Sabbath Origins? Bechlach

And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because He ceased from doing all his work, which God created

Genesis 2:3

While the Sabbath was established at Creation’s completion, the day of rest was imposed upon the Children of Israel. After leaving Egypt, in the Torah Portion Bechlach, Sabbath rules commenced.

Before Mt. Sinai and announcement of the Sabbath Commandment, Bechlach recounts the chaotic post-Exodus period. After their departure from Egypt, for reasons to be discussed, the Children of Israel are confronted with Sabbath rules. Bechlach marks the beginnings of the law’s perplexity.

The beginning of the Sabbath rules marked the Children of IsraeI’s eternal struggle. To present day and continuing, the Sabbath rules are studied and debated. For example, in the Sinai Desert, circa 1200 BCE, there were no elevators. In modernity, the elevator’s invention spurred legal wrangling over how elevators were to be viewed under Sabbath rules. Was it possible that elevator use could somehow comply with Sabbath laws?

With this debate, the Sabbath elevator was invented. The innovation was that it opens on every floor without having to press any buttons.

Jewish Sabbath Elevator Rules | What You Need To Know

Manna

Beyond addressing the Sabbath, Bechlach also tells of the fledgling nation’s many complaints to Moses and Aaron. After leaving Egypt and being in the wilderness, the Children of Israel experienced meal uncertainty. This crisis led to a solution. God would provide them a special form of bread. Exodus 16:11-12. It was famously called Manna.

Manna was to be gathered on a daily basis. Thus, it was inevitable that the activity would eventually collide with the Sabbath.

Thus, Bechlach details a variety of instructions relating to Manna.

“And Moses said to them, “That is the bread that the Lord has given you for food. This is the thing that the Lord has commanded: Collect some of it, each according to what he eats; you shall take an omer per head, the number of persons, each for whoever is in his tent. ” This was followed up with the Sabbath provision: “And it was: on the sixth day they collected double bread, two times the omer for each one, and all the chiefs of the congregation came and told Moses.

And he said to them, “That is what the Lord spoke. Tomorrow is a ceasing, a holy Sabbath to the Lord.” Exodus 16:22-23. It further goes on “Eat it today, because today is a Sabbath to the Lord.” Exodus 16:25. This refers to the Manna that had been gathered the day before. The portion further states that “Six days you shall collect it. And on the seventh day is a Sabbath; there will not be any in it. ” Exodus 26:26.

Despite these instructions, people went out to collect Manna on the Sabbath. Exodus 26:27.

This non-compliance upset God: “And the Lord said to Moses, “how long do you refuse to observe my commandments and instructions? See that the Lord has given you the Sabbath. On account of this He is giving you two days’ bread on the sixth day. Stay each in his place. Let no man go out from his place on the seventh day. And the people ceased in the seventh day.” Exodus 16:28-30.

Coming Around

God’s question would be partially answered in the Book of Numbers. After the Ten Commandments’ receipt, the Children of Israel illustrated progress on Sabbath rule compliance. It is the controversial story of the man who was put to death for violating the Sabbath.

In Numbers 15:32-36, the controversial Sabbath violation was collecting wood. [Note: arguably, the act needs perspective. The collection of wood could have led to the creation of a fire or cooking on the Sabbath. This would have likely been done in the presence of others who were observant. Thus, there was the likelihood it could have disrupted the encampment.]

While the punishment’s severity merits discussion, the Children of Israel’s behavior also warrants discussion. The story evidences the Children of Israel appreciated the Sabbath rules. When they found the individual, they turned him over to the authorities of Moses and Aaron. The disposition of the violation was done in the presence of the congregation.

This event showed the Children of Israel’s displayed the ability to learn, grow and become observant. Thus, this Numbers’ passage in part answered Bechlach’s question as to “how long the Children of Israel were to refuse to observe the commandments?” Beshlach’s tale, when taken in context, is a tale in patience.

Conclusion

Bechlach’s story is one that extends beyond the Torah Portion itself. Bechlach is the beginning of Sabbath rules and compliance. These rules have continued scripture and are confronted in modernity. Over time, the Children of Israel displayed the ability to work with the rules and be cognizant of them. Post-scripture, they grew to wrestle, debate and interpret the Sabbath laws. While Bechlach had a moment of God’s upset, the patience exhibited paid off. In this instance, Humans evidenced their capacity to grow.

Be well!!

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