17. How does Jehovah appeal to his people to obey the Sabbath laws?

¹⁷ The Sabbath was an expression of God’s deep concern for the physical and spiritual welfare of his people. Jesus said: “The sabbath came into existence for the sake of man.” (Mark 2:27) This day sanctified by Jehovah afforded the Israelites a special opportunity to show their love for God. Sadly, by Isaiah’s time it has been reduced to a day of observing empty rituals and indulging in selfish desires. So once again, Jehovah has cause to censure his people. And again, he tries to reach their hearts. He says: “If in view of the sabbath you will turn back your foot as regards doing your own delights on my holy day, and will actually call the sabbath an exquisite delight, a holy day of Jehovah, one being glorified, and will actually glorify it rather than doing your own ways, rather than finding what delights you and speaking a word;

Isaiah 58:13,

18. What will result from Judah’s failure to honor the Sabbath?

¹⁸ The Sabbath is a day for spiritual contemplation, prayer, and family worship. It should help the Jews reflect on Jehovah’s wonderful deeds in their behalf and on the justice and love manifest in his Law. Thus, faithful observance of this holy day should help the people draw closer to their God. Instead, they are perverting the Sabbath and therefore are in danger of being cut off from Jehovah’s blessing.​—Leviticus 26:34; 2 Chronicles 36:21.