THEOSISPhilaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
What insights does the ancient and safeguarding commandment of the Sabbath offer? - (Ex. 31:14.) What further reflections does Sacred Scripture present on this matter? - During their journey through the wilderness, the Israelites encountered a man who was ‘gathering wood on the sabbath day’ (Num. 15:32). It is uncertain whether we would struggle to assess the severity of this act; however, everyone present, including Moses and Aaron, was at a loss regarding how to address the transgression. ‘They did not consult what they would do to him.’ Ultimately, the situation culminated in the stoning of the offender by the entire assembly outside the camp, as directed by the Lord to Moses (Num. 15:32-36).
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In the writings of the Prophet Jeremiah, we find a solemn warning from God regarding violations of the Sabbath, which might have seemed somewhat minor. ‘If you will not hearken unto me to keep the Sabbath day holy, and not to bear burdens, and not to enter in by the gates of Jerusalem with burdens on the Sabbath day: then I will kindle fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the houses of Jerusalem, and shall not be quenched’ (Jeremiah 17:27). It is well-documented how faithfully this warning was executed by the Babylonians.
Additionally, we must highlight the dedication observed during the time of the Maccabees concerning Sabbath observance. During the persecution by Antiochus, who sought to force the Jews into idolatry, many withdrew into the wilderness. The enemy recognized that it would be advantageous to attack on the Sabbath, when the Jews were observing their day of rest. Consequently, the zealous defenders of faith faced an unprecedented dilemma: ‘Is it righteous to engage in battle on the Sabbath’? Some responded, ‘Let us all die in our simplicity’ (1 Macc. 2:37), allowing approximately a thousand men to fall without defending themselves. This experience taught the Maccabees that such passive adherence to the Sabbath would ultimately destroy their faith, leading to a custom of defending against aggressors even on the Lord's Day.
In light of these examples, let those who wish reflect on the rigorousness of the ancient law regarding the Lord’s Day; for me, its significance and strength are even more noteworthy. While some may choose to critique the boldness of its practitioners, their reverence and self-denial towards the law deserve commendation. One may proudly assert a deeper understanding of the law than that possessed by the ancients, as is appropriate in Christianity; however, one must also carry the responsibility to substantiate that claim. The true evidence of a higher interpretation of the spiritual law is reflected in the greatest deeds and virtues. Should Christians, as heirs of divine grace, exhibit less diligence than servants of the law in honoring the Lord’s Day, simply because there is no longer a risk of capital punishment for doing so? Is it right to prioritize bustling about in the marketplace, engaging in transactions rather than reverently attending the temple on this most sacred day?
While civil law permits buying and selling what is essential on Sundays, let us be careful in our enjoyment of this leniency; and indeed, the less we indulge, the better. Yet to engage in commerce on the Sabbath for matters that could be postponed to a weekday, driven only by self-interest and necessity, raises the question of worthiness. Are six days of labor not sufficient for such activities? Why must we extend these transactions into the seventh day, thereby tainting what we purchase and the price we pay with a transgression against the commandment that sanctifies the Sabbath?