Two for One

Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. Deuteronomy 5:12  NASB

Observe – One of my dear friends sent me an article about the two Sabbath commands.  The other one is the more familiar verse, Exodus 20:8.  But if you read them side by side, you realize (especially in Hebrew) that they are not identical.  The text in Exodus uses the Hebrew verb zakar (to remember) but the text in Deuteronomy uses the verb shamar (to guard).  The differences are obscured in many translations, but were the subject of some concern by the rabbis.

Let’s stretch a little.  If we think about the rabbinic solution to this difference, we might recall something from our studies in Genesis 2 and 3.  Since the homophone of zakar (male) means “to remember,” we suggested that this is a word play on the role of the male.  He is to remember God’s command in the Garden and subsequently to remember all of the commandments given by God after leaving the Garden.  One of these is to honor the Sabbath.  The Exodus passage connects God’s instructions to the assignment in Eden.

But what about the Deuteronomy version?  Does the verb shamar also find a home in Eden?  The homophone of neqevah (female) is about setting a boundary.  We noticed that the role assigned to Havvah was not remembering God’s command.  She wasn’t present when the command was given.  But she is to establish the boundary for the fulfillment of the command by guarding the man who was given the command.  Her job is to take care of him in such a way that he fulfills his assignment.  We pointed out that her covenant with YHWH establishes Adam as the beneficiary.  She is his protector and guide.  She is to establish and guard the fence so that he doesn’t get into trouble.

It seems to me that the Deuteronomy version of the Sabbath commandment suggests the feminine side of the Sabbath.  The male side appears in Exodus.  Remember.  The female side appears in Deuteronomy.  Guard.  Just as both male and female are required to fulfill the prime directive in Eden, so they are both present in Shabbat.  Men are to remember what God commanded about His day of rest.  Women are to establish the fence around that day to protect it from encroachment that would defile its purpose.   In the home of a married couple, Shabbat cannot occur without the participation of both.  It’s interesting that the rabbinic idea concerning the positive and negative commands also finds some parallel in Eden.  God gives Adam the first commandment.  It has positive and negative elements.  “Eat (feast) on all the trees” – positive.  “But of this Tree” – negative.  Which part of the command becomes the issue for Havvah?  Is setting the boundary an essentially positive or negative action?  Which part of Sabbath-keeping are you doing?  Is it the one assigned to you?

Topical Index:  Sabbath, observe, guard, shamar, remember, zakar, Deuteronomy 5:12, Exodus 20:8

THANK YOU to all who are praying for my daughter Rachel in Navy boot camp.  Rachel graduated on Friday.  She was voted the top recruit of her division by her peers.  She was also promoted to E-3, a two step promotion.  She received recognition from her Chief and is set to go to A school in Pensacola.  I talked with her and she said that she felt all the prayers made a big difference to her.  She also wanted to thank everyone who sent mail.  She got a lot!  She is proud to represent your trust in her and knows God is directing all this.

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Jan Carver

First of all – Thank You Lord Jesus for turning tears into joy for Rachel – she probably never expected the wonderful surprises you have given her – the trees cleared & the wonderful Light of Christ shone upon her life…

AND thank You Lord Jesus for the very very much needed rain that you have bestowed upon us here in Oklahoma City, OK since wee in the hours of the morning & still raining – a gentle showering by Your Hand of Love – we thank You from a dry & thirsty land that needed your Rain of Love – what a perfect Easter morning from You Lord – to make all things new & fresh with Your blessing of rain – Your tears of Love for us.

jano

Brian

Rejoicing with you over your daughter Rachel!

Robin Jeep

Thank you Father for this community You pulled together through skip. Thank you for showing us how to be siblings to each other. Thank you for showing Yourself ever faithful to Rachel and all of us. I love and praise you!

Michael

“Two for One”

And One for all,

in another form:

Three Mothers, AMSh,
in the Universe are air, water, fire.

Heaven was created from fire
Earth was created from water
And air from Breath decides bewteen them.

Michael

Hmmm

An acronym is three letters

At Aruba I’m working on the Mobility Access Switch (MAS)

Christina

The richness and depth of God’s Word from beginning to end continues to deepen my faith and trust in HaShem. Thank you for bringing these truths out continually Skip — especially on God’s “appointed times” such as His precious Shabbat. What you made us more aware of today made me reflect on Matthew 18:19 (Amplified Version)….

“…if TWO of you on earth agree (harmonize together, together make a symphony) about — anything and “everything–whatever they shall ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

This pertains especially between the husband and wife in a covenantally, profound way as you pointed out.

Also, thank you as well for sharing the fantastic news about Rachel. Community prayer makes the impossible possible and may she continue to “shine” and glorify Abba in all her comings and goings.

Virginia I.

Dear Skip,

I greatly enjoy reading your articles and what you have learned in the original Hebrew text. But I am really confused about something. I am not understanding the roles of the woman and man. I have understood what you said in the post “Order and Purpose”, but I am confused by ‘zakar’ role of man. As spiritual guide, it makes sense I am called to be an ordained minister, as I would be spiritually leading all who would sit under me while the Holy Spirit speaks through me. But I don’t understand the role of the ‘zakar’, “to remember”. What is the purpose of his remembering if not he is to be directed, guided, and protected by his ezer kenegdo? Could you please help me out with this because it’s a real head case for me. Heh. Thanks so much.

Virginia
So. GA

Jan Carver

Skip, for some odd reason – your response to Virginia I. made me cry… ♥

jan

Virginia I.

Dear Skip,

Thank you for responding so quickly! I didn’t actually think you would.

I can’t help but laugh a little at your response. (not laughing at you, mind. It is my own fault I wasn’t very clear, and I’m sorry for the confusion) It is very sound, except I don’t have any profession except that of a house wife. I’m called to be ordained and preach but that has yet to be fulfilled. I’m not a professional anything. And my husband isn’t a Christian. 🙁 I guess I can’t expect you to respond now, but I would be more pleased if you did. I guess I’m a little slow in understanding; I apologize for not catching on very quickly.

So… are you saying I don’t have remember any scripture? (I have to apologize again. I’m getting frustrated with myself about not understanding and am only making myself look more dense. Forgive if I take anything you say out of context, it’s not my intention.)

Virginia I.

Dear Skip,

Thanks for responding and clarifying for me! That is much much more helpful to me. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me understand.

Shabbot Shalom!,
Virginia

Krista

Virginia and Skip – I had to share your conversation with my married friends. Boy was it timely! Praise Yah!