Definition and Overview:
Sabbathbreaking refers to the violation of the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship according to biblical command. The concept of the Sabbath originates from the creation account in Genesis, where God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). The observance of the Sabbath was later codified in the Ten Commandments, where it is stated, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8).

Biblical Context:
The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and His people, Israel. It is a day of rest and spiritual reflection, intended to be free from labor and dedicated to the Lord. The commandment to observe the Sabbath is reiterated in several passages, emphasizing its importance (Exodus 31:13-17, Leviticus 23:3).

Old Testament Instances of Sabbathbreaking:
In the Old Testament, Sabbathbreaking was considered a serious offense. In Numbers 15:32-36, a man found gathering wood on the Sabbath was brought before Moses and Aaron, and the Lord commanded that he be put to death, illustrating the gravity of violating the Sabbath law. This incident underscores the sanctity of the Sabbath and the severe consequences of its desecration.

Prophetic Warnings:
The prophets frequently admonished the Israelites for neglecting the Sabbath. In Jeremiah 17:21-27, the prophet warns the people of Jerusalem to "bear no burden on the Sabbath day" and to keep it holy, promising blessings for obedience and destruction for disobedience. Similarly, Ezekiel 20:12-24 recounts how the Israelites profaned the Sabbath, leading to God's wrath and judgment.

New Testament Perspective:
In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of Sabbath observance, often challenging the Pharisees' legalistic interpretations. 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 highlights the intended purpose of the Sabbath as a gift for humanity's benefit, rather than a burdensome obligation.

Sabbathbreaking in the Early Church:
The early Christian church grappled with the observance of the Sabbath, particularly as Gentile converts joined the faith. The Apostle Paul addresses the issue in Colossians 2:16-17, advising believers not to let anyone judge them regarding Sabbath days, as these are "a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ" . This reflects a shift from strict Sabbath observance to a focus on the spiritual rest found in Christ.

Theological Implications:
Sabbathbreaking, from a theological standpoint, represents a failure to honor God's command and to trust in His provision. It is seen as a rejection of the divine order established at creation and a neglect of the covenant relationship with God. The Sabbath serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, the need for rest, and the call to worship.

Contemporary Observance:
In contemporary Christian practice, views on Sabbath observance vary. Some denominations continue to observe Saturday as the Sabbath, while others regard Sunday, the day of Christ's resurrection, as the appropriate day for rest and worship. Regardless of the specific day, the principle of setting aside time for rest and spiritual renewal remains a significant aspect of Christian life.

Conclusion:
Sabbathbreaking, as depicted in the Bible, is a serious transgression with both historical and spiritual ramifications. It challenges believers to consider the importance of rest, worship, and obedience to God's commands in their own lives.SABBATH-BREAKING

sab'-bath-brak'-ing.

See CRIMES; PUNISHMENTS.

Tradition
... The spies they sent to Capernaum in the early part of His ministry, who had tried
to fix on Him the charge of Sabbathbreaking, had been put to confusion; but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 42 tradition.htm

"Peace be unto You"
... Call sin by its right name. Declare what God has said in regard to lying,
Sabbathbreaking, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 84 peace be unto.htm

"In the Spirit and Power of Elias"
... At the restoration of Jerusalem, in the days of Nehemiah, Sabbathbreaking was met
with the stern inquiry, "Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 14 in the spirit.htm

The Sabbath
... When accused of Sabbathbreaking at Bethesda, Jesus defended Himself by affirming
His Sonship to God, and declaring that He worked in harmony with the Father. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 29 the sabbath.htm

Bethesda and the Sanhedrin
... things on the Sabbath day.". Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin to
answer the charge of Sabbathbreaking. Had the Jews at this ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 21 bethesda and the.htm

Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas
... Romans. Christ's enemies dared not accuse Him of Sabbathbreaking, lest
an examination should reveal the character of His work. If ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 75 before annas and.htm

Sabbathbreaking
Sabbathbreaking. Sabbath, Sabbathbreaking. Sabbath-breaking . Int. ... See CRIMES;
PUNISHMENTS. Sabbath, Sabbathbreaking. Sabbath-breaking . Reference Bible
/s/sabbathbreaking.htm - 6k

Sabbath-breaking
Sabbath-breaking. Sabbathbreaking, Sabbath-breaking. Sabbath-day . Int. ... See
CRIMES; PUNISHMENTS. Sabbathbreaking, Sabbath-breaking. Sabbath-day . ...
/s/sabbath-breaking.htm - 6k

Sabbath (126 Occurrences)

/s/sabbath.htm - 86k

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