What is the Sabbath Day?

Shabbat

The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, a day of rest and worship commanded by YAHUAH, as described in the Scriptures. According to Exodus 20:8–11, the Sabbath commemorates YAHUAH’s creation of the universe in six days and His rest on the seventh day. This day is set apart for rest and reflection, as detailed in the Torah:

• Exodus 20:8-11: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to YAHUAH your Elohim. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days YAHUAH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore YAHUAH blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

• Genesis 2:2-3: “By the seventh day Elohim had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then Elohim blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

The Sabbath was a central part of worship and daily life for ancient Israelites and continues to be significant today:

• Exodus 16:23-29: “He said to them, ‘This is what YAHUAH commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to YAHUAH. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.’” ... “So the people rested on the seventh day.”

• Leviticus 23:3: “There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to YAHUAH.”

The Sabbath and Yahusha (Jesus)

Yahusha’s observance of the Sabbath highlights its continued importance:

• Luke 4:16: “He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.”

• Mark 2:27: “Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’”

• Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Historical Changes and Observance

The Sabbath has faced changes over time, particularly with the adoption of Sunday as a day of worship:

• Constantine’s Edict (321 AD): The "Sunday edict" declared Sunday as a day of rest, influenced by Roman and pagan customs, including the worship of the sun god.

• James Cardinal Gibbons: In "The Faith of Our Fathers," Gibbons acknowledged that Sunday observance is not found in Scripture, and that the Sabbath (Saturday) is the day sanctified by the Bible.

Continuing Relevance

Despite historical shifts, the Sabbath remains relevant:

• Hebrews 4:9-11: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of Elohim; for anyone who enters Elohim’s rest also rests from their works, just as Elohim did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.”

The Sabbath in the Future Kingdom

The observance of the Sabbath will continue into the future Kingdom of YAH, emphasizing its perpetual significance:

• Isaiah 66:23: “And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me, says YAHUAH.”

• Ezekiel 46:1: “Thus says YAHUAH Elohim: ‘The gateway of the inner court that faces east shall be shut the six working days; but on the Sabbath it shall be opened, and on the day of the New Moon it shall be opened.’”

• Ezekiel 46:3: “The people of the land shall worship at the entrance of that gateway before YAHUAH on the Sabbaths and the New Moons.”

How to Keep the Sabbath Day: Written Torah Instructions 

1. Timing and Purpose of the Sabbath

The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, set apart for rest and spiritual renewal. It begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday.

• Exodus 20:8-11: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of YAHUAH your Elohim. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days YAHUAH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore YAHUAH blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.”

New Testament Reference: Yahusha affirmed the importance of the Sabbath and its observance.

• Mark 2:27: “And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.’”

2. Rest from Work

On the Sabbath, work is to cease to honor YAHUAH and reflect on His creation and rest.

• Exodus 31:14-15: “You shall keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people. Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, holy to YAHUAH. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.”

New Testament Reference: The principle of rest on the Sabbath is confirmed in the New Testament.

• Hebrews 4:9-10: “There remains, therefore, a rest for the people of YAHUAH. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as YAHUAH did from His.”

3. Holy Convocation

The Sabbath is to be observed as a day of holy assembly, with communal worship and spiritual activities.

• Leviticus 23:3: “Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of YAHUAH in all your dwellings.”

New Testament Reference: The early believers gathered for worship and teaching on the Sabbath.

• Acts 13:14: “But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.”

4. Observing the Sabbath in the Future

The Sabbath will be observed in the future Kingdom of YAHUAH as part of the restored order.

• Isaiah 66:22-23: “For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me, says YAHUAH, so shall your descendants and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me, says YAHUAH.”

New Testament Reference: The future observance of the Sabbath in the Kingdom aligns with the vision of the restored order.

• Revelation 21:24: “And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.”

5. The Sabbath and Yahusha

Yahusha kept the Sabbath, affirming its ongoing significance and showing how to observe it properly.

• Luke 4:16: “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read.”

New Testament Reference: Yahusha's example illustrates the proper observance of the Sabbath, focusing on teaching, healing, and doing good.

• Matthew 12:12: “Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

Practical Observance

To observe the Sabbath effectively:

1. Remember and Plan: Include the Sabbath in your weekly schedule, setting it apart from your regular activities.

2. Rest from Work: Avoid engaging in work or activities related to earning income. Trust in YAHUAH for your needs and reflect on the spiritual significance of the day.

3. Fellowship: Engage in worship and community with other believers. If local gatherings are not possible, consider virtual fellowship.

4. Respect the Commandments: Observe the Sabbath in accordance with the fourth commandment and other biblical instructions, understanding its significance for both physical and spiritual rest.

Conclusion

The Sabbath is a sacred day of rest and spiritual renewal, commanded by YAHUAH to be observed from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. It is a time for ceasing from work, participating in holy assemblies, and reflecting on YAHUAH’s creation. The principles of Sabbath observance are affirmed throughout the Scriptures, from the Torah to the New Testament, and will continue to be observed in the future Kingdom of YAHUAH. As we keep the Sabbath, we honor YAHUAH's command and anticipate the time when all flesh will worship before Him.

The Promised Land draws near! Amein Alleluyah.