Topical Encyclopedia The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship observed in Judeo-Christian traditions, rooted in the biblical account of creation and the Ten Commandments. It is a central aspect of religious life, symbolizing rest, holiness, and dedication to God.Biblical Foundation The concept of the Sabbath originates in the creation narrative found in Genesis. After creating the heavens and the earth in six days, God rested on the seventh day, sanctifying it as a day of rest. Genesis 2:2-3 states, "And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." The Sabbath is further codified in the Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Exodus 20:8-11 commands, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God; on it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy." Observance in Judaism In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath, or Shabbat, begins at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. It is a time for rest, family gatherings, prayer, and Torah study. The observance of the Sabbath is marked by the lighting of candles, reciting blessings, and sharing meals. The prohibition of work is strictly adhered to, reflecting the commandment to rest as God did. Sabbath in the New Testament The New Testament reflects on the Sabbath in the context of Jesus' ministry. Jesus observed the Sabbath but also challenged prevailing interpretations of its observance. In Mark 2:27-28 , Jesus declares, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." This statement emphasizes the intended purpose of the Sabbath as a gift for humanity's benefit, rather than a burdensome obligation. The early Christian church grappled with the observance of the Sabbath, especially as Gentile converts joined the faith. The Apostle Paul addresses this in Colossians 2:16-17 , advising, "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ." Christian Observance In Christian tradition, the Sabbath has been largely observed on Sunday, the first day of the week, in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This shift from Saturday to Sunday is rooted in the practice of the early church, as seen in Acts 20:7 : "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread." Sunday worship became a time for communal gathering, worship, and rest, reflecting the spirit of the Sabbath. Theological Significance The Sabbath holds deep theological significance as a symbol of God's creation, rest, and covenant with His people. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the ultimate rest found in Him. Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks to this spiritual rest: "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His." The Sabbath continues to be a topic of theological reflection and practice, inviting believers to consider its implications for worship, rest, and the rhythm of life in accordance with God's design. Library Mighty in Word and Deed On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ... The Law of the Sabbath-Day Explained. The Eight Days' Procession ... Mourning and Longing. Last Hope. Sabbath Evening. M. Mrs. Sigourney. Prayer for the Sailor. The Same. Sabbath Evening. The Same. Sabbath Hymn with Nature. Thesaurus Sabbath's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Sabbath's (1 Occurrence). Acts 1:12 Then did they return to Jerusalem from the mount that is called of ... /s/sabbath's.htm - 6k Sabbatic (1 Occurrence) Sabbaths (53 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of Friday the 13th? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sabbath's (1 Occurrence)Acts 1:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |