Sabbath-Keeping
J. A. Alexander. Isaiah 56:2 Blessed is the man that does this, and the son of man that lays hold on it; that keeps the sabbath from polluting it… A great variety of reasons have been given for the special mention of the Sabbath here. The true explanation is afforded by a reference to the primary and secondary ends of the Sabbatical institution, and the belief involved in its observance. 1. It implied a recognition of Jehovah as the omnipotent Creator of the universe (Exodus 20:11; Exodus 31:17). 2. As the Sanctifier of His people, not in the technical or theological sense, but as denoting Him by whom they had been set apart as a peculiar people (Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12). 3. As the Saviour of this chosen people from the bondage of Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15). Of these great truths the Sabbath was a weekly remembrancer, and its observance by the people a perpetual recognition and profession, besides the practical advantages accruing to the maintenance of a religious spirit by a weekly recurrence of a day of rest. (J. A. Alexander.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. WEB: Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast; who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil."