Question:
If the prohibition against building fires on the Sabbath in Exodus 35:2-3 is considered a civil or ceremonial regulation for the Jews only while they were in Palestine, why shouldn’t the prohibition in Exodus 34:21 also be limited to them? The same question could apply to Leviticus 23:32 and possibly Leviticus 11:7-8.
Answer:
The command regarding the Sabbath and a local law concerning it are fundamentally different. The Sabbath law originated in Eden, before man sinned (Genesis 2:2, 3). Therefore, the Sabbath was made for humanity and for all people (Mark 2:27). To demonstrate its eternal and enduring nature, it is placed at the very heart of the Decalogue, supported by nine other moral precepts that raise no questions, ensuring that there should be no debate over the fourth commandment. It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for even the smallest part of this law to fail, as shown in numerous scriptures.
Exodus 35:2-3 refers to a local regulation applicable during the wilderness period, where the circumstances did not necessitate building a fire. The manna was prepared the day before the Sabbath, and starting a fire would have been a direct challenge to God (see Numbers 15:30-36). Leviticus 23:32 specifically applies to the Day of Atonement, a feast relevant to the Levitical age, but it also establishes a general principle regarding the start and end of all days. This is supported by various scriptures, which indicate that a day began and ended at sunset (Mark 1:32; see also “WHEN DOES A DAY BEGIN?” and “NO! THE DAY BEGINS AT MORNING!”).
The laws concerning clean and unclean animals provide underlying principles that should guide the informed Christian. This division between animals was not arbitrary; rather, the nature of certain animals made them unclean, as God informed His people. This distinction existed even before the Flood (see Genesis 7:2, 8). Understanding this, how should a Christian apply 1 Corinthians 10:31?
