Introduction

The Fourth Commandment, as recorded in the Bible, is a divine ordinance that emphasizes the sanctity and observance of the Sabbath day. This commandment is part of the Decalogue, or the Ten Commandments, which were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Sabbath is a day set apart for rest and worship, reflecting God's own rest after the creation of the world.

Biblical Text

The Fourth Commandment is found in two primary passages within the Old Testament: Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15. In Exodus 20:8-11 , the commandment is stated as follows:

"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 animals, nor any 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."

In Deuteronomy 5:12-15 , the commandment is reiterated with an emphasis on remembering the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt:

"Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates—so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day."

Theological Significance

The Fourth Commandment holds profound theological significance as it underscores the rhythm of work and rest established by God. It serves as a reminder of God's creation and His sovereign authority over time. The Sabbath is a covenant sign between God and His people, symbolizing rest, renewal, and sanctification.

Sabbath Observance in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was a day of cessation from labor, allowing individuals and communities to focus on worship and reflection. It was a time for families to gather, for the community to engage in religious observance, and for individuals to rest from their daily toil. The Sabbath was also a day of joy and celebration, as seen in various Psalms and prophetic writings.

Sabbath in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ affirmed the importance of the Sabbath while also challenging legalistic interpretations that had developed over time. In Mark 2:27-28 , Jesus declared, "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.

The early Christian church grappled with the observance of the Sabbath, especially as Gentile believers joined the faith. The Apostle Paul addressed this issue in Colossians 2:16-17 , stating, "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."

Contemporary Observance

In contemporary Christian practice, the observance of the Sabbath varies among denominations. Some Christians observe Saturday as the Sabbath, in line with Jewish tradition, while others observe Sunday, the day of Christ's resurrection, as a day of worship and rest. The principle of setting aside time for rest and worship remains central to the commandment's observance, reflecting a commitment to honoring God and recognizing His provision and sovereignty.