Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Second Sabbath" is a topic of interest primarily due to its mention in the Gospel of Luke. The phrase appears in
Luke 6:1, which states, "One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat them." The Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly use the term "Second Sabbath," but the concept is derived from the Greek phrase "sabbatō deuteroprōtō," which some translations interpret as "second-first Sabbath."
Context and InterpretationThe "Second Sabbath" is a term that has puzzled scholars and theologians due to its unique appearance in the Gospel of Luke. The context of
Luke 6:1-5 involves Jesus and His disciples walking through grainfields on the Sabbath, an event that leads to a confrontation with the Pharisees over Sabbath observance. The Pharisees question Jesus about His disciples' actions, which they consider unlawful on the Sabbath. Jesus responds by referencing David's actions when he ate the consecrated bread, emphasizing the principle that human need can take precedence over ritual law.
Theological SignificanceThe mention of the "Second Sabbath" has been interpreted in various ways. Some scholars suggest it refers to a specific Sabbath within the Jewish liturgical calendar, possibly the first Sabbath after the second day of Passover, which would be significant in the counting of the Omer leading up to Shavuot (Pentecost). Others propose it might indicate a special Sabbath, such as one that coincides with a festival or a new moon.
From a theological perspective, the passage underscores Jesus' authority over the Sabbath. In
Luke 6:5, Jesus declares, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." This statement highlights His divine authority and challenges the prevailing interpretations of Sabbath law. Jesus' actions and teachings in this passage emphasize the spirit of the law rather than a strict, legalistic adherence to it.
Historical and Cultural BackgroundIn the Jewish tradition, the Sabbath is a day of rest and worship, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. It is a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, rooted in the creation narrative where God rested on the seventh day (
Genesis 2:2-3) and in the Ten Commandments (
Exodus 20:8-11). The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect during Jesus' time, were known for their strict observance of the law, including detailed regulations about what constituted work on the Sabbath.
The "Second Sabbath" incident reflects the broader tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of His day. It illustrates the conflict between Jesus' interpretation of the law, which prioritizes mercy and human need, and the Pharisees' emphasis on ritual purity and legalistic observance.
ConclusionWhile the exact meaning of "Second Sabbath" remains a topic of debate, its inclusion in the Gospel of Luke serves to highlight key themes in Jesus' ministry, such as His authority, the prioritization of compassion over ritual, and the fulfillment of the law through love and mercy.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Second SabbathSECOND SABBATH
SeeSABBATH, SECOND AFTER THE FIRST.
Greek
1207 --second, after the first.... From deuteros and protos;
second-first, ie (specially) a designation of the
Sabbath immediately after the Paschal week (being the
second after Passover day
...Library
The TwoSabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn...
... first'Sabbath might be either the firstSabbath after thesecond day,' which was
that of the presentation of the Omer, or else thesecond Sabbath after this...
Works which Hallow theSabbath
... Thesecond Sabbath scene deals with the same question from another point
of view. Works of necessity warranted the supercession...
B. TheSecond Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
... An illustration of thesecond exception to the law of absolute cessation from labor
was given "on anothersabbath" when in the synagogue Jesus healed a man...
From theSecond to the Fourth Commandment
... A. TheSecond Commandment forbids all false, rash, unjust, and unnecessary oaths,
blasphemy... A. The Third Commandment is: Remember thou keep holy theSabbath day...
Morning Prayer for theSabbath Morning.
Lyra Germanica:Second Series: The Christian Life. <.... Morning Prayer For
TheSabbath Morning. I. For TheSabbath Morning. 7,8,7,8,7,7....
The Pharisees'Sabbath and Christ's
... Thesecond example comes still closer to the question in hand, and supplies
the reference to theSabbath law, which the former had not....
Lyra Germanica:Second Series: The Christian Life
... <. Lyra Germanica:Second Series: The Christian Life Catherine Winkworth.
Table of Contents. Title Page.... Morning Prayer For TheSabbath Morning....
Evening Prayer at the Close of theSabbath.
Lyra Germanica:Second Series: The Christian Life. <.... Evening Prayer At the
Close of theSabbath. V. At the Close of theSabbath. 8,6,8,6....
Dining with a Pharisee.Sabbath Healing and Three Lessons...
... [Here Jesus again asserts that theSabbath law did not forbid acts of mercy. See
pp.212, 213, 215.... [The custom of sending asecond invitation at the supper...
Second Greek Form.
... C??sar.Second Greek Form.... anything. And one heresy of theirs against him was,
that he said that theSabbath was not their right rest....
Resources
What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the second death? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a second blessing subsequent to salvation? | GotQuestions.orgSecond: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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