THE HOLY SABBATH

Blessed Love,
The Sabbath is something often upheld by Rastafari, although it is not practiced by every Rastafari many of InI keep this Principle.
Keeping the Sabbath is one of the 10 commandments, and has a big role in the Ible, it is mentioned many times and the Importance of it is often stressed. The penalty for not upholding the Sabbath is even death (read exodus 31:14, numbers 15:32-36) Still somehow this commandment is left out of peoples Life these days and most people don’t even know what it is about any more. People who practice Judaism will often observe the Sabbath and are best known to do this. Christians changed the Sabbath, that should be held on Saturday to a day of worship on Sunday in church and left out most of the principles that accompany it. The reason for this is could be because the founders of modern day Christianity (roman catholics, protestants etc.) new that the Sabbath was something between the house of Ysrayl and YAH (on a physical and spiritual level), part of the Iverlasting covenant between the two. As the early catholics were not part of this Heritage, they might have thought it was not necessary for them to implement this into their religion, it only would have made it harder to convince the people, and didn’t benefit their agenda. It was more useful to gather the people in a church with a pastor telling them how to live, instead of letting the people observe the Sabbath how it was intended by YAH. Although it is a theory, it could also have been a way to sabotage the house of Ysrayl by knowing that there is a penalty for Ysrayl for not keeping this commandment. Whether it was intentional or not, this is what they (the religious leaders) have achieved by making the Sabbath obsolete. The only descendants from Ysrayl (organized in groups) that are aware of the Sabbath and observe it are the different Black Hebrew Israelites organizations, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Rastafari (as far as we know)
Rastafari have regained this overstanding by knowing we are the remnant of Ysrayl through InI beloved Emperor Haile Selassie I, and know the Bible is about InI which gives it more meaning and value, when we read it. We can see the attempts of babylon trying to hold down the children of Ysrayl with trickery, by devaluing the Sabbath.
Still we Rastafari have found and re installed the Sabbath as it was ordained from ancient times.

How to observe the Sabbath of is often more a personal choice and experience for most Rastafari, having One self to decide how it is kept. Most Rastafari worldwide are not official members of any house like the Nyahbinghi, Bobo Shanti or Twelve Tribes of Israel, but follow their own Heart, Mind and Faith. Although we might be inspired by these Mansions…There are many Rastafari that don’t keep the Sabbath, it is also not a strict rule or Principle within the different Mansions, except for the Bobo Shanti. Within Rastafari the Bobo Shanti are the ones most Livicated to the Sabbath upholding the Priestly order as is written in the Bible and therefore find great importance in the Sabbath. There are Nyahbinghi and Twelve Tribes of Israel Members that keep the Sabbath as it comes from the Bible and the importance can easily be identified, but it is still more a personal choice.
The  Bobo Shanti have certain strict Principles to uphold, and one of the most Important ones is to keep the Sabbath.
For Bob Shanti this begins from Friday 6 Pm to Saturday 6 Pm as the Sun sets between 6 and 7 the whole year round in Jamaica, instead of europe where it will still be light until 23.00 PM in the summer.
All work and chores in preparation for the Sabbath must be done before Friday 6PM.
Food must be prepared, the house or yard must be Clean and Tidy, and ones must be Bathed.
Garments, White Robe and Turban, as this stands for Cleanliness and Purity. The Sisters wear White dresses that cover the legs and also wear a Turban.
Fasting is often practiced as this cleans out the system making one cleaner and pure, and is also meant to give the intestines some Rest.
No smoking after 10 Pm Friday, this to keep ones mind and spirit on a mutual level and to give the lungs some time to rest.
Reading 21 Psalms at certain times (6PM, 12PM, 6AM, 12AM and then 6PM again), together with Nyahbinghi Drumming, Chanting of Hymns and Songs of Praise.
Usually the Assembly at Bobo Shanti Grounds come together Friday at 5.30 for an opening Sermon, and then again at 6PM Saturday with a closing Sermon, usually lasting about 3 hours.
Whatever is done, it is inspired by the Bible.
The Nyahbinghi have fewer Guidelines to follow and are usually not as committed to the Sabbath. The Nyahbinghi that do keep the Sabbath usually don’t follow the western Gregorian Calendar, but rather live by the Ethiopian Calendar which has a 7 year difference and the week days are also different. As a result the Sabbath is therefore kept on Tuesday.

The Twelve Tribes of Israel also don’t have clear uniform guidelines as how to keep the Sabbath, but as ones are motivated to read the Bible one chapter a day and are therefore well aware of the importance of the Sabbath, Ones will observe the Sabbath.
What also makes a big difference is where one is located. If someone is living in Jamaica or living in a big city in Europe or somewhere else makes a big difference. When ones are firmly rooted in western/city life, it is more difficult or at least different to uphold the Sabbath.
What follows are some Guidelines that people can use to keep the Sabbath. Although like we said before if we are not part of any group living in uniformity it is up for One Self to decide how to keep it (but the basics are set in the Bible).

PREPARATION

Before the Sabbath begins there are certain things that need to be done in preparation. 
First of all, as the Sabbath is a day of rest all chores and work that One might have in the house or at work must be finished. 
The House should be clean and tidy, treating it like a Tabernacle (Holy place for worship).
Food should be Prepared before sundown or 6 Pm.
White clothes can be put on as this depicts purity and cleanliness. And should be worn if one is a member of the Bobo Shanti.
Be Clean and Bathed.

THINGS TO DO ON THE SABBATH

*Rest (take it easy and don’t feel pressured to get out of bed early, sleep long if desired)
Bobo Shanti have certain times set for Psalms reading so have less time to sleep or do nothing.
*Listen to Positive Music, Nyahbinghi or Reggae, other relaxing music or no music at all.
*Sing, Dance and Chant.
*Read the Bible (especially Psalms).
*Burn Incense at the beginning and end of the Sabbath (Ganjah, Frankincense or Mere).
*Reason with Bredren or Sistren.
*Watch Peaceful, Spiritual or Educative movies/documentaries.
*Fast (including Herb Smoking) from Friday Midnight (or 10 PM) to Saturday Midday (after the Sabbath).
*Wear White Clothes. (Although this is an individual choice) the Priests in the Bible wear White garments, so the Bobo Shanti being a Priestly Order Usually wear White.
*Drink Bitters (We can make bitter drinks by boiling some Cerasse, Pimento, Cloves, Ginger, Frankincense and Herb).
*Reflect on ones Life (like what needs to improve, and how to achieve these improvements).
*Give Thanks for Life through prayer
*Acknowledge/Think/Meditate on YAH (look at all the wonderful things He Created).
*Keep the Sabbath Holy in everything we do…

THINGS WE DONT WANT TO DO ON THE SABBATH

*Work.
*Household Chores.
*Sports.
*Go out to social gatherings.
*Drink Alcohol, Soda Pops (We can drink some tea, water or fruit juices).
*Eat, except the food we prepared on Friday for dinner. If we can’t or don't feel like fasting on Saturday, then try to eat light foods like fruits or some Raw Veggies.
*Bathe or shower (preferred is to bathe just before the Sabbath and After).
*Spend Money (no shopping).
*Cook food (food must be prepared before Friday Sundown).
*Smoke Herb (Officially no Fire is kindled on the Sabbath).
*Sexual acts (saving your thoughts and energy to Reflect on YAH and our Life). 
*Live like it is just another day (without reflecting and acknowledging that the Sabbath is a Holy day set apart by YAH).
*Worry about stressful things (work, money, difficult relationships), try to keep it Positive…

EXCEPTIONS

As Said before for most Rastafari the Sabbath is not dealt with in a strict and bounding way. There is enough room to deal with the Sabbath as one feels comfortable for him/her self. The most important thing is to acknowledge the Sabbath day and do that what you think is proper. Knowing that it is the Sabbath, taking that in to account in your behavior by keeping the day Holy, is already a good step to take. 
Maybe some people don’t always feel like fasting, wearing white clothes, reading the Bible, strictly keeping to official times (sundown or 6PM), burning Incense or cleaning the house. There is room for this, we can still be cooking our food after dark (sometimes things don’t work out that we can do this in time). It is not as if the Sabbath is worthless if we cook a little late, or if we don’t shower, or haven’t cleaned the house properly (Some say that the spirit of YAH or his Angels won’t come in your dwelling space if the I or I’s surroundings is not clean) if this is so then this is unfortunate, but not a necessity. The Sabbath is a time to reflect on these things, so we might become more aware and maybe do it the next Sabbath. 
Sometimes there are things that we really need or want to do, a friend or family member might need help in doing something, this can still be done (as an exception) as long as we remember and acknowledge it as a Holy day and treat it that way. Should we stay home if our favorite artist is giving a concert on Friday evening? Or stay home when there is a three day Reggae festival? A birthday of someone we know? Not necessarily …even though that would be ideal and that kind of discipline should be Raspected, there is (probably) no death sentence in making exceptions, sometimes... If we have busy social lives (and every weekend is fully booked) it would be good to take a brake more often and just stay at home alone or with our partner and children maybe and just keep the day Holy. Some people might have jobs that require them to work during the Sabbath or play some kind of sport on that day. Should we quit our Job or the sport we are playing? No…There is room to do these things, being aware of the fact that it is the Sabbath is already something very good. Not perfect, but better then not doing or thinking anything. We know that living in a babylonian system makes it hard to always uphold this part of Rastafari Livity, but we can do our best.
We can also choose a day that is better suited for the I, as mentioned before Nyahbinghi keep Sabbath on Tuesday. Ones can choose any day as the calendars are all mixed up and original day is not known anymore.

IMPORANTCE AND MEANING OF THE SABBATH

Many People may ask why this day is so important and special and often have difficulty or no interest in observing the Sabbath. As stated above this could have a lot to do with how the western churches have dealt with this Commandment. Leading the children astray, we therefore urge African descendants, especially those living in the west because of the slave trade, to look at Principles like keeping the Sabbath with more awareness and integrity knowing that this is part of African, Ysraylite, Biblical history and needs to be lived as YAH intended for InI. The original Hebrew Ysraylites have been Led Astray by Gentile churches (by making Old Testament Law obsolete, teaching that we only have to believe in jesus and ask for forgiveness in his name for our sins and then everything will be alright) probably understanding the power they would get over InI by doing so (as the covenant with Ysrayl is Everlasting, so also the effects for not keeping it). But by knowing this we now, we have the opportunity to take back this great Heritage and live according to how YAH intended for InI and receive the Blessings (also part of the Covenant and Prophesy) that come from that. 
In the Bible the main reason for the Sabbath is mentioned to be as a Sign of the Bond between YAH and the Ysraylites. As stated in Exodus 31: 13
“Speak thou also unto the children of Ysrayl, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you”. 
The Sabbath gives an opportunity for people to have some way of identifying themselves as YAH’s Chosen Ones. If we don’t keep the Sabbath as our own this opportunity is lost. It is a way to Remember…We probably need Signs like this to awaken as a Nation. It has to do with awakening something that is deeply embedded in the minds of a people. It’s like a tool YAH provided for InI to know who we are. 
Also ones may be surprised by the interest, Raspect and questions one might get from people by keeping the Sabbath. It is an opportunity to tell and show others something they might not be aware of. 
The Sabbath has an extremely Important Role in the Bible, it gets a lot of attention, the Importance is stressed very often and as mentioned even has the death penalty for not keeping it. Now the death penalty mentioned in the Bible should not always be taken literary, as there is also the death penalty for adultery, striking and cursing ones parents, homosexuality, witchcraft, worshiping other other gods and other things but this can be seen in a way that if we don’t know what our heritage is (the Sabbath being a major part of awakening this), then we have less chance of knowing who we are which might cause physical or spiritual death by not living according to YAH ways, with discipline and in righteousness… 
Other then being a sign between Ysrayl and YAH, it is also a gift in the sense that people need to rest from time to time, to recharge the battery after a long week of labor. This is good for the Body, Mind and Soul, as we are asked to see it as a day in which we reflect on YAH and our relationship with H.I.M. without it we would have much less opportunities to reflect on this because we would probably be to busy doing something else. 
So we give thanks for YAH for the inspiration of consciousness and upright Livity throughout the world. And give Thanks for the Sabbath so we are able to acknowledge this and to give thanks for it.

BIBLE

The Sabbath is mentioned in the Bible about 177 times and the value of it is made very clear.What follows is a selection of verses that give an idea of the Importance of the Sabbath.
Exodus 16
22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. 23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. 24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. 25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field. 26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. 27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. 28 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? 29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. 30 So the people rested on the seventh day. 
EXODUS 20:118 
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 
Exodus 31:12
12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. 14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for itis holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. 
Psalm 92
A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day.
1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: 2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, 
3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. 
4 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. 5 O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. 6 A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.
7 When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: 8 But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore. 9 For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. 10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. 11 Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hearmy desire of the wicked that rise up against me. 12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; 
15To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Mark 2:23
23 And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. 24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? 25 And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? 26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Ezekiel 20:12
12 Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them. 13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them. 14 But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out. 15 Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands; 16 Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols. 17 Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness. 18 But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols: 19 I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; 20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God. 21 Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness. 22 Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth. 23 I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries; 24 Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols. 25 Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live; 26 And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD.
Hebrews 4
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 
3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 
7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 
Matthew5:17
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 
Matthew12
1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. 9And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: 10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. 11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? 12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. 13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
Isiah 56
1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 
2 Blessed is the manthat 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.
3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 
4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 
5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 
6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 
7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Isaiah 58
1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. 4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? 6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? 8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. 9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; 10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: 11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. 12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Deuteronomy5:12
12Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. 13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: 14 But the seventh day isthe sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. 15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
Nehemiah 13:15
15 In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and allmanner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. 16 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. 17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. 19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. 20 So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. 21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. 22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, andthat they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE I WORDS ON THE SABBATH

Richard Pankurst in Aethiopica quotes Ras Tafari Makonnen saying in the province of Harar, in 1913 (at the age of 19). 
“ Before this there have been many proclamations about work being carried out on the Sabbath and other holy days which were established with excommunication. But now we realize that the wrath of God has not abated, due to your indulgence in working on holy days and especially on the Sabbath, despite proclamation and excommunication. Henceforward, observe the Sabbath and the other already specified holy days! Do not labor on these days! Any person found working on these days, forbidden both by proclamation and excommunication, shall be punished! (by YAH) “ 
In His Majesties autobiography “My Life and Ethiopia Progress” we can read that He observed the Sabbath.

We pray this message is useful for ones and motivate ones to think and study about it deeper, because there is more to it then what we have written here. But this should give an indication of the importance of it, so that it is respected at least a bit more and might motivate ones to try it or make a change in awareness about it.
Give Thanks

YAH Blessed Sabbatical Love, Rastafari