There is not a person; other than Christ, that has not blasphemed God's name.
It's all about coming to "TRUTH" so we don't blaspheme his name.
It's all about what Christ did for us at HIS resurrection and coming to that "TRUTH".
You DIED with Christ, you were resurrected with Christ.
You and Christ become ONE by that resurrection, you were married to Christ, by that resurrection, you became the wife of Christ, by that resurrection, by marriage you NOW BEAR the NAME OF CHRIST.
You were baptised by the Holy Spirit IN THE NAME OF JESUS.
John 17:22 And the GLORY that thou gavest ME, I have GIVEN to THEM (my wife), that THEY may be ONE even as WE are ONE.
Colossians 1:27 ...this MYSTERY ....of the HIS resurrection ...... CHRIST IN YOU ......
BELIEVE what God did for YOU, and you will never blaspheme GOD'S NAME.
Hi Ani. GiGi has shared accurately with you and I would like to add some more thoughts for your study & consideration.
I'm unsure where you obtained this particular Bible study book from, as it's clearly slanted towards 'keeping of the Law'. Does your Church support this teaching or are you doing this study by personal choice?
Firstly, the Jewish Sabbath has always been the Saturday (from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday) & was given to Israel as part of the other commandments for them to observe ( Exodus 20:8-11). Why was this particular Command given? It was the seventh day when the LORD ceased from His Work of creating & it was for a remembrance when God brought out His people "with a mighty hand & a stretched out arm": i.e. from the perennial state of bondage & hard labor in Egypt to a time of liberty & rest. Even when Israel collected their food (Manna) while in the desert, they were not allowed to gather it on the seventh day ( Exodus 16:19-30), indicating the sanctity of the Sabbath Day.
Secondly, the Christian observance of Sunday, is not a redefining of the Jewish Sabbath - it is what is termed, the Lord's Day ( Revelation 1:10), or the First Day of the Week ( Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2) - never the Sabbath.
Thirdly, the Church is not required to observe the Jewish Sabbath as we were never in bondage in Egypt & brought into Canaan. We were however, once in bondage to sin & the flesh & now given a glorious forgiveness & release into the Lord's Rest. See Matthew 11:28-30 and Hebrews 4:1-11. Not only is the Christian given Christ's Peace in his heart, but also a resulting rest that comes only from Him. And yet, there is also a coming rest ( Hebrews 4:9), where the word here is 'sabbatismos', or Sabbath Rest: a rest in God's Presence that will be one continual Sabbath Rest, when our earthly toils & hardships are finally over.
Thank you Dr. Adams. I think we're referring to two things here: the Sabbath that you wish to observe, if as a nurse, you worked a 'non-standard' week, and secondly, the Sabbath that was specified by God for His people, Israel, to observe.
a. in the example you gave, it would be quite appropriate for you to rest on your seventh day, even if that day should fall on any other day other than Saturday. Personally, I would just call it my rest day & not my Sabbath as to some folk that might infer that I'm recognizing & observing the Jewish Sabbath & changing it to 'my Sabbath day'; but maybe that's another discussion.
b. in relation to God's Command to Israel to "keep the Sabbath (the seventh day) holy" & as to "what day to start or stop"(your comment), I would suggest the following. Israel, from the time of the giving of the Law, knew exactly when their working week (or rather, days of toil & wandering in the desert) started and stopped. You may recall the Scripture in Exodus 16:25-30, where God provided manna for six days & the people had to collect extra on the sixth day to tide them over for the seventh day (Sabbath). This continued throughout their wanderings so they had a calendar of sorts to mark out their days of toil & their day of rest; the arrival/cessation of manna never failed. This 'calendar' never changed since then & even when Jesus went through the corn fields on the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:1), or went to read in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day ( Luke 4:16), He never upbraided the Jews for observing a day that was not the very same one specified by God in Exodus.
And for today also, I believe that the Sabbath Day falls on the Saturday (as per the Gregorian calendar that we use), as Jews also recognize it & observe it. Chabad dot org, confirms that Chanukah begins this year on Sunday, December 18 and ends on Sunday, December 25 (with December 24 being their Sabbath - Kislev 30). I hope this helps a little.
I would first quote the Bible verse that the "for the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day." ( Matthew 12:8). The issue of working on the Sabbath day was a trust issue at first which really began being judged when the manna being looked for Exodus 16:26-27. The rule was given that a double portion was to be collected the day before for enough supply. The issue of the Sabbath Day however once the law was fully given once again was tested with a man gathering sticks being put to death on the Sabbath. ( Numbers 15:32-36). We need to keep in mind here that God had rules specifically for His chosen nation; and that with more knowledge came more responsibility. They were fully aware in the desert of God's deliverance and chose to rebel over and over. They continued with idolatry and rebellion thus the Lord Himself decreed this. This shows the seriousness of God. He knew this man's heart; it would have been very likely this was open rebellion; to procure self reliance and gain apart from God as small as it seemed. Once one man did this many others would likely follow. Hence; we see God Himself bringing plagues; defeats with foreign armies and other things for disobedience of many laws.
