Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

What does the Bible say about the Sabbath—which is the fourth of the Ten Commandments? We’ve considered several key components of the Fourth Commandment in previous posts. Let’s ask and answer the question, “Who is to observe the Sabbath?”

First, though there were no specific instructions given, since the Sabbath was established at creation it stands to reason that it is for all people, not merely Israel as some insist.

Second, when God issued more specific instruction in the Fourth Commandment, He clarified who is responsible to observe the Day.

Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.

It is clear that this meant everyone, including children, servants, and even “the sojourner” (non-Jews). While not wanting to create lists of dos and don’ts, I often wonder why it is okay for our children to work their part time jobs on the Lord’s Day? I also wonder why it is okay, not only to do commerce on the Lord’s Day, but to put those who serve us to work on the Lord’s Day? Are not those who serve us in stores or restaurants (whether Christian or not) our “servants“? As for livestock, I cannot say for sure, except that the Commandment seems to require an across the board day of rest.

At the risk of being redundant, I recoil at the idea of legislating what who can and cannot do on the Lord’s Day. I do, however, think it exceedingly wise to prayerfully seek the Lord about how He would have each of us work out the details of this Fourth Commandment in our own lives, and in the lives of our family.

One last post on God Himself exemplifying the observation of the Sabbath on the first seventh day…