Topical Encyclopedia The observance of the Sabbath is a commandment deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, serving as a day of rest and worship. For masters, or heads of households, the responsibility to observe the Sabbath extends not only to themselves but also to their entire household, including servants and dependents. This practice is grounded in the biblical mandate to honor the Sabbath as a holy day, set apart for rest and spiritual reflection.Biblical Foundation The command to observe the Sabbath is first introduced in the creation narrative, where God Himself rested on the seventh day after creating the heavens and the earth. 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." The formal commandment to observe the Sabbath is given in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:8-11 instructs, "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 He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy." Role of Masters In the biblical context, masters held significant authority and responsibility over their households. This included not only family members but also servants and any others residing within their domain. The commandment to observe the Sabbath explicitly includes all members of the household, emphasizing the master's role in ensuring that the day is kept holy by everyone under their care. Deuteronomy 5:14 reiterates this responsibility: "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." Spiritual and Social Implications The observance of the Sabbath by masters and their households serves multiple purposes. Spiritually, it is a day dedicated to the Lord, providing an opportunity for worship, reflection, and renewal. It is a time to cease from the labors of the week and focus on spiritual matters, drawing closer to God. Socially, the Sabbath offers rest and relief to all members of the household, including servants and laborers. It is a day of equality, where all are given the opportunity to rest, regardless of their social status. This practice underscores the biblical principle of justice and compassion, recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual. Historical Observance Throughout history, the observance of the Sabbath has been a defining characteristic of Jewish and Christian communities. Masters who faithfully adhered to this commandment demonstrated their commitment to God's law and their care for those under their authority. The Sabbath became a symbol of covenantal faithfulness and communal identity, reinforcing the values of rest, worship, and community. In summary, the biblical mandate for masters to observe the Sabbath with their households is a profound expression of obedience to God's command and care for all members of the household. It reflects a holistic approach to spiritual and social well-being, honoring God through rest and worship while promoting justice and compassion within the community. 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 Deuteronomy 5:12-14 Library Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ... Household Salvation Exposition of the Moral Law. Letter Lii. To Nepotian. Acts XVI Going Home --A Christmas Sermon Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Resources What does the Bible say about disrespect? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be double-minded? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that there is neither Jew nor Greek in Galatians 3:28? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Masters: Authority of, Established Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Defraud Them Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Keep Back Their Wages Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Rule Over Them With Rigour Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Act Justly Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Deal With Them in the Fear of God Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Esteem Them Highly, If Saints Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Forbear Threatening Them Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Take Care of Them in Sickness Masters: should Receive Faithful Advice from Servants Masters: should Select Faithful Servants Masters: Should, With Their Households: Fear God Masters: Should, With Their Households: Observe the Sabbath Masters: Should, With Their Households: Put Away Idols Masters: Should, With Their Households: Serve God Masters: Should, With Their Households: Worship God Related Terms Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences) War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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