In David's case where he had Uriah the Hittite sent to the front lines to plan his death which was complicit to murder; as well as committing adultery previously with Bathsheeba was also not forgivable according to the law. Since David was said to be a man after God's own heart; the Prophet Nathan indicated that he wouldn't die; but for the sake of not having reproach from their enemies the child would die. ( 2 Sam. 12:14). It is interesting that God uses that for reasoning. The Hittites were the enemies of Israel who were to be destroyed when entering in the Promised Land. Yet Uriah was a righteous man; probably converted to being a Jew. This meant that satisfaction of justice had to benefit his enemies because God's people can't have double standards.
An omer is about 9 1/2 cups (2.3 liters). As I read these instructions, I think about the Lord's Prayer Jesus gave us ( Matt. 6:9-13).
In this prayer we ask God for our daily bread. And John 6:32-51, where He speaks of being the Bread of Life that came down from heaven. This chapter speaks how the Israelites ate manna in the desert and still died, but not so for those who eat the Bread of Life, Jesus.
Anyone who did not obey the instructions concerning manna had an unpleasant experience but God chose not to punish them severely. He was merciful to the disobedient and fickle Israelites. The manna was unique, one of a kind food, which does not exist in the natural world. YHWH fed the Israelites with manna and, I thin, quail, throughout the 40 years of wandering. But even so, Jesus said, man does not live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. It was better for the Israelites to believe God and His Word than to go with human reason and save more manna than can be eaten in a day. The fact that the manna kept to the next day bred worms and was inedible yet this was not so for the manna gathered the day before to be kept over night for the Sabbath demonstrates this Scripture well. ( Matt. 4:4)
Relying on God day to day is the way we are to live our life. Not consumed with "always stocking up just in case" or being so frugal that one cannot enjoy the blessings of God that one receives by trusting Him. We are to be wise and certainly saving or putting up food is a good thing, but not to a point of compulsion to where one trusts in his one ability to provide today and also for the future. This daily provision also reminds us that we should be satisfied that God provides what is necessary for life, not riches, gold, silver, mansions, largess of any kind. We should be content with what God provides and seek the riches and treasure we have in .
This chapter seems to introduce the Sabbath command. Is this the first time?
This is another amazing chapter in which the glory of the LORD appears in the cloud and speaks to the Moses, God provides daily food for the Israelites, even after they murmur against Moses and complain; and Moses instructs the Israelites about gathering the manna throughout the week.
The chapter begins with the Israelites leaving verdant Elim, with the 12 wells (one for each tribe to have plenty of water) and 70 trees, providing shade and respite from the harsh wilderness heat. (Remember that originally 70 Israelites went to Egypt during the famine) They traveled into the wilderness of Sin (Sin was the name of the Mesopotamian moon god) They had been traveling for 1 1/2 months. The Israelites hungered though they had lots of livestock; but perhaps, no grain left to make bread. They began to murmur and complain to Moses, saying that they had it much better in Egypt in bondage than here in freedom with YHWH. They even said that it would have been better if they had died in Egypt than to be taken out into this wilderness and be killed by YHWH. What an affront to the true God who had already delivered them with multiple miracles. But just like when they murmured about not having water to drink, God provided sweet water at Marah and plentiful water at Elim.
YHWH speaks to Moses about the manna from heaven and the quail overrunning the camp. Moses instructs Aaron to speak to the whole group. And as promised in vs. 7 the glory of YHWH appears in the cloud and He speaks to Moses (vs. 10). How was this appearance different from simply the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night? When Moses saw the burning bush the text said that the Angel of the LORD was within the fire. So, perhaps this same Angel of the LORD appeared in the cloud since this theophany spoke audibly to Moses. The LORD gives more instructions to Moses for the people concerning the Manna. These instructions are then given to the whole congregation.
Hello Roy. Thank you for your comments - Praise the Lord for giving you this late awakening & a hunger for Him & His Truth; & no doubt you will use these ensuing years well to increase in faith, love & knowledge of the Lord.
I agree, the logistical problems for Moses would have been tremendous & doomed for failure if it were not for the Lord's Intervention: from the Lord Who called them, liberated them, & promised to guide & keep them. Considering the great company of people (possibly around 2 million) travelling in mainly desert conditions, we find that the Lord undertook wonderfully.
I feel that the march towards Canaan did not have a wide front of 50 miles or so. That it was probably more of a column march, with a front of say, half a mile & the column extending for many miles. I have nothing to substantiate this, just using the accepted pattern that gives the leader control, order, & communication (just as with a large army regiment marching towards an enemy position). We remember that when the Israelites marched forward, they went in their Tribes behind their leaders (indicating control & care given to a 'smaller' group rather than one person miles ahead trying to oversee all of them), Numbers 2:34.
