I’ve been reading through the Pentateuch.

I didn’t simply decide to read through the Mosaic Law. I actually picked up a Chronological Bible and decided that it would be a fresh way to read through Scripture. Needless to say, it has definitely given me a better understanding of how things took place and why they happened when they did.

I have also been overwhelmed by the number of commands God’s people once had to follow. Some of the descriptive commands for how worship and offerings should be organized have bogged me down.

Furthermore, I have been overwhelmed by the severity with which the Israelites were dealt with if they neglected the commands. For example, this morning in Numbers 15, a man is caught gathering wood on the Sabbath. The result?

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘The man must die. The whole assembly must stone him outside the camp.'” (Num. 15:35)

I feel like there has to be more to that story.

Sure, I get that he neglected to gather enough wood on Friday to get him through the Sabbath. However, they were in a giant camp in the desert. Surely one of his neighbours had a few sticks to share? Then again, he was likely embarrassed that he forgot about the Sabbath the day before and didn’t want to admit that to the community.

All this being said, the Sabbath has puzzled me since reading through the Pentateuch chronologically. Because of my unique ministry position, my days off are Mondays and Tuesdays. How seriously should I take the concept of a day of rest?

Does recreation with my family count as rest? What about reading, listening to podcasts, watching TV, or fun work like photo and video editing? To me, that would make a great day of rest.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• In what capacity do you practice the Mosaic Law?
• How much of the first five books of the Bible have you read?
• Which components do you enjoy and/or struggle with?