A High Sabbath, in biblical terms, refers to a special Sabbath day that coincides with one of the Jewish feast days, making it distinct from the regular weekly Sabbath. These High Sabbaths are considered particularly sacred and are observed with additional rituals and significance. The concept of a High Sabbath is rooted in the Old Testament, where God instituted various feasts and holy convocations for the Israelites.

Biblical Foundation

The term "High Sabbath" is derived from the Hebrew word "Shabbat Shabbaton," which can be translated as a "Sabbath of solemn rest." High Sabbaths occur during the annual feasts outlined in the Torah, specifically in Leviticus 23. These feasts include Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Each of these feasts has specific days that are designated as Sabbaths, regardless of the day of the week on which they fall.

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread

One of the most notable High Sabbaths occurs during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which begins immediately after Passover. Leviticus 23:6-7 states, "On the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you are to hold a sacred assembly; you are not to do any regular work." This first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a High Sabbath, marking a time of rest and worship.

The Day of Atonement

Another significant High Sabbath is the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, which is described in Leviticus 23:27-32 : "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You are to hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present an offering made by fire to the LORD. On this day you shall not do any work, for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God." This day is considered the most solemn of all the High Sabbaths, emphasizing repentance and reconciliation with God.

The Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, also includes High Sabbaths. Leviticus 23:39 notes, "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you are to celebrate the feast of the LORD for seven days. The first day is to be a day of rest, and the eighth day also is to be a day of rest." Both the first and eighth days of this feast are High Sabbaths, bookending a week of celebration and remembrance of God's provision.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of a High Sabbath is mentioned in the context of Jesus' crucifixion. John 19:31 states, "It was the day of Preparation, and the next day was a High Sabbath. So the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed." This passage highlights the urgency of the Jewish leaders to ensure that the bodies were taken down from the crosses before the onset of the High Sabbath, which was the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread following Passover.

Significance and Observance

High Sabbaths hold a special place in Jewish tradition and biblical history, serving as times of rest, reflection, and worship. They are marked by specific rituals and sacrifices, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. For Christians, these High Sabbaths can also be seen as foreshadowing the redemptive work of Christ, who fulfilled the Law and the Prophets. The observance of these days underscores the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ.