Topical Bible: Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of the Sabbath is not only a day of rest for humans but also extends to domestic animals. The Sabbath, observed on the seventh day of the week, is a day set apart for rest and worship, as commanded by God. This commandment is inclusive of all members of the household, including domestic beasts, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's care and provision.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the inclusion of domestic animals in the observance of the Sabbath is found in the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 20:8-10 , it is written: "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."

This passage explicitly mentions livestock, indicating that the rest prescribed for the Sabbath is not limited to humans but extends to animals as well. The inclusion of livestock underscores the principle of rest and refreshment for all of God's creation.

Theological Implications

The command to allow domestic beasts to rest on the Sabbath reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship and compassion. It acknowledges the role of animals in the life and economy of the Israelite community and recognizes their need for rest. This provision is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all creation and the responsibility humans have to care for the creatures under their dominion.

In Deuteronomy 5:14 , the reiteration of the Sabbath commandment includes a similar directive: "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."

This passage emphasizes equality in rest, ensuring that all members of the household, including animals, experience the Sabbath's restorative benefits. It reflects God's justice and mercy, extending His care to all living beings.

Practical Observance

In practical terms, the observance of the Sabbath for domestic beasts would have involved ceasing from labor that involved animals, such as plowing fields or transporting goods. This rest would allow animals to recuperate from the physical demands of their work, promoting their well-being and longevity.

The Sabbath rest for animals also serves as a reminder to humans of their dependence on God's provision. By refraining from work, including the work done by animals, the Israelites were to trust in God's ability to provide for their needs, reinforcing their faith and reliance on Him.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, where animals were integral to agricultural and economic life, the command to rest on the Sabbath was countercultural. Many surrounding cultures did not have similar provisions for rest, especially for animals. The biblical mandate set the Israelites apart, demonstrating a unique ethic of care and compassion rooted in their covenant relationship with God.

The Sabbath rest for domestic beasts is a testament to the holistic nature of God's commandments, which encompass all aspects of life and creation. It serves as a model for humane treatment and ethical stewardship, principles that continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about animal welfare and environmental ethics.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 20:10
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD your God: in it you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger that is within your gates:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 5:14
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD your God: in it you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your ox, nor your ass, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger that is within your gates; that your manservant and your maidservant may rest as well as you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
... if the curtain were lifted from the domestic history of ... We cannot expect to enjoy
the presence of God, while ... sink in the mire, or be devoured by wild beasts! ...
/.../letter xiii christian activity.htm

B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10
... No domestic scene in the life of our Lord is ... even with the coarse food he was providing
for beasts. ... always been possible for the Pharisees to enjoy the grace ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second stages chs.htm

Canaan on Earth
... very position becomes different; the very beasts of the ... Why should I not enjoy comfort
and peace, and ... live apart from other people, lest domestic habits should ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/canaan on earth.htm

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ...
... glory which they would enjoy, and even the ... ultimately affect the wild beasts, which,
relinquishing ... gregarious; then, imitating the domestic animals, gradually ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the evening of.htm

The Sixth Book
... Thus we prove that we do not deserve to enjoy prosperity, since ... in a time of civil
peace and domestic quiet do ... of men torn and devoured by wild beasts was more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the sixth book.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... amidst bears and wolves, and other wild beasts of the ... he then felt, and hoped to
enjoy, he exhorted ... children, both in letters and in domestic economy " to ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... 9. The slave is entirely unprotected in his domestic relations ... ever heard of a rebellion
of the beasts of the ... I leave you to answer, who now enjoy the benefits ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... who had boldly grappled with the wild beasts of the ... present at this time, and on
Sabbath preached to ... simultaneously with their civil and domestic institutions. ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
... of his goodness which they were to enjoy after death ... as if he was the cause of domestic
disturbance by ... in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

The First Book
... cease to be thought wretched, who both enjoy at this ... very sheep and the smaller sorts
of domestic animals are ... we devour all kinds of birds, cattle and beasts. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm