"Only for the Israelites?" 

Memory Verse: "Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil" (Isaiah 56:2).

Scripture Reading: Leviticus 17:8-16.

Introduction: The Scripture states: "Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever . . . " (Exodus 31:16,17). It is therefore postulated and affirmed by some that it was never intended to be an identifying mark for the children of God, as such; but rather, just for Israelites. It is often stated that God has never, at anytime, commanded people other than Israelites to keep the Sabbath.
  Many people assume, from certain of the New Scriptures, that God basically did not care for, nor provide for, the Gentile people before the time of Christ. The assumption is untrue, for God has always loved everyone, and salvation has been available to all. However, since wickedness was rampant in the earth, God called and sanctified a people as a haven and witness of righteousness. They formed a nation of people among whom any person might live who wished to dwell in righteousness.
  The following Scriptures abundantly prove that God provided for the spiritual needs of all (Exodus 12:48,49; Leviticus 16:29-31). The following Scriptures should be noted in particular, for their sweeping inclusion: Leviticus 24:22; Exodus 12:49; and Numbers 15:15,16,29.
  It has always been true, and it always will be, that "the Lord . . . is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). It has always been true that a person, regardless of race, could become "one of Abraham's seed," as Paul wrote to the Galatians (Galatians 3:28,29).

Lesson Questions:

1. When the Sabbath was first hallowed and sanctified, were there such people as "Jews" or "Israelites?" Genesis 2:1-3.

2. For whom was the Sabbath made? Mark 2:27,28.

3. Were the benefits of the Sabbath to be limited to Israelites? Exodus 23:12; Deuteronomy 5:14,15.

4. Were people who did not live in the nation of Israel, expected to take notice of the laws observed by Israel? Deuteronomy 4:5-8.

5. What is the time of fulfillment for the prophecy of Isaiah 56:1,5,7,8?

6. Who is eligible for the blessing of Isaiah 56:2?

7. What strangers are eligible for the blessings of God? Isaiah 56:6,7.

8. Was Sabbath-keeping required of other people who were not Israelites? Isaiah 56:6,7.

9. Considering "burnt offerings" (mentioned in Isaiah 56:7) and the prophecy of God's house (same verse), is this blessing limited to the pre-Christian era, the Christian dispensation or is it common to both?

10. Compare Hebrews 4:7-11 with Exodus 16:4,25-30. Discuss.