3. Sabbath of rest. Literally “a sabbath of sabbath observance.” Our translation fails to convey the full force of the original Hebrew, which is variously translated a “sabbath of deep rest,” “a sabbath of complete rest,” “a perfect sabbath,” “a sabbath of solemn rest” ().
The Sabbath is different from all the other feasts and holy convocations (see 37, 38) in that it originated at creation (Gen. 2:1-3), whereas the annual feasts and “sabbaths” had their origin with the Jewish nation. The seventh-day Sabbath “was made for man” (Mark 2:27), and hence is of obligation for all men forever; the annual feasts were made for the Jews and ceased to be of obligation when type met Antitype at the death of Christ (Col. 2:16, 17). The seventh-day Sabbath is incorporated in the law of God, the Ten Commandments, His constitution for this world. Because it was made before sin entered, it will remain after sin is no more (Isa. 66:22, 23). On the other hand, the annual Jewish feasts were of only temporal, local, ceremonial application, fitted to conditions in Palestine, and could not be made of worldwide application.
Thus the Feast of First Fruits (of winter crops), celebrated in late spring, in May, could not be observed in the southern hemisphere till six months later. Similarly, it would not be possible for people in all lands to observe the Feast of Tabernacles in the autumn. The Jews have found that it is not even possible for them to observe the Day of Atonement as ordered by God, except in connection with the Temple. The Passover could appropriately be observed in anticipation of a coming Redeemer, but not after His coming. All these feasts served their purpose, adapted as they were to the needs of the Jews while they lived in Palestine, prior to the coming of Messiah. They have ceased, but the seventh-day Sabbath remains.
To make sure that the Sabbath should not be considered a Jewish institution, and hence cease with the Jewish nation, Christ emphatically declared, “The sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27). He added, “Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” ( 28). It belongs to Him; He is “Lord” of it. Let none tamper with it, for they have no right to do so. It is “my holy day,” says God (Isa. 58:13).
The sabbath of the Lord. This is the equivalent of, “it is the Lord’s sabbath,” and indicates proprietorship. If God should have spoken of the first day of the week as “my holy day,” or “the sabbath of the Lord,” none today would be uncertain as to what He meant. Instead, He uses these very expressions in regard to the seventh day. It is His day.