What Was Sabbath in the Bible?
The Origin and Meaning of the Sabbath
The Sabbath, originating from the Hebrew word שַׁבָּת (shabbat), meaning “rest” or “cessation,” is a fundamental concept in the Bible, particularly within the Old Testament. Instituted by God as a day of rest and worship, the Sabbath was to be observed weekly by the Israelites. It served as a holy day and a sign of the covenant between God and His people.
The Sabbath in the Old Testament
Instituting the Sabbath
The observance of the Sabbath is first mentioned in Exodus 16:23-29. In this passage, God provides manna for the Israelites and instructs them to gather twice as much on the sixth day because the seventh day is a Sabbath, a day of rest dedicated to the Lord. God commanded: “Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the Lord. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning” (Exodus 16:23).
The Sabbath in the Ten Commandments
The Sabbath is prominently reiterated in the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:8-11: “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.” This commandment emphasizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy, modeling it after God’s own rest on the seventh day of creation.
Regulations and Observance
Various regulations and instructions regarding the observance of the Sabbath are given throughout the Old Testament. Leviticus 23:3 describes the Sabbath as a day of complete rest, a sacred assembly, and a time for ceasing all work: “There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the Lord.” Breaking the Sabbath was considered a serious offense, as illustrated in Numbers 15:32-36, where a man is stoned to death for gathering wood on the Sabbath.
The Sabbath in the New Testament
Jesus and the Sabbath
In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the Sabbath, emphasizing its original intent as a day of rest and worship. In Matthew 12:1-12, Jesus teaches that the Sabbath was made for man’s benefit, and that acts of mercy and compassion are not violations of the Sabbath. Jesus declares, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28), indicating His authority over the Sabbath day.
Paul’s Perspective on the Sabbath
The apostle Paul, in Colossians 2:16-17, speaks about not letting anyone judge you regarding the Sabbath: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” This reflects a shift from the strict observance of Sabbath regulations to the freedom found in Christ.
The Spiritual Sabbath Rest
The concept of Sabbath rest is spiritualized in Hebrews 4:9-10: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.” Believers are encouraged to enter into God’s rest through faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting a deeper, spiritual understanding of rest and reliance on God’s completed work.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Embracing Rest
The Sabbath teaches modern Christians the importance of rest. In a world that often glorifies busyness, the principle of taking time to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate is vital. God’s command to rest underscores His care for our well-being. Psalm 46:10 reminds us to “Be still, and know that I am God,” emphasizing the necessity of quiet moments to reconnect with Him.
Dedicated Worship
The Sabbath also emphasizes the importance of dedicating time to worship God. Setting aside regular time to focus on God strengthens our relationship with Him and aligns our lives with His purposes. Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers not to neglect meeting together, highlighting the communal aspect of worship and fellowship.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Care and Provision
The Sabbath reflects God’s loving care and provision for His people. By instituting a day of rest, God demonstrates His desire for us to experience peace and refreshment. Matthew 11:28-30 illustrates this care, where Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
A Sign of Covenant
The Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant between God and His people. It is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His commitment to His promises. Ezekiel 20:12 states, “Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the Lord made them holy.” This covenantal sign encourages believers to remember and rely on God’s steadfast love.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus’ declaration as the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8) affirms His authority and highlights His role in fulfilling the Sabbath’s purpose. Jesus embodies the ultimate rest and reconciliation that the Sabbath foreshadowed. In Him, we find spiritual rest and restoration, as He completes the work of salvation.
Fulfillment of Rest
The Sabbath rest finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provides a way for believers to enter into a spiritual rest, ceasing from striving and trusting in His finished work. Hebrews 4:9-10 invites believers to embrace this rest: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”
Conclusion
The Sabbath, a foundational principle in the Bible, emphasizes rest, worship, and honoring God. Its observance, rooted in creation and the covenant with Israel, points to deeper spiritual truths fulfilled in Jesus Christ. For modern Christians, the Sabbath teaches the value of rest and dedicated worship, reflecting God’s care and covenantal love. In Christ, we find the ultimate rest, embodying the Sabbath’s true purpose and inviting us into a relationship of peace and trust with our Savior.