Counsels on Wellness

Counsel #3 — When Sabbath Rest Begins

Picture: Counsel #3 — When Sabbath Rest Begins CWe 139.1

According to sacred Scriptures, the Sabbath begins at sundown Friday night and ends at sundown Saturday night (Leviticus 23:32). Ancient Hebrews began the Shabbot on Friday evening with a special meal, lighting of candles, and a blessing spoken over each member of the family. Today Christians are also blessed by having a special welcome to the Sabbath on Friday evening, establishing a precious family tradition that might include favorite foods, singing, and a prayer blessing on each member of the household.^[149] CWe 139.2

In the time of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:15-22), merchants attempted to bring their wares into the city of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. Nehemiah forbade them to do this and closed the gates before Sabbath began to preserve the sanctity of Shabbott as the sun set on Friday. CWe 139.3

“And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should go and guard the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day.” Nehemiah 13:22 NKJV CWe 139.4

“Before the setting of the sun [on Friday], let the members of the family assemble to read God’s Word, to sing and pray.” Ellen White in Child Guidance, p. 529 CWe 139.5

Reflect: When the sun sets on Friday evenings, are you and your family prepared physically, mentally, and spiritually to enter the sacred celebration of the Sabbath? CWe 139.6