Topical Bible: Sabbath: Violations of Men of Tyre

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The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, is a central tenet in the Judeo-Christian tradition, rooted in the creation narrative where God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). The observance of the Sabbath is commanded in the Ten Commandments, where it is set apart as holy (Exodus 20:8-11). However, throughout biblical history, there have been instances where the sanctity of the Sabbath was violated, leading to divine rebuke and prophetic admonition.

One notable instance of Sabbath violation involves the men of Tyre, as recorded in the book of Nehemiah. After the Babylonian exile, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and restore its religious practices. During his governorship, Nehemiah observed that the Sabbath was being desecrated by commercial activities, particularly by the men of Tyre.

In Nehemiah 13:15-16 , it is written: "In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath, bringing in grain, loading it on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of goods. They were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them against selling food on that day. Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem."

The men of Tyre, known for their mercantile prowess and trade, were engaging in commerce on the Sabbath, thus contributing to the desecration of this holy day. Their actions were not only a violation of the Sabbath commandment but also a temptation for the people of Judah to neglect their covenantal obligations.

Nehemiah's response was swift and decisive. He confronted the nobles of Judah, questioning their complicity in allowing such practices: "Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, 'What is this wicked thing you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?'" (Nehemiah 13:17). Nehemiah's leadership was marked by a zealous commitment to uphold the sanctity of the Sabbath, recognizing its importance in maintaining the spiritual and communal integrity of the people.

To prevent further violations, Nehemiah took practical measures by ordering the gates of Jerusalem to be shut before the Sabbath began and not to be opened until it ended. He stationed his servants at the gates to ensure that no loads would be brought in on the Sabbath day (Nehemiah 13:19). This action underscored the seriousness with which the Sabbath was to be observed and the lengths to which Nehemiah was willing to go to protect it from desecration.

The account of the men of Tyre and their Sabbath violations serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining religious observance amidst external influences and economic pressures. It highlights the need for vigilance and leadership in preserving the sanctity of divine commandments, as well as the communal responsibility to uphold the values and practices that define a covenant relationship with God.

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Nehemiah 13:16
There dwelled men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath to the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
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Library

The Five Books Against Marcion
... Brazen Serpent and the Golden Cherubim Were Not Violations of the ... in Election and
Rejection of the Same Men, Such as ... The Withered Hand Healed on the Sabbath. ...
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