The Seventh Day Sabbath Part 12: Some Jobs Must Be Done

When it comes to the sabbath day, many people might believe that the Sabbath was completely “work free”, that no one did any labor whatsoever on the sabbath day. However a close observation and study of the scriptures will show that some jobs were in fact, done or executed on the Sabbath. Things that would be considered “work” or “laborious” but at the same time, due to the nature of running a kingdom and the nature of the laws, certain things were still done on the Sabbath that we would still find today to be technically considered work, but under the circumstances was acceptable. We are gonna dive into a few of those things and get a better understanding on how some jobs were still done on the Sabbath even according to the law.

John 7:21-24 KJVS

Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. [22] Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. [23] If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? [24] Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

The first example we see is circumcision. Circumcision was a medical procedure that was still being conducted on the Sabbath day, even though there was a level of work involved. This was something, that according to the law, took precedence, even if it fell on a Sabbath day it must still be done according to the law.

Genesis 17:9-12 KJVS

And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. [10] This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. [11] And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. [12] And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

The law of circumcision is something that we see being established and told to Abraham. And with the establishment of circumcision, we see that there is a specific day or time period in which it is to be done; the eighth day of the child, after it has been born. If that day just so happens to fall on the sabbath day, the procedure of circumcision would still be done. So even in this present day and age, if we have a child that just so happens to be on the eighth day of its life in this world, we would still take that child to the hospital or a medical center where circumcision can be performed, and need it be covered under medical insurance or not. Likewise, the one performing the medical procedure is not in violation of breaking the sabbath due to work, as they are keeping the law by helping others fall into compliance of the law. This is not something in which God will hold against you as your primary purpose is not to do your own pleasure or your own self will, but rather to be in compliance with The Most High’s will to observe his laws of circumcision, and after which, no mischief follows, meaning after I fulfilled that obligation of the law, I do not use my liberty in obeying the law as now an opportunity to break the law, so I wouldn’t go ahead and say, “well, I’ve already paid for this, let me just buy this.” No, continue to observe the Sabbath as normal outside of the procedure, which by law, we are to take care of.

Luke 6:6-10 KJVS

And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. [7] And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. [8] But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. [9] Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? [10] And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

The Pharisees were observing to see whether or not Christ would heal on the Sabbath day, but that is the very thing that Christ, knowing their heart, meaning, knowing their mind, brought into question. And he raised the question that whether or not it is lawful to heal or destroy on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil? The act of healing itself, mental, physical or spiritual is to render service to another to restore them to a better state of health. The nature of healing is good and not evil. This is what Christ wanted the Pharisees to understand. But rather, their mind was focused on accusations for the purpose of condemnation. As a result, they overlooked the simplicity of what Christ was doing… Sincerely helping someone who was hurt and in need of help.

You may work as a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist for example. But a brother or sister is going through something and you are physically and mentally available to help this person. Do you say, well it’s the sabbath I can’t help you with your issue? Or help the person in need? The answer Christ was trying to get the Pharisees to understand is you would help the person in need. As your goal is not to find a way to work and make money but rather to help someone in a time of crisis receive the words and help they need to carry on. That is a part of admonishment and exhortation that should still be done.

Leviticus 24:1-9 KJVS

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [2] Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually. [3] Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations. [4] He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually. [5] And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake. [6] And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD. [7] And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD. [8] Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. [9] And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.

Here we see a lot is going on. But there is so much to catch and pay attention to. Did you notice how in the beginning we were reading how the menorah was to be made, shaped and crafted? However, there was a key detail that was mentioned. The Most High God mentioned how Aaron, the high priest at the time, him and his sons being of the tribe of Levi were to be primarily responsible for making sure that the menorah was to remain lit and was to be ordered or set up to remain lit from evening to morning continually. Also, note how later in the same passage above, we read how the shewbread was to be set up and how the shewbread had to be ordered and baked continually, and even every Sabbath. Meaning that there was not only a level of work or labor done and time spent doing these things, but there was cooking being done on the Sabbath! By commandment of The Most High God! I thought we weren’t supposed to cook on the Sabbath? True, however, not personally for our benefit. But this was for the benefit of the Most High God. This is what he was commanding, what he wanted done for his day and for reverence of him. Now of course this is not something we do today because we don’t have the temple and sanctuary set up today, nor do we have the Levitical priesthood operating today, as they were then because we aren’t able to identify through genealogy who is of the Levitical priesthood. Let alone who is of the tribe of Levi. So that’s not something we would put in place today, but this was something that was being done at that time.

