. Broader Implications The Pharisees' traditions concerning the Sabbath reflect a broader theme of their approach to the Law. Their emphasis on external compliance often overshadowed the underlying principles of mercy, justice, and faithfulness that the Law intended to promote. Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees on the Sabbath highlight the need for a balance between observance and the compassionate application of God's commandments. In summary, the Pharisees' traditions regarding the Sabbath were characterized by a detailed and rigorous interpretation of what constituted work, aimed at preserving the sanctity of the day. These traditions, while rooted in a desire to honor God, often led to conflicts with Jesus, who emphasized the importance of mercy and the well-being of individuals over strict ritual observance. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 12:2-8But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, Behold, your disciples do that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath day. Nave's Topical Index Library The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect. Relation of the Pharisees to the Sadducees and Essenes, and to the ... Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church. The Sabbath The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... The Historical Situation The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ... Bethesda and the Sanhedrin Objections to General Synod. Resources What is the leaven of the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did John the Baptist refer to the Pharisees as a brood of vipers? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus refer to the Pharisees as a “child of hell” in Matthew 23:15? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Irony: The Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus Pharisees: Association With Publicans and Sinners Pharisees: Become Disciples of Jesus Pharisees: Come to Jesus With Questions Pharisees: Concerning the Resurrection Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by Jesus Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by John Pharisees: They Minister to Jesus Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to Fasting Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Duties of Children to Parents Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Sabbath Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Washing of Hands The Pharisees by Descent, Especially Esteemed The Pharisees: A Sect of the Jews The Pharisees: As a Body, Rejected John's Baptism The Pharisees: Believed in the Resurrection The Pharisees: Character of Active in Proselytising The Pharisees: Character of Ambitious of Precedence The Pharisees: Character of Avaricious The Pharisees: Character of Cruel in Persecuting The Pharisees: Character of Fond of Distinguished Titles The Pharisees: Character of Fond of Public Salutations The Pharisees: Character of Oppressive The Pharisees: Character of Outwardly Moral The Pharisees: Character of Particular in Paying all Dues The Pharisees: Character of Rigid in Fasting The Pharisees: Character of Self-Righteous The Pharisees: Character of Zealous of the Law The Pharisees: Character of Zealous of Tradition The Pharisees: Christ: Asked for Signs By The Pharisees: Christ: Called Fools and Blind Guides The Pharisees: Christ: Called, and Evil and Adulterous Generation The Pharisees: Christ: Called, Serpents and Generation of Vipers The Pharisees: Christ: Compared, to Graves That Appear Not The Pharisees: Christ: Compared, to Whited Sepulchres The Pharisees: Christ: Condemned By, for Associating With Sinners The Pharisees: Christ: Declared the Doctrines of, to be Hypocrisy The Pharisees: Christ: Declared the Imaginary Righteousness of, to be Insufficient The Pharisees: Christ: Denounced Woes Against The Pharisees: Christ: Left Judea for a Time on Account of The Pharisees: Christ: Offended, by his Doctrine The Pharisees: Christ: Often Invited By The Pharisees: Christ: Tempted By, With Questions About the Law The Pharisees: Christ: Watched By, for Evil The Pharisees: Imputed Christ's Miracles to Satan's Power The Pharisees: Made Broad Their Phylacteries The Pharisees: Many Priest and Levites Were of The Pharisees: Many Rulers, Lawyers, and Scribes Were of The Pharisees: Often Sought to Destroy Christ The Pharisees: Sent officers to Apprehend Christ The Pharisees: some Came to John for Baptism The Pharisees: The Strictest Observers of the Mosaic Ritual The Pharisees: Their Opinions, a Standard for Others Related Terms |
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