Who Is Shabbat For?

Picture: First Fruits of Zion

Who is Shabbat For?

Exodus 31:13-17 In the beginning, God designated Shabbat (the Sabbath) as a reminder that he rested on the seventh day, and as a day for his people to spend with him. n time, another important meaning was revealed in Exodus 31:13-17. This special day was a permanent sign, signifying that God had set apart (made holy) the nation of Israel. It reminded the nation of her unique calling and responsibility, which is why Shabbat w be taken so seriously. The ultimate penalty of death for breaking Shabbat ensured that God’s people would fully observe the day. They would receive the blessing of rest, remember the Creation, and recall the covenant God made with them.

But is the Sabbath solely for Jews? Not according to Yesha’yahu: “Happy is the person who does this, anyone who grasps it firmly, who keeps Shabbat and does not profane it, and keeps himself from doing any evil” (Isa. 56:2). God desired to bless his people through this holy day. But it was not given just to the Jewish people; it was also given to reveal insight into eternal truths to all humanity: “And the foreigners who join themselves to ADONAI to serve him, to love the name of ADONAI, and to be his workers, all who keep Shabbat and do not profane it… I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer” (Isa. 56:6-7a).

Yesha’yahu also shares that in the days of the new heaven and the new earth, “every week on Shabbat everyone living will come to worship in my presence’, says ADONAI” (Isa. 66:23). A Sabbath rest will be the reward for all who enter eternity with God. Thus, by observing Shabbat now, we prepare for eternity. Shabbat is for all mankind – given before the Ten Commandments, guarded by Israel for centuries, and guaranteed in eternity to all who trust the Lord.

Stern, H. (2016). The Complete Jewish Study Bible (1st ed.). Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, LLC.