Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Origin: Sabbath-breaking refers to the act of violating the sanctity of the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship according to biblical command. The concept of the Sabbath originates from the creation account in Genesis, where God rested on the seventh day after creating the heavens and the earth (Genesis 2:2-3). The Sabbath was later codified in the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, where the Israelites were instructed to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). Biblical Commandments: The command to observe the Sabbath is reiterated throughout the Old Testament. In Exodus 31:14-15 , the seriousness of Sabbath observance is emphasized: "You must keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it must surely be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people. For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD." This underscores the gravity of Sabbath-breaking in the eyes of God. Examples of Sabbath-Breaking: Instances of Sabbath-breaking are recorded in the Scriptures, often resulting in severe consequences. In Numbers 15:32-36 , a man found gathering wood on the Sabbath was brought before Moses and Aaron, and the LORD commanded that he be put to death by stoning, illustrating the strict enforcement of Sabbath laws. Prophetic Warnings: The prophets frequently warned Israel about the consequences of neglecting the Sabbath. In Jeremiah 17:21-22 , the prophet admonishes the people: "This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. You must not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath day, but you must keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers." New Testament Perspective: In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of Sabbath observance, often challenging the Pharisees' legalistic interpretations. In Mark 2:27-28 , Jesus declares, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." This statement highlights the intended purpose of the Sabbath as a blessing for humanity rather than a burdensome legal requirement. Theological Implications: Sabbath-breaking is viewed as a transgression against God's command and a failure to trust in His provision and rest. It reflects a deeper spiritual issue of disobedience and self-reliance. The Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant between God and His people, and breaking it signifies a breach of that covenant relationship. Contemporary Observance: In modern Christian practice, the observance of the Sabbath varies. Some denominations continue to observe Saturday as the Sabbath, while others, following the tradition of the early church, observe Sunday as the Lord's Day in commemoration of Christ's resurrection. Regardless of the day observed, the principle of setting aside time for rest and worship remains central to Christian life. Conclusion: Sabbath-breaking, as depicted in the Bible, is a serious offense with spiritual and communal implications. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for rest and worship in the life of believers. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SABBATH-BREAKINGsab'-bath-brak'-ing. Library The Pharisees Accuse Christ of Sabbath-Breaking and Blasphemy. ... Jesus Life-Giver and Judge. Life of Bunyan Sabbath Observance Thou Shalt in any Wise Rebuke Thy Neighbor, and not Suffer Sin ... "Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?" The Greater Prophets. Tradition "The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to ... His Precautions against the Persecutions of the Sanhedrim. Thesaurus SabbathbreakingSabbathbreaking. Sabbath, Sabbathbreaking. Sabbath-breaking . Int. ... See CRIMES; PUNISHMENTS. Sabbath, Sabbathbreaking. Sabbath-breaking . Reference Bible /s/sabbathbreaking.htm - 6k Sabbath-breaking Punishments (31 Occurrences) Sabbath-day (23 Occurrences) Crimes (22 Occurrences) Crime (45 Occurrences) Sabbath (126 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath? | GotQuestions.orgWhat day is the Sabbath, Saturday or Sunday? Do Christians have to observe the Sabbath day? | GotQuestions.org On what day was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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