Topical Encyclopedia The concept of suspending industry on the Sabbath is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition, reflecting the importance of rest and worship as ordained by God. The Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening in Jewish tradition, is a day set apart for rest and spiritual reflection, as commanded in the Ten Commandments. This principle is also embraced by many Christian denominations, albeit often observed on Sunday, the Lord's Day.Biblical Foundation The command to cease work on the Sabbath is first introduced in the creation narrative. Genesis 2:2-3 states, "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." This divine example sets a precedent for humanity to follow. The Fourth Commandment, as recorded in Exodus 20:8-11 , explicitly instructs the Israelites to observe the Sabbath: "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 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 He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy." Sabbath Observance in Israel In ancient Israel, the suspension of industry on the Sabbath was a communal practice, encompassing all forms of labor. This included agricultural work, trade, and any form of commerce. Nehemiah 13:15-22 provides an account of Nehemiah's efforts to enforce Sabbath observance, rebuking those who engaged in trade and labor on the holy day. Nehemiah's actions underscore the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the Sabbath by ceasing all industrial activities. Prophetic Emphasis The prophets also emphasized the importance of Sabbath observance. Isaiah 58:13-14 highlights the blessings associated with honoring the Sabbath: "If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the Sabbath, emphasizing its purpose for human benefit. Mark 2:27 records Jesus saying, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." While Jesus challenged the legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath, He did not abolish the principle of rest and worship. The early church, as seen in Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2, began to gather on the first day of the week, reflecting the resurrection of Christ, yet the principle of setting aside time for rest and worship remained. Contemporary Application In contemporary Christian practice, the principle of suspending industry on the Sabbath or the Lord's Day continues to be observed by many. This observance serves as a reminder of God's creation, His provision, and the need for spiritual renewal. It is a time to cease from the busyness of life, to focus on worship, family, and community, and to acknowledge God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including industry and labor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 20:10But 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 Library Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ... The Fourth Commandment The Land and the People. From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 Job's Regret and Our Own From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive Footnotes The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources When can music be considered 'Christian music'? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about procrastination? | GotQuestions.org How can I overcome an addiction to internet porn? Can addiction to pornography be defeated? | GotQuestions.org Industry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Industry: Characteristic of Godly Women Industry: Early Rising Necessary To Industry: General Scriptures Concerning Industry: Leads to Affection of Relatives Industry: Leads to General Commendation Industry: Leads to Increase of Substance Industry: Required of Man After the Fall Industry: Required of Man in a State of Innocence Industry: Requisite to Supply: Our own Wants Industry: Requisite to Supply: Wants of Others Industry: The Slothful Devoid of Industry: To be Suspended on the Sabbath Related Terms |
    |