For their food, Exodus 16:35 tells us that God provided manna for them for the forty years & in their complaining about it, the Lord also gave them quails ( Numbers 11:32). And for their water, again it was provided for them (whether casting a stick into bitter water to make it sweet, or water from a rock, or even from springs & oases along the way). For sanitation, probably a screened off area at each place they rested. It certainly was a difficult life, even as many mourned for the relative comforts & food of Egypt, & many died for their disobedience & complaining - they failed to really trust God to continue to demonstrate His Mighty Arm, both in their travels & when having to face their enemies in the future. Would we be any different in those circumstances?
Numbers 20:7-12, is a portion of the whole story & reason.
Let's look at the bigger picture:
Numbers 20:12, please note it says "Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore._._" , Please read Exodus, Moses' doubts: Exodus 3:11,13, Exodus 4:1,3,10,14, Exodus 4:24-26, Exodus 5:22, Exodus 6:12, Exodus 6:30, Exodus 14:11-15, Exodus 16:2-28, Exodus 17:2-7, Exodus 32:11-19,30,31,32,33, Exodus 33:1-3, Numbers 11:1-15, mercy ( Numbers 11:16-20,) Numbers 11:21-23, * Numbers 13, Numbers 13:30,31,32, * Numbers 14, very significant I believe, when they were supposed to take the promised land please read Numbers chapters 13 & 14, & notice: Numbers 13:30, Numbers 14:24, Numbers 14:22-23,
This chapter explains God's provisions (again subsequent to their murmering AGAIN in verse 2).
The fact that they were so myopic as to suggest that they had "bread to the full" in verse 3 would seem not to be accurate in any recent tidings there; as they were in hard bondage; having lost even a provision of straw to make bricks. It is more likely that they were half starved in many cases; it seems uncertain how much of the cattle was that of the Egyptians who feared God and kept them in the barns during the plague of hail and as part of a mixed multitude came up with them. In any event; there was clearly a need for food; and God had a 40 year supply for them. Even the most elementary rules apparently weren't uniformally obeyed. People kept what the gathered when they should have used it up right away; and searched on the Sabbath when they were told there wouldn't be any (and likely DIDN'T get a double portion obeying the rules about what to gather the day before that every week). Verse 33 indicates that a certain portion (an Omer) was to be kept in the pot which would be part of the Ark of the Covenant later along with Aaron's rod. If the Ark ever was found it would still be in there to this day.
As a devout Orthodox Christian who has read the Johns Hopkins research into psilocybin mushrooms, I am left shocked and dumbfounded wondering whether this description of 'manna' (word that means "what is this?") is in fact a description of psilocybin mushrooms and/or non-psychoactive mushrooms - at least in part. The characteristics of the 'manna' being delivered upon an early morning dew and then rotting, filling with worms & smelling if left too long are a far stretch from bread (it is acknowledged that the Bible should not be read literally) but fits much better the characteristics of psilocybin mushrooms. It would further provide an explanation as to manna's spiritual connection with God upon consumption (see aforementioned Johns Hopkins research).
I do not mean to be controversial or disrespectful to this thread of conversation - I simply was raised to question everything in secular life and religious life and so it is with this curious epistemological mindset that I pose this question. Thank you for your time reading and for any responses I get to this post.
God bless all the discussion and questions on this forum. Much has been said regarding the Sabbath day and its significance in our lives as children of God. However it wasn't until Moses received the 10 commandments was the law given regarding the Sabbath.
In all of the Book of Genesis, there is no mention of the word Sabbath. My question is "What day did Adam and Eve worship on?" Did God only come into the garden on the Sabbath to walk and talk with Adam? If Adam and Eve were created on the 6th day, is it their 7th day or God's seventh day. And what would Adam and Eve be resting from?
Remember God rested on the seventh day because He completed all of "creation." The word rested means He stopped creating. Did the Lord God do more creating on the eight day to day 13? Did He rest again on the 14th day? In Genesis 26:5 Abraham kept God's requirements, commands, decrees and laws. The verse tells us that Abraham was obedient, but it simply doesn't tell us which statutes and decrees were in effect in his day.
The Sabbath is a reunion between Israel and God as it is said,"It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever" Exodus 31:16, 17
No where does the Bible indicate that the Sabbath was given to anyone except the Jews. Exodus 16:28, 29
The choice is still your own. Praying that this helps us all as we await the return of the Lord in His glory.
Sources:
Holy Bible KJV 1611
"The Sabbath and the Ten" by Michael Morrison, Grace
Verse 3-The Israelites had a selective memory here. They were slaves back in Egypt and they cried out to God for deliverance, but they chose to only remember the food!
For the Jews & those today (me excluded) who believe in maintaining the Sabbath Day, then there's no stipulation about remaining in one's house. The Jewish leaders of Jesus' day decreed that a Jew could walk (not ride a donkey) from their 'city limits' as far as 2000 cubits (= 3,500 ft, or 0.6 mile) on the Sabbath. Then some others proposed a further law: that if there were houses within that distance of .6 mile, then if the distance between each house was no more than 112 ft, then one could keep walking. This means, if a Jew planned his trip well, he could actually travel between two cities or communities if there were some appropriately placed houses in-between.
