3.10.26 – Death Penalty

There is a commandment in the Torah that, when broken, brings the death penalty. But when you look for the definition of the crime, the text is almost silent. Hardly any explanation and no detailed parameters—just a warning not to violate it. So how do we know what it means to break this Torah law (Ex. 31:15)?

"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."
(Ex. 31:15)

"Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death."
(Ex. 35:2)

For the last few Torah portions, we have been reading and learning about the construction of the Tabernacle and everything that needed to be done for it to function properly. Over the last several chapters, the Lord has been dictating to Moses the exact instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the garments for the Kohanim (priests). Last week's Torah portion concluded these instructions with who was to be in charge of all the craftsmanship of building this house for the Lord (Bezalel, Oholiab, and all the wise-hearted). And finally, the Lord gives the children of Israel a stern and detailed warning that none of these things were to be done on the Sabbath (Ex. 31:12–17).

Although the Sabbath has been mentioned multiple times in Genesis and Exodus, this is the first time we learn of the severe consequences of breaking the Sabbath. Willful transgression of the Sabbath day while living in a theocratic, Torah-based community results in the death penalty.

What is the Sabbath violation? If violating the Sabbath will result in the dark consequences of the death penalty, surely the parameters of violating the Sabbath are clearly spelled out in the Torah, right? However, a thorough examination of the entire Torah will not be able to produce any kind of list or parameters of what it means to profane the Sabbath outside of two instances (Ex. 35:3; Num. 15:32–36). The first is not to kindle fire on the Sabbath (Ex. 35:3), and the second has something to do with gathering sticks (Num. 15:32–36). But even these are far from being explicit. For example, what constitutes kindling? Is it how the fire is initially created, or does that have something to do with adding fuel to an existing flame? And what is this business about gathering sticks? What is so wrong with these two activities? And why does a person have to lose his life over it? To the non-inquiring mind, this ambiguity can make one want to abandon this merciless and cruel God.

Israel had to have a clear means by which cases that involve Sabbath violations could be adjudicated. There had to be a clear legal definition of what it meant either to keep the Sabbath or to break it. Thanks, Mr. Obvious :-). These judicial decisions were established by the rulers that Moses appointed in Exodus chapter 18:17–26. But that still does not help us, does it?

The clues for us are found in the text itself. Now that the golden calf incident has been forgiven, the relationship between the Lord and His people has been reestablished. The covenant has been renewed (Ex. 34:10). And now, for the very first time, the children of Israel are going to get the instructions on how to build the Tabernacle. Remember, everything from Exodus 25 through 31 was just the blueprint that Moses received while he was in the heavenly presence of the Lord (Ex. 25:8–9).

And it is here, over the past few studies and recordings, that we have made our golden calf sandwich. In last night's video call, I detailed what it means for the kindling of the fire and the priority that God puts on the Sabbath even above building a house for Himself (Ex. 35:1–6). 

I will leave you hanging just a little bit and let you go back and listen to the recording if you want to get a better perspective on the death penalty for not keeping the Sabbath.

That could be the ultimate cliffhanger—at least from my perspective :-). But before you do and go watch the video, look at Exodus 35:1–6 and see what clues you may come up with regarding this ambiguous penalty.

Have a fantastic third day of the week. Shabbat is coming, and wonderful life lessons are ready to be discovered.

Shalom,
Alan

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