Topical Bible: Sabbath: Sacrifices on 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 Ten Commandments. It holds a significant place in Jewish and Christian traditions as a time set apart for spiritual reflection and cessation from labor. In addition to its role as a day of rest, the Sabbath in ancient Israel was marked by specific sacrificial offerings, which were integral to the worship practices of the Israelites.

Biblical Mandate for Sabbath Sacrifices

The instructions for Sabbath sacrifices are detailed in the Pentateuch, particularly in the book of Numbers. According to Numbers 28:9-10 , the Sabbath offerings were distinct from the daily offerings and were to be presented in addition to them:

"On the Sabbath day, present two unblemished lambs a year old, along with two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with oil, and its drink offering. This is the burnt offering for every Sabbath, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its drink offering."

These sacrifices were to be made at the Tabernacle, and later at the Temple in Jerusalem, serving as a reminder of the covenant between God and Israel. The additional offerings on the Sabbath underscored the day's sanctity and the people's dedication to God.

Components of the Sabbath Sacrifices

1. Burnt Offerings: The primary component of the Sabbath sacrifices was the burnt offering of two unblemished lambs. The burnt offering symbolized complete surrender and devotion to God, as the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar.

2. Grain Offerings: Accompanying the burnt offerings was a grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil. This offering represented the fruits of human labor and was an acknowledgment of God's provision.

3. Drink Offerings: The drink offering, typically wine, was poured out on the altar, symbolizing the pouring out of one's life in service to God.

Theological Significance

The Sabbath sacrifices were not merely ritualistic but carried deep theological significance. They were a weekly reminder of God's creation and His rest on the seventh day, as well as a foreshadowing of the ultimate rest found in Christ. The sacrifices pointed to the need for atonement and the holiness required to approach God.

In the New Testament, the concept of Sabbath rest is expanded through the work of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of the Law and the ultimate sacrifice. Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a "Sabbath rest" for the people of God, indicating a spiritual rest that believers enter through faith in Christ.

Historical Context and Practice

During the Second Temple period, the Sabbath sacrifices continued to be a central aspect of Jewish worship. The priests were responsible for performing these sacrifices, ensuring that the requirements of the Law were met. The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD brought an end to the sacrificial system, leading to a transformation in Jewish worship practices.

In Christian tradition, the Sabbath sacrifices are often viewed through the lens of Christ's atoning work, which fulfills and transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system. The emphasis shifts from physical sacrifices to spiritual worship and rest in Christ.

The Sabbath sacrifices, as outlined in the Old Testament, provide a rich tapestry of worship, devotion, and theological insight, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 28:9,10
And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
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Ezekiel 46:4,5
And the burnt offering that the prince shall offer to the LORD in the sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish, and a ram without blemish.
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Library

The Pharisees' Sabbath and Christ's
... There was much hard work done in the temple on the Sabbath"sacrifices to
be slain, fires and lamps to be kindled, and so on. That ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the pharisees sabbath and christs.htm

Of the Abolition and the Abolisher of the Old Law.
... Inquire, I say, we must, whether this giver of the new law, observer of the spiritual
sabbath, priest of the eternal sacrifices, eternal ruler of the eternal ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter vi of the abolition and.htm

The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ...
... not unreasonably, be expected from those who declare that the sacrifices bore no ...
merely the calling of His first disciples, but the necessary Sabbath rest; for ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the twofold testimony.htm

part 1
... upon any positive enactment or commandment from God that His people, in those early
days, should either offer sacrifices to Him or keep the Sabbath or give the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 1.htm

Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath ...
... is, instructed them how they should, throughout the churches which were to be converted,
change the Sabbath to the Lord's day; the bodily sacrifices of beasts ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the true manner.htm

Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Set Forth?
... Consequently, the Sabbath alone, and none of the other solemnities and
sacrifices, is mentioned in the precepts of the decalogue. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the precepts of the 2.htm

The Morning and Evening Sacrifices of the Saint in his Life of ...
... come to the continuous one of the evening they offer the other sacrifices which
the ... a prayer for salvation, or that of jealousy, or that of the Sabbath, or of ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/34 the morning and evening.htm

"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? ...
... What would ye think if we should change the terms of sacrifices and new moons, and ...
When ye come here on the Sabbath, who required at your hand to tread my ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ix to what purpose.htm

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
... They baked and changed the showbread; they performed sabbatical sacrifices (Numbers
28:9), and two lambs were killed on the sabbath in addition to the daily ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxviii jesus defends disciples who.htm

The Law Anterior to Moses.
... and inobservant of the Sabbath, consequently his offspring also, Abel, offering
Him sacrifices, uncircumcised and inobservant of the Sabbath, was by Him ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter ii the law anterior to.htm