So if you believe that you need to "keep the Sabbath", then there should be no problem about moving about, whether around your home or within the city. The key feature of the Sabbath was that no manual work was to be performed or any engagement in buying or selling of goods. And certainly in an emergency or doing another some good, Jesus gave the authority to reach out & to work ( Matthew 12:10-14).
In this passage of Scripture, we see the children of Israel on their march from the bondage of Egypt towards Canaan, the Promised Land. They complained to Moses & Aaron about the lack of food & water. God then provided them manna & quails daily for them to gather sufficient for each family for each day of the week. Any left over till the following day, would spoil. However, on the sixth day they were to gather enough for two days as the following day would be the Sabbath of Rest when no work could be done.
So this solemn instruction that you read in verse 29, is simply to tell the people to obey the Lord in the gathering of this food prior to the Sabbath, that they should "abide (remain) in his house" or near it & not "go out of his place" (i.e. to leave home looking for food on the Sabbath, as there would be none).
I'm unsure what part(s) of this chapter in Exodus 16 that you're having difficulty with, but here is an outline for you:
The children of Israel who were in bondage in Egypt were finally freed by Pharaoh to leave, after his land suffered mightily under God's Hand. So this Exodus 16 narrative finds Israel, under Moses' leadership in the Wilderness of Sin (also spelled, Zin). But as is human nature, they complained against Moses & Aaron for bringing them out into a wilderness where there was little to eat, unlike their time in Egypt where they didn't starve even though they had to work hard as slaves.
The rest of the account shows how God had then provided manna & quails for them to eat & what they had to do in respect to gathering the food sufficient for each day & an extra gathering on the day prior to the Sabbath (the day of rest). And the other thing that Moses had to do, was to collect some of the Manna & store it in a jar & it would remain as a constant reminder to Israel of God's provision to them. And this manna that was stored, never spoiled & remained near the Ark of the Testimony in the Tabernacle. All this was to show Israel, who had generally grown cold to God, how faithful God had been & will be to them because they were His chosen people & wanted them to find their delight only in Him.
My understanding: the Sabbath was created as a day of rest for Israel ( Exodus 31:12-17), just as the Lord rested from His creative Work. This fourth commandment was blessed by God & sanctified (made holy) long before He gave it as a direct commandment to the children of Israel. It was a day of complete rest (cessation from the activity that occupied the other six days) & a day devoted to God. The other important sign given to Israel to set them apart from all other nations, was the act of circumcision. Both were for Israel only.
From the time of Israel's exodus out of Egypt, they learned which day was the actual Sabbath: Exodus 16:25-27, when they found no manna on the ground on that day. Ever since then, the count was on: 6 days work - 1 day rest, right up to the time of Jesus when He observed the same Sabbath, indeed He did 'work' in it, saying that the Sabbath was created for man & not the other way around.
So the Sabbath was a specific day of rest for the Jews. And it could fall on that day as well, or any other day, for non-Jews. The important point was that man took the day off to cease from his labours for both physical & spiritual recuperation. Where this observance becomes a problem for Christians, is the compulsion by some that we too are bound to a Jewish Saturday Sabbath, & by extension, full obedience to the Law, which none could keep. This Law was not a sign to Christians but to the Jew who was under the Law. Hear what Paul says pertaining to the Law & the Christian: Romans 3:19-22; Galatians 3:21-25; Galatians 4:21-26; Galatians 5:16-18.
If the Christian then sets aside Sunday, the Lord's Day ( Revelation 1:10) as a day of rest & worship, he fulfils the need for both. If he chooses any other day as a rest day, does it matter to the Lord? Colossians 2:16,17. If one believes that the keeping of the Sabbath does matter to the Lord, then he shows a misunderstanding of the Law engraven in stones & the Law of the Life-giving Spirit ( Romans 8:2).
1 Chronicles 28:7 Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, [if] he be [constant] to [do] my commandments [and] my judgments, as at this day.
1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and [keepeth not] his commandments, [is a liar], and [the truth is not in him].
Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they [that keep] the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Exodus 16:28 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to [keep] my commandments and [my laws?]
Deuteronomy 6:25 And it shall be our righteousness, [if] we observe to [do all] these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.
1 Kings 8:61 Let your heart therefore be [perfect] with the LORD our God, to [walk] in his statutes, and to [keep] his commandments, as at this day.
Psalms 119:21 Thou hast rebuked the [proud] that are [cursed], which [do err] from thy commandments.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and [keep] his commandments: for this is the [whole duty] of man.
1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we [keep] his commandments, and [do] those things that are pleasing in his sight.
1 John 3:24 And he that [keepeth] his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Deuteronomy 11:28 And a [curse], if ye will [not obey] the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
Proverbs 4:4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: [keep] my commandments, and [live].
Proverbs 10:8 The [wise] in heart [will] receive commandments: but a [prating fool shall fall].
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are [they] that [do] his commandments, that [they] may have right to the tree of life, and [may enter] in through the gates into the city.