There is a lot of time and effort that goes into baking bread. Especially from scratch. Even though this would be a violation of the law because it’s cooking and the labor involved, it’s actually something that is allowed because The Most High God made laws to allow it for his purpose, not our own will.  Similarly, keep in mind the work and labor to keep the lamps in the candlestick (aka menorah) continuously lit with oil in them so that the fire never goes out. Which is supposed to be something of symbolism for all of Israel. That just as this candlestick was to remain lit, all seven branches or stems. That likewise, our spirit, our righteousness, should be complete. It should be completely lit. We should be in a place where we should be completely righteous at all times, continually, never allowing our light to dim or to fade, and that was the spiritual significance that The Most High God wanted to establish for us continuously.

2 Chronicles 2:3-4 KJVS

And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me. [4] Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.

This precept serves as another witness that our forefathers and foremothers understood that the shewbread was something that was baked every day even on the sabbaths. Likewise burnt offerings (offerings that were indeed cooked) were done on the sabbaths, New Moons and feast days. But just as Solomon stated in his reasoning for the temple, all of this work was done for the will of The Most High God and to have him in reverence and honor. Keep that in mind when you are reasoning if you can or should do something questionable on the sabbath.

Numbers 28:1-4 KJVS

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [2] Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season. [3] And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering. [4] The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even;

Here we see specifically what this law was. Or rather the statutes pertaining to the continual burnt offering. So now we know one lamb had to be sacrificed in the morning and one in the evening…DAILY! Even on the sabbath days. This was “work” that did not stop. Someone had to put in the labor to make this happen.

Numbers 28:5-7 KJVS

And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil. [6] It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD. [7] And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LORD for a drink offering.

As we continue to read in the same chapter this was the other portion of things desired by The Most High. Meat, bread and drink offerings were all done.

Numbers 28:9-10 KJVS

And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof: [10] This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

These were all of the ordinances of the offerings done on the sabbath day. Sounds like a lot of work! But it was work done for The Most High according to what HE wanted. Which made it acceptable. After all, this is his world. We are just living in it. But let us look at other instances of “work”.

2 Maccabees 5:24-26 KJVA

24 He sent also that detestable ringleader Apollonius with an army of two and twenty thousand, commanding him to slay all those that were in their best age, and to sell the women and the younger sort: 25 Who coming to Jerusalem, and pretending peace, did forbear till the holy day of the sabbath, when taking the Jews keeping holy day, he commanded his men to arm themselves. 26 And so he slew all them that were gone to the celebrating of the sabbath, and running through the city with weapons slew great multitudes.”

During the time of the Greeks, many law abiding Israelites were being strategically attacked on the seventh day sabbath. Why? Because it was a time when we generally let our guard down to reverence The Most High and fellowship.

1 Maccabees 2:41 KJVA

At that time therefore they decreed, saying, Whosoever shall come to make battle with us on the sabbath day, we will fight against him; neither will we die all, as our brethren that were murdered in the secret places.

In wisdom and righteousness, it was understood that the goal of the sabbath was not to make war, but rest. However, if under attack, one could justly defend themselves even upon the sabbath day. That would also entail of people; males twenty years of age or older, being prepared and on standby to fight willingly.

2 Maccabees 8:24-29 KJVA

24 And by the help of the Almighty they slew above nine thousand of their enemies, and wounded and maimed the most part of Nicanor’s host, and so put all to flight; 25 And took their money that came to buy them, and pursued them far: but lacking time they returned: 26 For it was the day before the sabbath, and therefore they would no longer pursue them. 27 So when they had gathered their armour together, and spoiled their enemies, they occupied themselves about the sabbath, yielding exceeding praise and thanks to the Lord, who had preserved them unto that day, which was the beginning of mercy distilling upon them. 28 And after the sabbath, when they had given part of the spoils to the maimed, and the widows, and orphans, the residue they divided among themselves and their servants. When this was done, and they had made a common supplication, they besought the merciful Lord to be reconciled with his servants for ever.

