1. The Sabbath clause in the Ten Commandments is referred to by God as God’s authoritative
signal when He commands various things. It is placed in various contexts to signify God’s
authority in commanding.
a. He gave Moses the tables of the Law to give Israel. Ex. 31:18.
b. But before that, God emphasized the Sabbath. Ex. 31:13-17.
c. He decrees the symbols of redemption of the firstborn, and also of harvest-time
rests, while referring to the Sabbath rest. Ex. 34:20,21.
d. Moses tells all Israel of the words God wants them to obey which is the Ten
Commandments. (Ex. 34:28-35; Ex. 35:1).
e. But Moses refers to the Sabbath first. Ex. 35:2.
2. In various places, after referring to the Sabbath, God makes authoritative statements about
His Name associating it to the Sabbath. Lev. 19:3,30; Lev. 26:2.
THE SEAL OF GOD
3. This means that the Sabbath is clearly seen to be God’s seal in the Law of the Ten
Commandments. Ex. 20:8-11.
a. The Word “seal” in this instance means an authoritative expression of who God
is, His name, His position of authority and the territory over which He assumes
His authority. Observe the dictionary’s meaning of the word “seal”.
“.. A piece of wax, lead or other material, stamped with a device and attached as a
means of authentification or attestation …” The Wordsworth Concise English
Dictionary, p. 898.
“… a mark or sign which authenticates, confirms, ratifies, or pledges; the symbols
of a high office …” The Lexicon Webster Dictionary Vol. 11, p. 866.
4. We are further told about an angel in the Bible having the seal of the living God. Rev. 7:2.
5. Of this seal we are told.
“The original word in this text is defined, “A seal, i.e., a signet ring; a mark, stamp, badge;
a token, a pledge.” The verb signifies: To secure to anyone, to make sure; to set a seal or
mark upon anything in token of its being genuine or approved; to attest, to confirm, toestablish, to distinguish by a mark’... A seal is used to render valid or authenticate any
enactments or laws that a person or power may promulgate.” Uriah Smith, Daniel and the
Revelation, pp. 416-417. (Emphasis supplied).
6. Further understanding about the fact that the Sabbath is the seal of God in the Ten
Commandments can be gleaned from the following scriptures that uses “seal” in connection with law-making or making decrees. 1 Kins. 21:8; Esther 3:12; Esther 8:8.
“A seal is used in connection with some law or enactment that demands obedience, or upon
documents that are to be made legal, or subject to the provision of law. The idea of law is
inseparable from a seal.” Ibid, p. 417. (Emphasis supplied).
7. We are further told about the seal of God.
“The seal of God is found in the law of God … The seal of God is that part of His law which
contains His name, or descriptive title, showing who He is, the extent of His dominion,
and His right to rule.” Ibid, p. 418. (Emphasis supplied).
8. In the Sabbath commandment we can see the following:
a. God’s name.
b. His high office.
c. The extent of His authority.
d. His Right or authority over all.
e. His claims upon all. Ex. 20:8-11.
9. Observe what the Sabbath clause shows, truly identifying it as God’s seal.
i. God’s Name: “YHWH … God …”
ii. God’s High office: “ … YHWH made … YHWH blessed … and hallowed …”
(Creator and Holifier).
iii. The extent of God’s authority: “… the heavens and earth, the sea, and all that is
in them …” (The created universe).
iv. God’s Right or authority over all: “YHWH made …” (He is the Creator thus
ruler of all).
v. God’s claims upon all: “ … YHWH thy God …” (He is the only true and
legitimate God over all).
Comments
Post a Comment