Frankye, Stanjett is correct. The Wilderness of Sin is one of six wildernesses through which the Israelites travelled on their way to Canaan after leaving the bondage in Egypt/Pharaoh. The wildernesses include Shur, Etham, Sin, Sinai, Paran, and Zin. The Wilderness of Sin is sometimes confused with the Wilderness of Zin, a region on the northwestern side of the Sinai Peninsula. The Israelites traversed the Wilderness of Sin at the beginning of the Exodus, arriving at the Wilderness of Sin "on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt" ( Exodus 16:1).
Dear Andy, that is true. It is as you preach and I speak, that proper faith and repentance leads men to eternal peace, this is in the Word. The Word is not offensive is is a guide and it will never be separate from Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit. Andy, I have met many professing Christians over the years that have a very pointed message that was revealed to the by God for everyone else. It is common. Many humble servants of God remember themselves publicly as weak vessels as they handle God's Word for the benefit of edification and love for others. Regarding man-made institutions, please remember that everything is God's dust, he can give Life where he pleases and how he pleases and when he pleases all with the hope of Life everlasting in his Son, Jesus Christ who suffered in and on the cross for your salvation and the salvation of all who would come to Him as little children. Like Samuel, I heard his voice as a child and came to Him in due time. I have the peace of the Holy Spirit residing upon me and in me. It is my testimony of His Truths.
There is not a person; other than Christ, that has not blasphemed God's name.
It's all about coming to "TRUTH" so we don't blaspheme his name.
It's all about what Christ did for us at HIS resurrection and coming to that "TRUTH".
You DIED with Christ, you were resurrected with Christ.
You and Christ become ONE by that resurrection, you were married to Christ, by that resurrection, you became the wife of Christ, by that resurrection, by marriage you NOW BEAR the NAME OF CHRIST.
You were baptised by the Holy Spirit IN THE NAME OF JESUS.
John 17:22 And the GLORY that thou gavest ME, I have GIVEN to THEM (my wife), that THEY may be ONE even as WE are ONE.
Colossians 1:27 ...this MYSTERY ....of the HIS resurrection ...... CHRIST IN YOU ......
BELIEVE what God did for YOU, and you will never blaspheme GOD'S NAME.
God BLESS YOU!
If a blasphemer repents will God forgive him?
Sorry wrong book mentioned earlier.
Hi Ani. GiGi has shared accurately with you and I would like to add some more thoughts for your study & consideration.
I'm unsure where you obtained this particular Bible study book from, as it's clearly slanted towards 'keeping of the Law'. Does your Church support this teaching or are you doing this study by personal choice?
Firstly, the Jewish Sabbath has always been the Saturday (from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday) & was given to Israel as part of the other commandments for them to observe ( Exodus 20:8-11). Why was this particular Command given? It was the seventh day when the LORD ceased from His Work of creating & it was for a remembrance when God brought out His people "with a mighty hand & a stretched out arm": i.e. from the perennial state of bondage & hard labor in Egypt to a time of liberty & rest. Even when Israel collected their food (Manna) while in the desert, they were not allowed to gather it on the seventh day ( Exodus 16:19-30), indicating the sanctity of the Sabbath Day.
Secondly, the Christian observance of Sunday, is not a redefining of the Jewish Sabbath - it is what is termed, the Lord's Day ( Revelation 1:10), or the First Day of the Week ( Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2) - never the Sabbath.
Thirdly, the Church is not required to observe the Jewish Sabbath as we were never in bondage in Egypt & brought into Canaan. We were however, once in bondage to sin & the flesh & now given a glorious forgiveness & release into the Lord's Rest. See Matthew 11:28-30 and Hebrews 4:1-11. Not only is the Christian given Christ's Peace in his heart, but also a resulting rest that comes only from Him. And yet, there is also a coming rest ( Hebrews 4:9), where the word here is 'sabbatismos', or Sabbath Rest: a rest in God's Presence that will be one continual Sabbath Rest, when our earthly toils & hardships are finally over.
a. in the example you gave, it would be quite appropriate for you to rest on your seventh day, even if that day should fall on any other day other than Saturday. Personally, I would just call it my rest day & not my Sabbath as to some folk that might infer that I'm recognizing & observing the Jewish Sabbath & changing it to 'my Sabbath day'; but maybe that's another discussion.
b. in relation to God's Command to Israel to "keep the Sabbath (the seventh day) holy" & as to "what day to start or stop"(your comment), I would suggest the following. Israel, from the time of the giving of the Law, knew exactly when their working week (or rather, days of toil & wandering in the desert) started and stopped. You may recall the Scripture in Exodus 16:25-30, where God provided manna for six days & the people had to collect extra on the sixth day to tide them over for the seventh day (Sabbath). This continued throughout their wanderings so they had a calendar of sorts to mark out their days of toil & their day of rest; the arrival/cessation of manna never failed. This 'calendar' never changed since then & even when Jesus went through the corn fields on the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:1), or went to read in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day ( Luke 4:16), He never upbraided the Jews for observing a day that was not the very same one specified by God in Exodus.
