1. Lévitique 23:3 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

What is the first appointed time set by God?

Lévitique 23:3 (NEG79)

3 On travaillera six jours; mais le septième jour est le sabbat, le jour du repos: il y aura une sainte convocation. Vous ne ferez aucun ouvrage: c'est le sabbat de l'Eternel, dans toutes vos demeures.

The first day that is set apart by God is the weekly Sabbath. The Hebrew construction (hǎššᵉḇî‛î šǎbbǎṯ) forms a superlative, indicating that the Sabbath holds a unique place even amongst these religious festivals. By observing the Sabbath in this way, the Israelites were constantly reminded of what God had done for them. Furthermore, the nation would imitate their Creator, who rested on the seventh day. Ross remarks, By calling for the sanctification of the day, the text helps us understand what activities were stopped, because this day was for spiritual service and not occupational pursuits.1