Understanding Isaiah 58:13: The Sabbath as a Delight

Isaiah 58:13

13 If you turn away your foot from the sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honorable; and shall honor him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words:

Keeping the Sabbath holy according to Isaiah 58:13 is a sacred privilege that involves turning away from personal pleasures and worldly business to find supreme delight in the Lord Isaiah 58:13SDP 147.4+1. To truly honor this day, we must recognize it as a "golden clasp" that unites God with His people, requiring a heart fully consecrated to HimSHM-apx 445.2+1.

The Meaning of "Turning Away Thy Foot"

Turning away one's foot from the Sabbath signifies a cessation of trampling upon God's holy time or setting it at naught2T 701.3+1. It is a call to stop using the sacred hours for selfish gratification or "doing thy pleasure," which includes engaging in sinful, forbidden amusements Isaiah 58:13RH May 30, 1871, par. 4. Instead of pursuing our own ways, we are invited to regard the day as the "holy of the Lord" and "honorable" Isaiah 58:13SITI August 18, 1887, page 503.1. This requirement extends to our words and thoughts; those who discuss business matters or lay plans on the Sabbath are regarded by God as though they were engaged in actual transactions Isaiah 58:13PP 307.3+1.

The Sabbath as a Delight

The Sabbath is intended to be the most interesting and joyful day of the week, not a period of useless inactivity or a burden of bondageDA 207.2+2.

• Spiritual Refreshment: It is a time for spiritual rest and delighting in the works and ways of GodPsa. 92:4+1.

• Communion with Nature: Families can make the day a delight by walking in the open air, sitting in groves, and studying the beautiful objects of nature to inspire reverence for the CreatorRH May 30, 1871, par. 4+1.

• Holy Deeds: While secular labor for profit must cease, the Sabbath is honored by acts of mercy and necessity, such as healing the sick and relieving the distressed Luke 6:9DA 207.2+1.

A Work of Restoration

In these last days, there is a special work to "repair the breach" made in God's law when the Sabbath was changed by human authority6T 351.6+2.

• Building Waste Places: Those who accept the truth are called to raise up the foundations of many generations by exalting the true seventh-day Sabbath Isaiah 58:12SpTA01b 13.3+1.

• A Sign of Sanctification: Keeping the Sabbath is a sign between God and His people, demonstrating that He is the one who sanctifies them Ezekiel 20:125MR 121.3+1.

• Preparation: To keep the day holy, all necessary preparation—such as cooking, cleaning, or blacking shoes—should be completed on the six working days, particularly on Friday, the preparation day Exodus 16:23CG 528.3+1.

Promises to the Obedient

God attaches rich, wonderful promises to those who place a high estimate on His holy dayST March 18, 1897, par. 9+1.

• Delighting in the Lord: When we honor Him by not finding our own pleasure or speaking our own words, we will find our highest joy in the Lord Himself Isaiah 58:14GCB/GCDB 1893, page 455.7+1.

• Spiritual Heritage: He promises to cause the obedient to "ride upon the high places of the earth" and to be fed with the "heritage of Jacob," ensuring spiritual victory and a place in the kingdom of God Isaiah 58:14HS 233.3+1.

• Eternal Life: Those who faithfully keep His commandments will have a right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the heavenly city Revelation 22:14BP1 35.2.