And for today also, I believe that the Sabbath Day falls on the Saturday (as per the Gregorian calendar that we use), as Jews also recognize it & observe it. Chabad dot org, confirms that Chanukah begins this year on Sunday, December 18 and ends on Sunday, December 25 (with December 24 being their Sabbath - Kislev 30). I hope this helps a little.
In David's case where he had Uriah the Hittite sent to the front lines to plan his death which was complicit to murder; as well as committing adultery previously with Bathsheeba was also not forgivable according to the law. Since David was said to be a man after God's own heart; the Prophet Nathan indicated that he wouldn't die; but for the sake of not having reproach from their enemies the child would die. ( 2 Sam. 12:14). It is interesting that God uses that for reasoning. The Hittites were the enemies of Israel who were to be destroyed when entering in the Promised Land. Yet Uriah was a righteous man; probably converted to being a Jew. This meant that satisfaction of justice had to benefit his enemies because God's people can't have double standards.
2Chronicles 36:14-21, Nehemiah 9, Nehemiah 13:10-22,
Isaiah 56, Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 17:7-27, Amos 8:4-10,
Matthew 12:2-5, reference Ezekiel 46:1,12,
Matthew 12:8, Matthew 12:1-14, John 5:6-47, John 7:22-23, John 19:31, Matthew 23:23, Matthew 25:31-46
An omer is about 9 1/2 cups (2.3 liters). As I read these instructions, I think about the Lord's Prayer Jesus gave us ( Matt. 6:9-13).
In this prayer we ask God for our daily bread. And John 6:32-51, where He speaks of being the Bread of Life that came down from heaven. This chapter speaks how the Israelites ate manna in the desert and still died, but not so for those who eat the Bread of Life, Jesus.
Anyone who did not obey the instructions concerning manna had an unpleasant experience but God chose not to punish them severely. He was merciful to the disobedient and fickle Israelites. The manna was unique, one of a kind food, which does not exist in the natural world. YHWH fed the Israelites with manna and, I thin, quail, throughout the 40 years of wandering. But even so, Jesus said, man does not live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. It was better for the Israelites to believe God and His Word than to go with human reason and save more manna than can be eaten in a day. The fact that the manna kept to the next day bred worms and was inedible yet this was not so for the manna gathered the day before to be kept over night for the Sabbath demonstrates this Scripture well. ( Matt. 4:4)
Relying on God day to day is the way we are to live our life. Not consumed with "always stocking up just in case" or being so frugal that one cannot enjoy the blessings of God that one receives by trusting Him. We are to be wise and certainly saving or putting up food is a good thing, but not to a point of compulsion to where one trusts in his one ability to provide today and also for the future. This daily provision also reminds us that we should be satisfied that God provides what is necessary for life, not riches, gold, silver, mansions, largess of any kind. We should be content with what God provides and seek the riches and treasure we have in .
This chapter seems to introduce the Sabbath command. Is this the first time?
The chapter begins with the Israelites leaving verdant Elim, with the 12 wells (one for each tribe to have plenty of water) and 70 trees, providing shade and respite from the harsh wilderness heat. (Remember that originally 70 Israelites went to Egypt during the famine) They traveled into the wilderness of Sin (Sin was the name of the Mesopotamian moon god) They had been traveling for 1 1/2 months. The Israelites hungered though they had lots of livestock; but perhaps, no grain left to make bread. They began to murmur and complain to Moses, saying that they had it much better in Egypt in bondage than here in freedom with YHWH. They even said that it would have been better if they had died in Egypt than to be taken out into this wilderness and be killed by YHWH. What an affront to the true God who had already delivered them with multiple miracles. But just like when they murmured about not having water to drink, God provided sweet water at Marah and plentiful water at Elim.
YHWH speaks to Moses about the manna from heaven and the quail overrunning the camp. Moses instructs Aaron to speak to the whole group. And as promised in vs. 7 the glory of YHWH appears in the cloud and He speaks to Moses (vs. 10). How was this appearance different from simply the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night? When Moses saw the burning bush the text said that the Angel of the LORD was within the fire. So, perhaps this same Angel of the LORD appeared in the cloud since this theophany spoke audibly to Moses. The LORD gives more instructions to Moses for the people concerning the Manna. These instructions are then given to the whole congregation.
I agree, the logistical problems for Moses would have been tremendous & doomed for failure if it were not for the Lord's Intervention: from the Lord Who called them, liberated them, & promised to guide & keep them. Considering the great company of people (possibly around 2 million) travelling in mainly desert conditions, we find that the Lord undertook wonderfully.
I feel that the march towards Canaan did not have a wide front of 50 miles or so. That it was probably more of a column march, with a front of say, half a mile & the column extending for many miles. I have nothing to substantiate this, just using the accepted pattern that gives the leader control, order, & communication (just as with a large army regiment marching towards an enemy position). We remember that when the Israelites marched forward, they went in their Tribes behind their leaders (indicating control & care given to a 'smaller' group rather than one person miles ahead trying to oversee all of them), Numbers 2:34.
