In the Old Testament, the observance of the Sabbath was a commandment given by God to the nation of Israel, with very strict regulations. For example, in Exodus 31:14-15, it is written, “Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.”

This severe penalty underscored the importance of the Sabbath rest for Israel, as a sign of their covenant with God and a reminder of God’s rest after creation (Exodus 20:8-11) and their deliverance from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:12-15).

However, in the New Testament, Jesus Christ taught a more compassionate understanding of Sabbath observance. He healed on the Sabbath and defended His actions by teaching the principle that “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27). This indicates that the Sabbath should be observed in a way that honors God while also considering the well-being and needs of people.

In the Christian dispensation, the focus is not on strict rules regarding work but on the principles behind the Sabbath—rest, worship, and mercy. While the New Testament does not prescribe the death penalty for working on the Sabbath, it encourages believers to live in a way that honors God’s design for rest and worship, in the spirit of love and freedom that Christ taught.