Did you notice how they made a unanimous decision not to continue to pursue their enemies more than necessary? As they knew the sabbath day was approaching. Note how after all the fighting was done, they observed the sabbath and divided the spoils the next day after the sabbath.

But it was not uncommon to operate in a more militant capacity on the sabbath day. Let us take a look at an earlier time in history before this captivity when Kings ruled in Israel.

2 Kings 11:1-4 KJVS

And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. [2] But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. [3] And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. [4] And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son.

This is to give you a little background on what was going on for context. But what we need to examine is this portion below.

2 Kings 11:5-12 KJVS

And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house; [6] And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down. [7] And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king. [8] And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in. [9] And the captains over the hundreds did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest. [10] And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give king David's spears and shields, that were in the temple of the LORD. [11] And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple. [12] And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

We had military and security personnel that “went out on the sabbath” and “entered in on the sabbath.” It was common and understood that we needed and had men who worked on the sabbath in a security, military or law enforcement type capacity. But simplified as guards and porters in various locations. This was what the Israelites in the time of the Greek captivity had to remember. But what was the difference? Well, during the time of the kings we had a kingdom to defend. But did not intentionally go out to make war. But had to be ready for it. But in this instance Jehoiada the high priest at the time needed them to shift their focus to defending the kings son. Now during the time of the Greeks we were in captivity, as it is this day and did not have a standing army. And did not actively operate in the same military capacity due to being under Greek rule and authority. Aside from being more divided by people who didn’t care and assimilated into Greek fashion and culture (Hellenized) just like many are Americanized today.

1 Chronicles 9:19-32 KJVS

And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry. [20] And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him. [21] And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. [22] All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office. [23] So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards. [24] In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south. [25] And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven days from time to time with them. [26] For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God. [27] And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them. [28] And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. [29] Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices. [30] And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices. [31] And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans. [32] And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the shewbread, to prepare it every sabbath.

Here we see how the Levites were given duties by family. And with those duties came jobs that involved holding a post, working as security guards or “porters”both within and without the tabernacle.

Now let’s get a little more personalized in wisdom and righteousness. Primarily for some of us that work in some of the same fields like medical, law enforcement or military personnel. This isn’t necessarily a get out of jail free card to totally disregard the sabbath and work but you do have some grace and mercy when it comes down to specific types of jobs or occupations because of the role you play. But I will not tell you just because you work here or there you can break the sabbath or not keep Gods laws.

But rather use wisdom to advocate to make sure you are in compliance or move on. Fight to keep the sabbath and any other laws as needed utilizing things such as leave time, religious accommodation letters, departmental transfers, institutional transfers, shift changes and any tools at your disposal to be able to observe both the seventh day sabbath, as well as the other holy days or laws if you are in an applicable job field. But things still may not be perfect as if you were not in the military, medical or law enforcement field. You may be deployed for example and may not get a true complete day off but can advocate for the sabbath as your day off when possible. Or light duty post on that day. Or you may work in the medical field or law enforcement field and there may be an emergency and you have to stay late occasionally and it took you thirty minutes or an hour or two over into the sabbath. That can be seen as something outside your power due to the circumstances, versus them asking for volunteers and you want to stay late to make overtime when you could have went home. Or your shift is fifteen to thirty minutes into the sabbath for a couple of months due to the time change but the rest of the sabbath you get off, ask to leave early if possible. Situations vary, but in cases like these you may get grace and mercy for but you must ensure that you fight regardless of the consequences or circumstances to ensure you are as righteously in compliance as possible. As your salvation depends on it. Fast and pray for help and clarity. Notice signs around you and in your spirit need it be good or bad. As God may be talking but you may not be listening.

Job 33:14 KJV

For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.