Sabbath
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The Sabbath
The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week among Hebrews, the day being counted from sunset to sunset, that is, from Friday evening to Saturday evening. The Sabbath was the consecration of one day of the weekly period to God as the Author of the universe and of time (Millgram 9). The day then being the Lords day, it is required that man should abstain from working for his own ends and interests; he should devote his activity to God by special acts of positive worship. But while the Sabbath was primarily a religious day, it had social and a philanthropic side. It was also intended as a day of rest and relaxation, particularly for the slaves. Because of the double character, religious and philanthropic, of the day, two different reasons are given for its observance. The first is that God created rest on the seventh day, and second is that the Israelites have to remember that they were once slaves in Egypt, and should therefore be grateful in remembrance of their deliverance, rest themselves and allow their bond-servants to rest. As a reminder of God's benefits to Israel the Sabbath was to be a day of Joy. No fasting was done on the Sabbath; as a matter of fact the complete opposite was done. They made the choicest meals, had rituals, and friends were invited...