Why the Sabbath Matters
The Sabbath isn’t just another day—it’s a divine gift. From the very beginning, YAHUAH set apart this sacred day as a time for rest, reflection, and connection. In Genesis 2:2-3, we see that YAHUAH rested on the seventh day after creating the heavens and the earth, blessing it and making it holy. For us as Hebrew Israelites, honoring the Sabbath is about more than following a commandment; it’s about deepening our relationship with YAHUAH and Yahushua Ha’Mashiach while strengthening our identity as His chosen people.
But how should we observe the Sabbath? What does it mean in modern times? And how do different methods of Sabbath observance—like the moon-phase method versus the Gregorian calendar—align with scripture? Let’s explore these questions and understand how we can make this holy day a consistent and enriching part of our lives. (See our book, All About The SABBATHS: Keeping, Guarding & Remembering)
What the Bible Says About the Sabbath
The Sabbath in Creation
The Sabbath originates in creation itself. Genesis 2:2-3 states:
“And on the seventh day YAHUAH ended his work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And YAHUAH blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which YAHUAH created and made.”
This foundational scripture shows that the Sabbath is a day YAHUAH Himself sanctified. It’s a day of rest not only for physical renewal but also for spiritual alignment with His will. (See our book, All About The SABBATHS: Keeping, Guarding & Remembering)
The Commandment to Keep It Holy
The Fourth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:8-11, is clear:
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the YAHUAH thy ELOHIM: in it thou shalt not do any work…”
This commandment isn’t a suggestion; it’s an integral part of our covenant with YAHUAH. Keeping the Sabbath holy means setting it apart from the rest of the week for worship and rest. (See our book, All About The SABBATHS: Keeping, Guarding & Remembering)
Yahushua and the Sabbath
Yahushua, our Messiah, emphasized the spiritual significance of the Sabbath. In Matthew 12:8, He declared:
“For the Son of man is ELOHIM even of the sabbath day.”
Yahushua’s teachings remind us that the Sabbath was made for our benefit, not as a burden. He focused on the spirit of the law rather than rigid legalism, showing us how to observe it with love and compassion. (See our book, Song of Solomon: A Complete Breakdown)
Benefits of Observing the Sabbath
Spiritual Renewal
The Sabbath provides an opportunity to reconnect with YAHUAH and Yahushua. Isaiah 58:13-14 promises blessings for those who honor the day:
“If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day…then shalt thou delight thyself in the ELOHIM.”
By dedicating this day to prayer, scripture study, and worship, we open our hearts to spiritual growth and renewal. (See our book, Knowing the Father and the Son: Those who seek the truth will find it.)
Rest for the Body and Mind
In today’s fast-paced world, the Sabbath reminds us to pause. Rest is a gift from YAHUAH, allowing us to recharge physically and mentally. Exodus 16:23 speaks of preparing for rest:
“Tomorrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the ELOHIM: bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe.”
This preparation ensures we can fully embrace the peace and restoration the Sabbath offers. (See our book, Peace Be Still John 14:27: Peace For Everyday Living, His Shalom)
Strengthening Community Bonds
The Sabbath is also a time for fellowship. Gathering with other believers strengthens our faith and fosters unity. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us:
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another.”
Through worship and shared meals, the Sabbath builds connections within our community. Which then strengthens our faith and understanding in YAHUAH. We are like a seed in constant need of water, we need to be continually reminded and kept in the law to continue with our walk towards the Kingdom. (See our book, The 8th Day Shemini Atzeret: The Last Great Day)
The Difference Between Moon-Phase and Gregorian Sabbath Observance
Moon-Phase Sabbath
The moon-phase method determines Sabbaths by counting seven days after each new moon. This approach aligns with scriptures like Genesis 1:14:
“And YAHUAH said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years.”
Supporters of this method believe it reflects the natural rhythms YAHUAH established at creation. It follows that every new moon, quarter moon, full moon, and other quarter moon signifies the Sabbath day. Hebrews that use this method can have issues because it can make the sabbath fall on weekdays of the Gregorian calender. Also, the days change at the end of every month i.e for one month Hebrews could follow the sabbath day on a wednesday (till the end of the cycle) and the next month (the beginning of the cycle) will be on the thursday. So it can become hard to follow this method because you need to have control of your employment and/or school hours.
Gregorian Calendar Sabbath
The more commonly practiced Sabbath follows the Gregorian calendar, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. This method aligns with the widespread understanding of the seventh day in Jewish and Hebrew Israelite traditions.
While it’s not tied to lunar cycles, this approach offers consistency and simplicity, allowing many to honor the day in unity. The issue with this practice is that as we move forward into hardship (as prophisized) where there will be wars and rumors of wars, the issue is if Hebrews for a long period of time lose access to the Gregorian Calender then it will be impossible to figure out what day the Sabbath day is. So if there is any type of long term loss of electricity, or connection to the modern world Hebrews will be lost to what day they are actually following.
Which Should You Follow?
Ultimately, Colossians 2:16 reminds us:
“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days.”
The key is consistency and faithfulness. Choose a method that aligns with your understanding and remain steadfast in your observance. We as Hebrews have been lied to repeatedly throughout our lives and have had Heathens purposely mistranslate our scriptures from our mother tongue. We have had devilish doctrines and decetful hiding some of our most importance text. So try your best in following which ever calender you want to adhere to.
How to Honor the Sabbath
Preparing for the Day
Preparation ensures we can focus on worship and rest. Exodus 16:5 shows the importance of readiness:
“And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in.”
Cook meals, tidy your home, and set aside distractions so you can fully embrace the Sabbath. (See our book, All About The SABBATHS: Keeping, Guarding & Remembering)
Setting the Day Apart
Honoring the Sabbath means refraining from work and worldly pursuits. Dedicate the time to prayer, scripture reading, and praising YAHUAH. Only work if it is an emergency and do not buy or sell on the Sabbath (See our book, All About The SABBATHS: Keeping, Guarding & Remembering)
Engaging with Family and Community
Use the Sabbath to strengthen family bonds and teach your children about YAHUAH’s commandments. Deuteronomy 6:7 advises:
“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.”
Gather with your family or community for worship and fellowship.
The Role of Yahushua in Our Sabbath Observance
The Rest Found in the Messiah
Yahushua offers spiritual rest that complements our Sabbath observance. Matthew 11:28-30 invites us:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Through Him, we find peace and restoration beyond physical rest. (See our book, Peace Be Still John 14:27: Peace For Everyday Living, His Shalom)
Balancing Tradition and Faith
Yahushua’s teachings show that the Sabbath is a blessing, not a burden. By focusing on its spiritual intent, we align our practice with His example. This is the whole point of what our lives are supposed to be about. To get us ready for the Kingdom and help us towards the path to everlasting Shalom (See our book, The Order Of Melchizedek: According To The 12 Patriarchs)
A Commitment to Rest and Reflection
The Sabbath is a cornerstone of our faith, offering rest, renewal, and a deeper connection with YAHUAH and Yahushua. Whether you follow the moon-phase method or the Gregorian calendar, the important thing is to remain consistent and faithful. By honoring the Sabbath, we embrace a divine gift that strengthens our spiritual walk and unites us as a community. (See our book, All About The SABBATHS: Keeping, Guarding & Remembering)
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