Topical Bible: The Sabbath: The Wicked: Mock At

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, is a central tenet in Judeo-Christian tradition, established by God as a day of rest on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). It is a sign of the covenant between God and His people, a day set apart for rest and spiritual reflection. However, throughout biblical history, the Sabbath has often been a point of contention and mockery, particularly by those described as wicked or ungodly.

Biblical Instances of Mockery

The wicked's mockery of the Sabbath is not explicitly detailed in a single narrative but can be inferred from various passages that highlight the disdain and disregard for God's commandments. In Nehemiah 13:15-18, we see an example of the desecration of the Sabbath by those who engage in commerce and labor, ignoring the sanctity of the day. Nehemiah rebukes the nobles of Judah, saying, "What is this wicked thing you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?" (Nehemiah 13:17). This passage illustrates the contempt and irreverence shown by those who prioritize personal gain over divine command.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets frequently warned against the neglect and mockery of the Sabbath. In Isaiah 58:13-14, the prophet calls the people to honor the Sabbath, promising blessings for those who do so. The implication is that failure to honor the Sabbath, often due to mockery or disregard, leads to spiritual and communal decay. The wicked, in their arrogance, dismiss these warnings, choosing instead to follow their own desires.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Pharisees' legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath is often challenged by Jesus, who emphasizes the spirit of the law over the letter. In Mark 2:27, Jesus declares, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" . While this statement is not a direct reference to mockery, it highlights the tension between true observance and the superficial or hypocritical practices that can lead to scorn from those who do not understand or respect the Sabbath's purpose.

Cultural and Historical Context

Throughout history, the Sabbath has been a target for mockery by those outside the faith community, often due to misunderstanding or opposition to its restrictions. In a world that values productivity and constant activity, the Sabbath's call to rest and worship can be seen as countercultural, leading to ridicule by those who do not share the same values.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mockery of the Sabbath by the wicked is a reflection of a broader rejection of God's authority and order. The Sabbath is not merely a day of rest but a symbol of God's sovereignty and the believer's trust in His provision. To mock the Sabbath is to mock the Creator Himself, revealing a heart that is hardened and resistant to divine truth.

Conclusion

The Sabbath remains a vital aspect of faith practice, serving as a reminder of God's creation, rest, and covenant with His people. While the wicked may mock and disregard its significance, the faithful are called to uphold and honor the Sabbath, recognizing it as a gift and a command from God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 1:7
Jerusalem remembered in the days of her affliction and of her miseries all her pleasant things that she had in the days of old, when her people fell into the hand of the enemy, and none did help her: the adversaries saw her, and did mock at her sabbaths.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm XCII.
... Such is the Sabbath, which but a little while ago I ... must show it forth even unto
men who mock at it. ... Be not seduced by the prosperity of the wicked, admire not ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcii.htm

In Joseph's Tomb
... to whom it pointed had been slain by wicked hands, and ... On that Sabbath, when Christ
lay in the grave, Nicodemus had ... of lips, and reports of His mock trial, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 80 in josephs tomb.htm

Turn or Burn
... Delivered on Sabbath Morning, December 7, 1856, by the. ... to preach mercy unless they
preach also the doom of the wicked? ... It is not a mock tear; it is not hanging ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/turn or burn.htm

Salvation to the Uttermost
... we drivel away the Sabbath-day, we mock our hearers ... Every one of you virtually break
the Sabbath when you ... from offering, for "the sacrifice of the wicked is an ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/salvation to the uttermost.htm

John viii. 20
... He shall miserably destroy those wicked men." ( Matthew 21:40 ... pleasing unto Him even
that the Sabbath should be ... that pertains to this life, shalt mock at all ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily liii john viii 20.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostle Thadd??us,
... and escape from the plottings of the wicked Jews, which ... Jews along with his disciples
on the Sabbath-day, after ... with the soldiers, and made a great mock of Him ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thaddaeus/acts of the holy apostle.htm

The Blood-Shedding
... of Pilate; they seat him in a chair and mock him; a ... Do you mean to preach to the
most wicked men or ... He has broken the Sabbath; and as to swearing, if oaths be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the blood-shedding.htm

The Life of Mr. Donald Cargil.
... condemned by many, for excommunicating those wicked men; but ... Tinto, went out to spend
the Sabbath morning by ... whom Mr. Cargil said with regret, "Mock not, lest ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr donald.htm

Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... Christ, and abide in wilful and wicked unbelief ... Sabbath after Sabbath they are reminded
of their unhappy ... poor souls will prefer the pleasures that mock them to ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/sinners bound with the cords.htm

The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... True Religion contrasted with the Mock Piety of the Pharisees. ... A Man, born Blind,
healed on the Sabbath.--Christ's Conversation ... Parable of the Wicked Husbandman ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/