The Sabbath : in the law, in the prophets, and in Mark

Abstract

Different versions of the Sabbath law (Exodus 20:8-11; 23:12; 31:12-17; 34:21; 35:1-3; Leviticus 23:3; Deuteronomy 5:12-15) and several prophetic texts (Amos 6:1-7 - the name "Sabbath" is text-critically reconstructed in verse 3 with the help of the Septuagint); Amos 8:4-7; Ezekiel 20; Jeremiah 17:19-27; Isaiah 56:1-8) reflect a vivid struggle over the centuries as to how the Sabbath should be understood and practised. Jesus' position towards the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28) pursues the prophetic intention: the goal is decisive. The last part states that Sabbath and Sunday contribute to a sustainable development, because they counterbalance greed and short-sightedness by self constrain and openness to God's time rhythm.