Topical Bible: Sabbath: Preparations for The

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The Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, is a day of rest and worship as commanded in the Scriptures. Preparations for the Sabbath are an essential aspect of its observance, ensuring that the day is kept holy and free from laborious activities. The concept of preparing for the Sabbath is rooted in the biblical mandate to rest on the seventh day, as God did after creation (Genesis 2:2-3).

Biblical Instructions and Examples

The primary biblical instruction for Sabbath preparation is found in Exodus 16, where the Israelites are commanded to gather a double portion of manna on the sixth day to avoid gathering on the Sabbath. Exodus 16:5 states, "On the sixth day, they are to prepare what they bring in, and it is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days." This passage underscores the importance of preparing in advance to honor the Sabbath rest.

In the New Testament, the practice of preparing for the Sabbath is evident in the burial of Jesus. Luke 23:54-56 describes how the women who followed Jesus prepared spices and perfumes before the Sabbath began: "It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was placed. Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment."

Traditional Practices

In Jewish tradition, the day before the Sabbath is known as "Preparation Day" (Yom HaKippurim), during which various tasks are completed to ensure that the Sabbath is free from work. This includes cooking meals, cleaning the home, and setting the table. The lighting of the Sabbath candles just before sunset marks the beginning of the Sabbath and is a significant preparatory ritual.

Spiritual and Practical Considerations

The preparations for the Sabbath are not merely practical but also spiritual. They serve as a reminder of the sanctity of the day and the need to focus on spiritual matters. By completing necessary tasks beforehand, individuals can dedicate the Sabbath to rest, worship, and family, in accordance with the commandment to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8).

Contemporary Observance

In contemporary Christian practice, the concept of Sabbath preparation may vary. Some Christians observe Sunday as a day of rest and worship, following the tradition of the early church. Regardless of the specific day observed, the principle of preparation remains relevant, encouraging believers to set aside time for rest and spiritual renewal.

The preparations for the Sabbath, as outlined in Scripture and tradition, highlight the importance of intentionality in observing this sacred day. By preparing in advance, believers can fully embrace the rest and worship that the Sabbath is intended to provide.

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Exodus 16:22
And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.
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Matthew 27:62
Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together to Pilate,
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Mark 15:42
And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
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Luke 23:54
And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
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John 19:31
The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) sought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
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Library

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... That David Made Great Preparations For The House Of God; And That, Upon Adonijah's ...
that one course should minister to God eight days, from sabbath to sabbath. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

A Morning Prayer for the Sabbath-Day.
... thy blessing, feel in my heart the beginning of that eternal Sabbath, which in ... the
week-days: but remember so to despatch these private preparations and duties ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a morning prayer for the.htm

Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments.
... There is no room, then, for the indulgence of idleness, indolence, or sloth, upon
the Sabbath. ... Make all your preparations on the afternoon of Saturday. ...
/.../letter viii public and social.htm

The Holy Family in Bethlehem after the Departure of the Kings.
... [Saturday, December 29 ^th:] When the Sabbath was ended, all preparations were made
for the departure for Nazareth of Anna and Eliud and their servants. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiv the holy family in.htm

Jesus in the Tomb.
... But the next day being a solemn Sabbath, the labor was postponed till the day ... hours
of the evening which remained to them in making new preparations for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxvi jesus in the.htm

The Transfiguration.
... no allusion in the text, nor slightest hint of either difficulties or preparations,
such as ... Up into an high mountain apart,' to pray.' The Sabbath-sun had set ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the transfiguration.htm

Table of Contents
... 208 11. MARY CONCLUDES THE SABBATH IN THE BURIAL CAVE OF MARAHA. 210 XI. ... 300
6. preparations FoR the departure OF the hOLY family. 301 XV. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/table of contents.htm

Object of Christ in the Last Supper.
... he sent Peter and John into the city, to make the necessary preparations for the ...
day, but only about leaving the bodies on the cross on the Sabbath, which was ...
/.../section 265 object of christ.htm

In the Days of Queen Esther
... Even now preparations are being made for this last great conflict. ... the enemies of
the true church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 49 in the days.htm

Ezra-Nehemiah
... an attack"a plan which was, however, frustrated by the preparations of Nehemiah ... abstain
from intermarriage with the heathen and trade on the Sabbath day, and ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezra-nehemiah.htm