For their food, Exodus 16:35 tells us that God provided manna for them for the forty years & in their complaining about it, the Lord also gave them quails ( Numbers 11:32). And for their water, again it was provided for them (whether casting a stick into bitter water to make it sweet, or water from a rock, or even from springs & oases along the way). For sanitation, probably a screened off area at each place they rested. It certainly was a difficult life, even as many mourned for the relative comforts & food of Egypt, & many died for their disobedience & complaining - they failed to really trust God to continue to demonstrate His Mighty Arm, both in their travels & when having to face their enemies in the future. Would we be any different in those circumstances?
Numbers 20:7-12, is a portion of the whole story & reason.
Let's look at the bigger picture:
Numbers 20:12, please note it says "Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore._._" , Please read Exodus, Moses' doubts: Exodus 3:11,13, Exodus 4:1,3,10,14, Exodus 4:24-26, Exodus 5:22, Exodus 6:12, Exodus 6:30, Exodus 14:11-15, Exodus 16:2-28, Exodus 17:2-7, Exodus 32:11-19,30,31,32,33, Exodus 33:1-3, Numbers 11:1-15, mercy ( Numbers 11:16-20,) Numbers 11:21-23, * Numbers 13, Numbers 13:30,31,32, * Numbers 14, very significant I believe, when they were supposed to take the promised land please read Numbers chapters 13 & 14, & notice: Numbers 13:30, Numbers 14:24, Numbers 14:22-23,
Psalms 95:6-11, note Psalms 95:10-11,
Hebrews 3:5-19, Luke 13:24, Mark 10:15,
Hopefully this is helpful
The fact that they were so myopic as to suggest that they had "bread to the full" in verse 3 would seem not to be accurate in any recent tidings there; as they were in hard bondage; having lost even a provision of straw to make bricks. It is more likely that they were half starved in many cases; it seems uncertain how much of the cattle was that of the Egyptians who feared God and kept them in the barns during the plague of hail and as part of a mixed multitude came up with them. In any event; there was clearly a need for food; and God had a 40 year supply for them. Even the most elementary rules apparently weren't uniformally obeyed. People kept what the gathered when they should have used it up right away; and searched on the Sabbath when they were told there wouldn't be any (and likely DIDN'T get a double portion obeying the rules about what to gather the day before that every week). Verse 33 indicates that a certain portion (an Omer) was to be kept in the pot which would be part of the Ark of the Covenant later along with Aaron's rod. If the Ark ever was found it would still be in there to this day.
Exodus 2:13-14, Exodus 4:23-26, Exodus 5:20-21, Exodus 6:9, Exodus 14:10-12, Exodus 15:24, Exodus 16:2,3, Exodus 16:19-20, Exodus 16:25-28, Exodus 17:2-4,
Hebrews 13:17,
Hopefully these are helpful to understand more fully the reason.
1. to observe a Sabbath: you really have to plan
2 someone has to prepare beforehand
3. Shop for things beforehand
4. It opened my understanding of the scripture & GOD's compassion
Here are multiple scriptures on the Sabbath :
Genesis 2:2,3 (set Sabbath apart), Exodus 16:19-30 (significant differece on Sabbath) , * Exodus 23:11, Exodus 20:11 (blessed & set apart), * Exodus 23:12, Exodus 31:15, Exodus 34:21, Exodus 35:2, Leviticus 16:29-34 (atonement), Leviticus 23:1-10, (seventh day & Passover), * Leviticus 23:21-22, Leviticus 23:27-29 (atonement), Leviticus 23:28-32, * Deuteronomy 5:14, 2 Chronicles 2:4 (forever to Israel), * Isaiah 1:11-18, * Isaiah 56:1-8, * Isaiah 58:6-14,
Jesus observed Matthew 12:8, Mark 1:21, Mark 6:2, Mark 15:42, Luke 4:16,
Jesus set examples on Sabbath * Matthew 12, * Mark 2, * Mark 3, * Luke 6, & many more.
* please note the (*s) these were scriptures that showed compassion & the importance to GOD. (Opposite: Luke 11:42-46 hypocrisy)
By observing the Sabbath do we= Matthew 25:31-46,
I do not mean to be controversial or disrespectful to this thread of conversation - I simply was raised to question everything in secular life and religious life and so it is with this curious epistemological mindset that I pose this question. Thank you for your time reading and for any responses I get to this post.
God bless all the discussion and questions on this forum. Much has been said regarding the Sabbath day and its significance in our lives as children of God. However it wasn't until Moses received the 10 commandments was the law given regarding the Sabbath.
In all of the Book of Genesis, there is no mention of the word Sabbath. My question is "What day did Adam and Eve worship on?" Did God only come into the garden on the Sabbath to walk and talk with Adam? If Adam and Eve were created on the 6th day, is it their 7th day or God's seventh day. And what would Adam and Eve be resting from?
