Sabbaths

The Sabbath, originating from the Hebrew word "Shabbat," meaning "to cease" or "to rest," is a day of rest and worship observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. It is rooted in the creation narrative, where God rested on the seventh day after creating the heavens and the earth (Genesis 2:2-3). The Sabbath is enshrined in the Ten Commandments, where it is commanded, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). This day is set apart for rest and spiritual reflection, serving as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:16-17).

The observance of the Sabbath is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. It is a day dedicated to the Lord, where no work is to be done, and it is a time for sacred assembly (Leviticus 23:3). The Sabbath is also a reminder of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, as stated in Deuteronomy 5:15 : "Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day."

In the New Testament, Jesus' relationship with the Sabbath is significant. He often healed on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisaic interpretations of the law (Mark 3:1-6). Jesus declared, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27), emphasizing the Sabbath's purpose for human benefit rather than legalistic observance. The early church grappled with the observance of the Sabbath, especially as Gentile believers joined the faith. The Apostle Paul addressed this in Colossians 2:16-17 , stating, "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ."

New Moons

The New Moon, or "Rosh Chodesh" in Hebrew, marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar. It is a time of renewal and is often associated with the Sabbath in scriptural references. The New Moon is mentioned in conjunction with Sabbaths and feasts as a time of worship and offering (Numbers 28:11-15). It is a day when special sacrifices were made, and it held a significant place in the religious life of Israel.

The New Moon is noted in the prophetic literature as well. In Isaiah 66:23 , it is written, "From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come to worship before Me," declares the LORD. This highlights the eschatological significance of the New Moon as a time of universal worship in the future kingdom.

In the New Testament, the New Moon is mentioned in the context of Christian liberty. As with the Sabbath, Paul addresses the observance of the New Moon in Colossians 2:16 , indicating that such observances are a shadow of what is to come in Christ. This suggests that while the New Moon had ceremonial importance under the Old Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ.

The New Moon also served as a time for communal gatherings and celebrations. In 1 Samuel 20:5 , David speaks of the New Moon festival, indicating its role as a time for feasting and fellowship. The New Moon, like the Sabbath, was a time set apart for reflection, worship, and community, underscoring the rhythm of sacred time in the life of Israel.