Monday, 29 June 2015

SABBATH DAY, what is the symbolism of it?

Hebrew: yohm hash-shabbath', from verb sha.vath', to rest, desist from exertion; Greek: he he.me'ra tou sab.ba'tou, the day of complete cessation, making to cease.
The observance begins in the wilderness in the second month after their exodus from Egypt. God had told Moses that the miraculous provision of the manna would be double on the sixth day. When this proved true, the chieftains of the assembly reported the matter to Moses and then the arrangement for the weekly sabbath was announced. (Ex. 16: 22, 23). That Israel was obligated from that time forward is shown by God's words at Exodus 16: 28, 29.
The sabbath was celebrated as a sacred day (Deut. 5:12), a day of rest and rejoicing for all : Israelites, servants, alien residents and animals. They ceased from all labors. (Isa. 58; Hos. 2; Ex.20; 34; Deut. 5; Jer. 17). A special Burnt Offering, along with grain and drink offerings, was made, in addition to the regular daily "constant burnt offering." (Num. 28). The showbread was renewed in the sanctuary and a new division of priests took up their duties. (Lev.24: 1Chron. 9; 2Chron.23).
The desisting from all labor and observing other God-given sabbath requirements, provided opportunity  for the individual to demonstrate his faith and obedience. It was occupied in taking in knowledge of God and attending to spiritual needs. The Levites, that were scattered throughout the land, took the sabbath to teach the law to the people of Israel. (Deut. 33; Lev. 10). Its violation was regarded as rebellion against God and was punished by death. (Ex. 31; Num. 15). Their observing in a whole-hearted way was a vital factor to their continued existence as a nation on their God-given land.
As an example of what happens when this observance was violated we see the land of Judah. Their failure to honor the sabbath laws contributed largely to their downfall and the desolation of the land for 70 years to make up for it. (Lev.26; 2Chron. 36).
The sabbath originally intended to be a joyous and spiritually upbuilding time. But in their zeal to distinguish themselves from the non Jews as much as possible, the Jews religious leaders after the return from Babylonian exile and gradually made it a burdensome thing by greatly increasing the sabbath restrictions.
JESUS, being a Jew under the Law, observed the sabbath as God's Word (not the Pharisees) directed.
The apostle Paul shows in Hebrews 3 and 4, that God's own rest, referred to at Genesis 2 and Psalm 95, is one of unbroken continuity into which the ones in the wilderness could not enter because of lack of faith and disobedience. (Heb. 3; Num.14). Paul continues, a sabbath remains "for the people of God" (Heb.4) who are obedient and exercise faith in Christ, thereby enjoying the real sabbath-rest from their own selfish works or works of self-justification. (Compare Rom.9; 10; Heb. 6; 9). Men were entering into God's sabbath in Paul's day and the opportunity remains open until now.

No comments:

Post a Comment