Remember God rested on the seventh day because He completed all of "creation." The word rested means He stopped creating. Did the Lord God do more creating on the eight day to day 13? Did He rest again on the 14th day? In Genesis 26:5 Abraham kept God's requirements, commands, decrees and laws. The verse tells us that Abraham was obedient, but it simply doesn't tell us which statutes and decrees were in effect in his day.
The Sabbath is a reunion between Israel and God as it is said,"It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever" Exodus 31:16, 17
No where does the Bible indicate that the Sabbath was given to anyone except the Jews. Exodus 16:28, 29
The choice is still your own. Praying that this helps us all as we await the return of the Lord in His glory.
Sources:
Holy Bible KJV 1611
"The Sabbath and the Ten" by Michael Morrison, Grace
Communion International,Article Archive, archive.gci.org
Jubilees2:31, James Charlesworth, editor, The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha(New York:Doubleday, 1985) vol 2,p.58
Midrash Exodus Rabbah25:11(Soncino edition,p314); ibid.,p.74.
So if you believe that you need to "keep the Sabbath", then there should be no problem about moving about, whether around your home or within the city. The key feature of the Sabbath was that no manual work was to be performed or any engagement in buying or selling of goods. And certainly in an emergency or doing another some good, Jesus gave the authority to reach out & to work ( Matthew 12:10-14).
let no man go out of his place on the seventh day
Link
Does this mean we are to stay in a house on the Sabbath without leaving unless it's emergency?
So this solemn instruction that you read in verse 29, is simply to tell the people to obey the Lord in the gathering of this food prior to the Sabbath, that they should "abide (remain) in his house" or near it & not "go out of his place" (i.e. to leave home looking for food on the Sabbath, as there would be none).
The children of Israel who were in bondage in Egypt were finally freed by Pharaoh to leave, after his land suffered mightily under God's Hand. So this Exodus 16 narrative finds Israel, under Moses' leadership in the Wilderness of Sin (also spelled, Zin). But as is human nature, they complained against Moses & Aaron for bringing them out into a wilderness where there was little to eat, unlike their time in Egypt where they didn't starve even though they had to work hard as slaves.
The rest of the account shows how God had then provided manna & quails for them to eat & what they had to do in respect to gathering the food sufficient for each day & an extra gathering on the day prior to the Sabbath (the day of rest). And the other thing that Moses had to do, was to collect some of the Manna & store it in a jar & it would remain as a constant reminder to Israel of God's provision to them. And this manna that was stored, never spoiled & remained near the Ark of the Testimony in the Tabernacle. All this was to show Israel, who had generally grown cold to God, how faithful God had been & will be to them because they were His chosen people & wanted them to find their delight only in Him.
From the time of Israel's exodus out of Egypt, they learned which day was the actual Sabbath: Exodus 16:25-27, when they found no manna on the ground on that day. Ever since then, the count was on: 6 days work - 1 day rest, right up to the time of Jesus when He observed the same Sabbath, indeed He did 'work' in it, saying that the Sabbath was created for man & not the other way around.
So the Sabbath was a specific day of rest for the Jews. And it could fall on that day as well, or any other day, for non-Jews. The important point was that man took the day off to cease from his labours for both physical & spiritual recuperation. Where this observance becomes a problem for Christians, is the compulsion by some that we too are bound to a Jewish Saturday Sabbath, & by extension, full obedience to the Law, which none could keep. This Law was not a sign to Christians but to the Jew who was under the Law. Hear what Paul says pertaining to the Law & the Christian: Romans 3:19-22; Galatians 3:21-25; Galatians 4:21-26; Galatians 5:16-18.
If the Christian then sets aside Sunday, the Lord's Day ( Revelation 1:10) as a day of rest & worship, he fulfils the need for both. If he chooses any other day as a rest day, does it matter to the Lord? Colossians 2:16,17. If one believes that the keeping of the Sabbath does matter to the Lord, then he shows a misunderstanding of the Law engraven in stones & the Law of the Life-giving Spirit ( Romans 8:2).
1 Chronicles 28:7 Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, [if] he be [constant] to [do] my commandments [and] my judgments, as at this day.
1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and [keepeth not] his commandments, [is a liar], and [the truth is not in him].
Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they [that keep] the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Exodus 16:28 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to [keep] my commandments and [my laws?]
Deuteronomy 6:25 And it shall be our righteousness, [if] we observe to [do all] these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.
1 Kings 8:61 Let your heart therefore be [perfect] with the LORD our God, to [walk] in his statutes, and to [keep] his commandments, as at this day.
Psalms 119:21 Thou hast rebuked the [proud] that are [cursed], which [do err] from thy commandments.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and [keep] his commandments: for this is the [whole duty] of man.
1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we [keep] his commandments, and [do] those things that are pleasing in his sight.
1 John 3:24 And he that [keepeth] his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Deuteronomy 11:28 And a [curse], if ye will [not obey] the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
Proverbs 4:4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: [keep] my commandments, and [live].
Proverbs 10:8 The [wise] in heart [will] receive commandments: but a [prating fool shall fall].
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are [they] that [do] his commandments, that [they] may have right to the tree of life, and [may enter] in through the gates into the city.
Carleton