Topical Bible: The Sabbath: No Burdens to be Carried On

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, is a central tenet in Judeo-Christian tradition, rooted in the creation narrative and the Ten Commandments. The concept of refraining from carrying burdens on the Sabbath is a significant aspect of observing this holy day, emphasizing rest, spiritual reflection, and trust in God's provision.

Biblical Foundation

The command to observe the Sabbath is first introduced in Genesis 2:2-3, where God rests on the seventh day after creation, blessing and sanctifying it. The formal commandment is given in Exodus 20:8-11, where the Israelites are instructed to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." The prohibition against carrying burdens specifically is articulated in Jeremiah 17:21-22: "This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load on the Sabbath day or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem. 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, as I commanded your forefathers."

Historical Context

In ancient Israel, the Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and His people, a day set apart for rest and worship. The prohibition against carrying burdens was intended to prevent any form of work that would distract from the sanctity of the day. This command was not merely about physical rest but also about spiritual renewal and reliance on God. By refraining from labor, including the carrying of burdens, the Israelites demonstrated their trust in God's provision and sovereignty.

Interpretation and Application

The prohibition against carrying burdens on the Sabbath was taken seriously by the Jewish community, as seen in the detailed regulations developed by the Pharisees and other religious leaders. These interpretations sought to define what constituted a "burden" and how the commandment should be applied in daily life. In the New Testament, Jesus addresses these interpretations, emphasizing the spirit of the law over the letter. In Mark 2:27, He states, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath," highlighting the intended purpose of the Sabbath as a blessing rather than a burden.

Theological Significance

The command to refrain from carrying burdens on the Sabbath underscores the broader theological themes of rest, trust, and holiness. It serves as a reminder of God's creation and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, as noted 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." The Sabbath is a symbol of liberation and divine provision, inviting believers to rest in God's completed work and to anticipate the ultimate rest found in Christ.

Contemporary Observance

For many Christians today, the principle of not carrying burdens on the Sabbath is interpreted in light of the New Covenant. While the specific prohibition may not be observed in the same way as in ancient Israel, the underlying principles of rest, worship, and trust in God remain relevant. The Sabbath continues to be a time for believers to set aside their daily labors, focus on spiritual matters, and renew their relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 13:19
And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 17:21
Thus said the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sabbath Observance
... and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which
they ... Of course, 'from that time they came no more on the Sabbath,' as was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sabbath observance.htm

Sabbath Cure at Bethesda.
... Be no longer a burden, a charge to others, but begin yourself to bear the burdens
of others ... with his bed he was challenged for carrying it on the Sabbath. ...
/.../xii sabbath cure at bethesda.htm

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... so as to constitute the sin of Sabbath desecration ... an olive, just as that for carrying
burdens was the ... fig, and removed it again, it involved no guilt, because ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm

Reformation
... time forth came they no more on the Sabbath." He also ... If the leaders in the cause
of truth show no zeal, if ... Heavy were the burdens borne by the leaders in this ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 57 reformation.htm

Jesus at Bethesda.
... The bearing of burdens on the Sabbath was forbidden, not only by Jewish tradition,
but by the law. ... There is no suspension on the Sabbath of works of ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at bethesda.htm

Aims of the Papacy.
... it will be seen that He lays upon men none of these heavy burdens. ... they were forced
to set aside the true and exalt the false sabbath; but no sooner had ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /35 aims of the papacy.htm

Liberty of Conscience Threatened
... it will be seen that He lays upon men none of these heavy burdens. ... they were forced
to set aside the true and exalt the false sabbath; but no sooner had ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 35 liberty of conscience.htm

As a Child
... the duties of the household, sharing the burdens of father ... And often in the synagogue
on the Sabbath day He ... of His stay in Nazareth, He made no exhibition of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 7 as a child.htm

The Apostasy.
... resurrection of Christ on Sunday made it the Christian Sabbath. ... No such honor was
given to the day by Christ ... The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /3 the apostasy.htm

An Era of Spiritual Darkness
... resurrection of Christ on Sunday made it the Christian Sabbath. ... No such honor was
given to the day by Christ ... The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 3 an era of.htm