TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

FEAST OF SABBATH

Introduction to the Sabbath (Shabbat)Definition and Purpose of Shabbat:
Shabbat is the weekly day of rest and worship observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, commemorating YHVH's rest after creation and providing a time for physical rest and spiritual renewal.

Genesis 2:2-3 – "And on the seventh day YHVH finished His work... so YHVH blessed the seventh day and made it holy."
Exodus 20:8-11 – The Third Commandment: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."II.

The Origins of the Sabbath Instituted at Creation:

The Sabbath is first mentioned in the creation account, marking it as a perpetual principle established by YHVH.

Genesis 2:2-3 – YHVH rested on the seventh day, setting it apart as holy.

Reaffirmed with Israel in the Covenant:
The Sabbath was later given as a sign of the covenant between YHVH and His people Israel, reminding them of their relationship with Him.

Exodus 31:16-17 – "It is a sign forever between Me and the people of Israel..."
Nehemiah 9:14 – "You made known to them your holy Sabbath and commanded them to observe it."

Sabbath Observance in the Law of Moses

The Ten Commandments:
The command to observe the Sabbath is part of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing its importance in Israel's covenantal relationship with YHVH.

Exodus 20:8-11 – "Six days you will work and do all your labors..."
Deuteronomy 5:12-15 – "Observe the Sabbath day... as a reminder of Israel's deliverance from slavery."

Rules for Sabbath Observance:
The Torah includes specific guidelines for resting on the Sabbath and avoiding work.

Exodus 35:2-3 – No work should be done on the Sabbath; it is a day of complete rest. In other words we are not working for our own benefits for financial reprieve.
Leviticus 23:3 – "Six days we will work (for our financial benefits) it will be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest."

Sabbath as a Weekly Feast

The Sabbath as a Holy Convocation:
The Sabbath is considered a weekly feast and holy assembly for worship.

Leviticus 23:2-3 – "These are the appointed feasts of YHVH... the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation."

Spiritual Refreshment and Joy in the Sabbath:
The Sabbath provides an opportunity for spiritual refreshment and communal worship.

Isaiah 58:13-14 – "If you call the Sabbath a delight... then you shall take delight in the YHVH."V.

Sabbath Observance in the Prophets. Sabbath as a Covenant Sign:

The prophets reinforce the importance of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant and a reminder of YHVH's promises.

Ezekiel 20:12 – "Moreover, I gave them My Sabbaths, as a sign between Me and them."

Sabbath as Part of Israel's Faithfulness to YHVH:

The prophets often highlight Sabbath observance as part of true devotion and obedience to YHVH.Isaiah 56:2-6 – Blessings for all who keep the Sabbath and honor it.
Jeremiah 17:21-27 – A call to honor the Sabbath to avoid judgment.

Shabbat Observance in the Life of Y'shua

Y'shua's Sabbath Teachings:
Y'shua upheld the Sabbath but corrected misunderstandings, emphasizing mercy and the Sabbath's purpose.

Mark 2:27-28 – "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath."
Matthew 12:10-12 – Y'shua healed on the Sabbath, showing it is the right thing  to do good by helping your neighbor on the sabbath.

The Sabbath and New Covenant Teachings:
Y'shua observed Shabbat, yet his teachings opened the understanding of rest and worship beyond strict legalism.

Luke 4:16 – Y'shua read from the Scriptures in the synagogue on the Sabbath.
Hebrews 4:9-10 – "There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of YHVH."

The Sabbath in Early Christian Practice

Continued Sabbath Observance among Hebrew Believers:
Early Hebrew believers continued to observe the Sabbath, attending synagogue services and gathering for worship.

Acts 13:14-15, 42 – Paul and Barnabas attended synagogue on the Sabbath.
Acts 17:2 – "As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures."

Sabbath Rest as a Spiritual Principle in the New Covenant:
While the observance evolved, Sabbath rest remains a spiritual principle that points to rest in YHVH's presence.

Colossians 2:16-17 – "Let no one judge you... regarding a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Y'shua."

Sabbath and Its Future Significance

The Sabbath as a Foreshadowing of Eternal Rest:
The Sabbath is often seen as a foreshadowing of the eternal rest and shalom for believers will enjoy in YHVH's Kingdom.

Hebrews 4:9-10 – "There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of YHVH."
Revelation 21:1-4 – A depiction of the ultimate Sabbath rest in the New Shamayim and a New Adamah.

Prophetic Fulfillment of the Sabbath:
The Sabbath points to the ultimate rest and redemption that will be fully realized in the Messianic Age.

Isaiah 66:23 – "From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh will come to worship before Me."

Conclusion:
The Importance of the Sabbath Today 

Spiritual Rest and Reflection:

Observing the Sabbath is an opportunity to honor YHVH, rest from our labor of making wealth, and find spiritual renewal.

Psalm 92:1-2 – "It is good to give thanks to YHVH... to declare His steadfast love in the morning and His faithfulness by night."

Invitation to Delight in YHVH:
The Sabbath is a weekly reminder of our relationship with YHVH and His provision, inviting us to set aside time for reflection and joy in Him.

Isaiah 58:13-14 – "If you honor the sabbath, not going your own ways... then you will take delight in YHVH."

This outline highlights the significance of the Sabbath (Shabbat) as a weekly feast and a central part of faith and worship in Scripture, emphasizing rest, worship, and reflection as central components.