First let me say that this article addresses the issue of what to do and not do on the Sabbath Day kept by an individual. For information on the issue of what day that is see my article entitled What Day of the Week is My Regular Day of Worship and Rest.
Doing the Lord pleasure rather than thine own pleasure (Isaiah 58:13-14)
Refrain from conducting business/commerce such as buying, and selling, that is shopping and making money (Jeremiah 17:19-27; Amos 8:4-7; Nehemiah 13:15-22)
Note that in Exodus 35:2-3 it says no fire is to be kindled.
A question worthy of consideration is does that has to do with the amount of work that had to be done in that day to create and sustain a fire?
Another question is what about winter time as reportedly in northern Israel today in the winter it can get in the 40’s Fahrenheit? What about babies? Are their exceptions for houses who have newly born babies whose diapers need changing and who need cleaning up? What about bathing in general? Does one need to bathe before the Sabbath or bathe in cold water?
Exodus 16:5 mentions preparing enough food on the sixth day for two days. Exodus 16:23 refers to baking and boiling (seething) on the sixth day after gathering enough for the sixth and seventh day on that sixth day. Exodus 16:5 use of the word prepare and Exodus 16:23 use of the words bake and boil establishes that cooking for the sixth and seventh day was to occur on the sixth day with respect to the first Sabbath instructions.
In modern times to cook all one has to do is turn on the microwave or put food in the oven or on top of the stove and flip a switch or turn a dial.
Does pressing a microwave button or turning a dial amount to work?
Of course, some folks can spend hours in the kitchen fixing certain types of meals and would definitely make that work.
Is heating already baked/boiled food preparing the food? Is that work?
Is using electricity kindling a fire? If so, does that mean one cannot even turn on lights, or use a computer on the Sabbath or even make or answer a phone call on a cellular/mobile phone on the Sabbath? Or is it okay if one turns on the lights and computers and phones before the Sabbath and leave them on throughout the Sabbath to include charging the phones before the Sabbath? Does that mean one could turn on their electric cooking stove before the Sabbath and leave it on throughout the Sabbath and boil a couple of eggs to eat if not concerned with cost?
In any case, Exodus 35:3 is an ordinance that implements the commandment not to work on the sabbath.
Ordinances deal with the implementation of a matter or principle with respect to the what, when, where, and how of that principle/matter.
Colossians 2:14-17 indicates such ordinances concerning the Sabbath are nailed to the cross. This means Jesus fulfilled or otherwise changed them making them applicable in the spirit of the law not the letter of the law to the extent they are even still applicable (2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 7:6).
Now does that mean taking a day for holy convocation and rest is bad to do. No I say it is something every person should labor to do.
Taking such a day demonstrates a person’s faith that God will provide even if one does not work seven days a week. Plus, working seven days a week will eventually cause health issue regarding one’s physical body and possible one’s homelife and other social life.
It is about a person having faith that God can provide on six days of work. It is about a business owner having faith that God can provide on six days a week so the owner does not have to require or ask employees to work seven days a week.
