posted 06-27-2002 10:02 AM            

I understand your points that you made from your previous posts. I do not disagee at all about the "fast" as not being commanded, except if the word "afflict" does mean this. If YHWH new that His people would understand what He was saying, then it makes perfect sense He would put it that way. I am not taking a stance either way, but I would like Ahab, and maybe others to follow up with this.

a second area that needs to be looked at is the origin of where fasting came in and what YHWH has said about it. If it was never a command, then where did He say to do it and why? How would they know to do it and for what reasons? we see many instances they fasted. I do not see any comments about when and why they should in the law.

Now as to the Sabbath. You say that "you can do the bare minimums." But, the only command YHWH gave in His law was for them to cease from their normal "employment" duties. Only on the Feast Days did He require them to stop all labor.

I agree that we should not do anything that would cause another to work. If we go bowling, then someone has to be there to open up the lanes. If we go to work out, then there is somone to open the gym. But, getting back to the point of the original thread, it is not against YHWH's command not to go for a jog, walk in the park, a hike out in nature, etc. These are commands of men...and of Jewish tradition.

My point again that I am making is that YHWH made the distinction between regular work (weekly Sabbath), and servile work (Feast days). If He knew the difference and He is clear on His instructions, who are we to tell someone that they can not do it. Do not add to nor take away.

The question is still out there for any that want to give their thoughts...Why did YHWH not use Servile work for the Day of Atonement like He did for the rest of the Feast Days?

Shalom,