Topical Bible: The Sabbath: Dishonouring of: Men of Tyre

◄ The Sabbath: Dishonouring of: Men of Tyre ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, is a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian practice, rooted in the creation narrative where God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). It is enshrined in the Ten Commandments as a day to be kept holy (Exodus 20:8-11). However, throughout biblical history, there have been instances where the sanctity of the Sabbath was compromised, one notable example being the actions of the men of Tyre.

The men of Tyre, a seafaring people known for their commerce and trade, are mentioned in the book of Nehemiah as violators of the Sabbath. Nehemiah, a devout leader who sought to restore Jerusalem and its religious practices after the Babylonian exile, encountered the men of Tyre selling goods on the Sabbath. Nehemiah 13:16 states, "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 itself!"

This activity was a direct affront to the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy, as it involved commercial transactions and labor, which were prohibited. The presence of the Tyrians and their willingness to engage in trade on the Sabbath highlights the challenges faced by the Jewish community in maintaining their distinct religious identity amidst external influences and economic pressures.

Nehemiah's response was swift and decisive. He rebuked the nobles of Judah for allowing such practices, saying, "What is this wicked thing you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?" (Nehemiah 13:17). He took measures to ensure the sanctity of the Sabbath was upheld by ordering the gates of Jerusalem to be shut before the Sabbath began and not to be opened until it was over, thus preventing the merchants from entering the city (Nehemiah 13:19).

The actions of the men of Tyre serve as a cautionary tale about the ease with which the Sabbath can be dishonored when economic gain is prioritized over spiritual obedience. Their disregard for the Sabbath underscores the tension between secular activities and religious observance, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history and remains relevant in contemporary discussions about the role of faith in daily life.

The incident with the men of Tyre is a reminder of the importance of vigilance in preserving the sanctity of the Sabbath. It illustrates the need for community leaders to enforce religious laws and for individuals to resist the temptation to compromise their beliefs for material benefits. The narrative of the men of Tyre and their dishonoring of the Sabbath is a testament to the enduring struggle to balance worldly pursuits with spiritual commitments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook