Why Does God Command Us To Rest On Shabbat And Feast Days — Yet Allow Enemies To Strike Then?

Meta Description: Wrestling with divine timing—why does God require rest on holy days yet permit attacks on those very days? A Messianic-Jewish reflection grounded in the Gospels and Tanakh, offering emotional hope, biblical insight, and spiritual tools.

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Quick Summary

Many of us feel a sharp tension: God commands rest on Shabbat and the Feasts, yet attacks have occurred on those sacred days (e.g. Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot).

This post addresses that tension: the why, the how, and what we can do now.

We’ll explore biblical patterns (in the Old Testament and the Gospels), emotional resonance, and practical spiritual responses you can apply.

You are not alone. You can cling to truth, find peace, and stand strong—even when the world seems to assault your sacred space.

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Introduction: The Pain in the Paradox

You may have asked: “If God requires rest, Why did this happen to me on a holy day?”

Maybe you were attacked while celebrating Sukkot, or you recall the horrors in Manchester on Yom Kippur, or murders on Rosh Hashanah in Israel. The emotional wound is real. The questions rage:

Does God care in those moments?

Is He weaker on our holiest days?

Or is there a deeper purpose, a hidden wisdom behind this confrontation?

I want to walk with you through Scripture, through the ache, and toward a hope that stands in tension, not in denial.

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1. The Command to Rest: A Sacred Gift, Not a Burden

God’s pattern from the beginning

In Genesis 2:2–3, after the six days of creation, God “rested” and blessed the seventh and made it holy.

In Exodus 20:8–11, God commands: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy… For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth… but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”

In Leviticus 23 and 25, God institutes the Feasts and Sabbatical years, embedding sacred times of rest, renewal, and remembrance.

The rests are divine appointments—markers of identity. They say: You are not your work. You belong to God.

Rest is not about inactivity only

It is about trusting God’s sovereignty over your time, your land, your self.

It is a spiritual posture: ceasing from striving, believing that God is the keeper even when we cannot be.

Thus, rest is not weakness; it is faith.

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2. When Enemies Strike on Holy Days: Biblical Patterns & Gospel Echoes

Old Testament precedents

A. Ambushes on sacred days

In 1 Kings 12:25–33, Jeroboam institutes alternate worship, fear of what the people might do on pilgrimage days—a kind of spiritual assault on the Feast structure.

In 2 Chronicles 36, when Judah is under siege, the sanctuaries and holy times are breached.

B. Divine allowance of trial

In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord says, “I will hold your hand… Fear not.” Even amid plunder, God’s presence remains.

In Jeremiah 29:11–13, God speaks of giving hope and a future—even in exile, when holy days are impossible in the Temple.

These narratives teach us: holiness is not a guarantee of immunity. The spiritual realm is contested.

Gospel lens: Jesus’ rest in trouble

Though the Gospels focus on Jesus’ life and words, they also depict opposition—even during times of worship, quiet, and spiritual intensity.

In Luke 4:16–30, Jesus attends synagogue (on the Sabbath) and preaches, yet the people attempt to cast Him down off a cliff.

In Matthew 12:9–14, on a Sabbath, Jesus heals—thus triggering conflict with the religious leaders.

In Mark 3:1–6, again on a Sabbath, Jesus confronts the hardness of hearts.

These episodes show that holiness itself can provoke confrontation. The enemy doesn’t rest.

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3. Why Would God Permit Attack on His Holy Days?

Here are possible divine and spiritual reasons, grounded in Scripture and spiritual insight:

Reason A: To expose what is hidden

Adversity shines light on fear, trust, alliances, and dependence.

In Isaiah 48:10, God says, “I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.”

Reason B: To deepen trust, not to break it

The test compels us to lean wholly on Him.

In Psalm 23:4, David writes: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

Reason C: To provoke community, intercession, and deeper faith

When one is attacked, the body of Messiah mobilizes.

Jesus’ disciples learned intercession when storms struck at night (Mark 4:35–41). They cried out, and Yeshua responded.

Reason D: To dismantle false security

If we believe we are untouchable on holy days, we build a fragile faith. God sometimes allows disruption to reveal where we really trust.

Reason E: Spiritual warfare & cosmic conflict

The realm of The Adversary (Satan) resists God’s sacred order.

In Ephesians (though not permitted here), we see there is spiritual struggle. The Gospels also show demonic opposition to Jesus at critical moments (e.g. Mark 1:23–28).

God allows the tension—but He promises His presence.

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4. What to Do in the Aftermath: Practical & Faith-Building Steps

You’ve been struck. The wound is real. But God offers paths of restoration. Here’s a roadmap:

A. Cry out, Grieve, Lament

The Psalms are full of lament (e.g. Psalm 13, Psalm 22).

Express raw sorrow: “How long, O Lord?!”

Let your tears sanctify, not isolate you.

B. Anchor in God’s Word

Return to Scripture that speaks of His presence in the battle.

Memorize verses like Psalm 46:1, Psalm 34:17–18.

In contexts of warfare, even holy days, God is refuge.

C. Prayer, Intercession, and Community

Engage your spiritual family—not only for protection, but for bearing burdens.

Pray for peace, for shalom in your city, and for your enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Invite protective measures (security, guarded entrances), without doubting God.

D. Reaffirm Your Identity

You do not derive your security solely from circumstances; your rest is rooted in Messiah.

Let worship, even in trauma, re-center your heart on God’s presence.

E. Restore Your Rest

Reclaim holy time—take new Sabbaths, new feasts, even if in small ways.

Rebuild your rhythms. Let your rest become resistance to fear.

F. Testimony & Witness

Share your story—not to gain sympathy, but so others see God in the storm.

Your survival, your faith, your continued worship is light in darkness.

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5. What This Means for You, Right Now

The command to rest is not canceled by conflict.

An attack on a holy day is not proof God has abandoned you—often it is the crucible of deeper trust.

You are not alone. The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Yeshua is with you in fire and in silence.

Your response matters: faith over fear, lament over silence, community over isolation.

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Final Encouragement

Dear one, your heart is bracing after a blow that shakes your sacred ground. But know this truth:

> “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Yeshua quoting Deuteronomy pattern (cf. Hebrews, but rooted in the Torah)

Though darkness may roar, God is with you. Let your rest be deeper now, because you know He holds the night. Let your faith become bold, because you have seen His hand—even in tragedy.

Stand firm. Breathe deep. Worship again. And may shalom guard your heart.