שַׁבָּת
Shabbat
Sabbath, rest, cessation
Of all the Hebrew words in the Bible, shabbat (שַׁבָּת) might be the most countercultural. In a world that worships productivity, Shabbat commands you to stop. Not 'slow down.' Not 'take a break.' Stop. The Hebrew root שׁ-ב-ת means 'to cease, to desist.' God didn't rest on the seventh day because He was tired — He rested to establish a rhythm that would define human flourishing for all time. Shabbat is the only holy day included in the Ten Commandments. God calls it a 'sign' between Him and His people (Exodus 31:13) and a 'delight' (Isaiah 58:13). In our burnout culture, rediscovering Shabbat isn't just a spiritual exercise — it's a radical act of trust that the world can survive without you for one day.
“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.”
Etymology & Root Letters
Shabbat comes from the root שׁ-ב-ת (shin-bet-tav), meaning 'to cease, stop, rest.' God didn't rest because He was tired — He rested to establish a rhythm of work and renewal for all creation.
How Shabbat Is Used in Scripture
Shabbat appears 111 times in the Hebrew Bible. It's the only holy day included in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). God calls it a 'sign' between Him and His people (Exodus 31:13) and a 'delight' (Isaiah 58:13).
Cultural & Modern Context
Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday. It's welcomed with candle lighting, wine (Kiddush), and challah bread. The greeting 'Shabbat Shalom' (Peaceful Sabbath) is universal in Jewish communities.
How to Use Shabbat in Prayer
Practice Shabbat rest as a spiritual discipline. In a culture of constant hustle, choosing to rest is an act of faith — trusting that God can handle the world without your help for one day.
People Also Ask About Shabbat
When does Shabbat start and end?
Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday evening and ends at sunset on Saturday evening (approximately 25 hours). It's welcomed with candle lighting (typically by the woman of the house), Kiddush (blessing over wine), and the breaking of challah bread. The end of Shabbat is marked by the Havdalah ceremony, which includes a braided candle, spices, and wine — symbolizing the separation between the sacred and the ordinary.
Should Christians observe Shabbat?
This is a matter of Christian freedom and conviction. While Christians are not bound by the Mosaic Law (Colossians 2:16), many find great spiritual benefit in practicing a Sabbath rhythm. The principle of rest is woven into creation itself (Genesis 2:2-3). Whether you observe Saturday, Sunday, or another day, the invitation to cease, rest, and trust God remains a gift for all believers.
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