Some people question whether Sunday activities should include things like hunting. We’ll explore what Scripture suggests about Sabbath rest and whether recreational activities align with its spirit.
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What Does The Bible Say About Hunting On Sunday
Exodus 20:8-10
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy and refraining from any work. Hunting on Sunday may be seen as a form of labor, which goes against the commandment to rest on the Sabbath.
While the Bible does not explicitly mention hunting on Sundays, the broader principle of honoring the Sabbath suggests that activities such as hunting, which involve work and labor, should be postponed or avoided on this holy day.
Deuteronomy 5:14
“But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do.”
This verse reiterates the commandment to observe the Sabbath day and refrain from work. It emphasizes that not only humans but also animals should be allowed to rest on this day.
Hunting on Sundays involves the use of animals and can be considered as work for both humans and animals involved. Therefore, respecting the Sabbath means abstaining from hunting or engaging in any activities that involve labor.
Mark 2:27
“Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’”
This statement by Jesus reminds us that the Sabbath was created for our benefit and well-being. God designed the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship, providing us with the opportunity to recharge spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
Engaging in activities like hunting on Sundays can detract from the intended purpose of the Sabbath, as it can become a distraction or even a burden, preventing us from fully experiencing the blessings of rest and communion with God.
Exodus 31:14
“Observe the Sabbath because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death; those who do any work on that day must be cut off from their people.”
This verse underscores the seriousness of observing the Sabbath and the consequences for desecrating it. The Sabbath is described as holy, and those who engage in work on this day face severe consequences such as being cut off from their community.
Hunting on Sundays would fall under the category of work and would be considered a violation of the Sabbath. Understanding the significance and sanctity of the Sabbath should deter Christians from participating in hunting or any other form of work on this designated day of rest.
Isaiah 58:13
“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words…”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring the Sabbath by refraining from personal pleasures and activities. It encourages us to approach the Sabbath with reverence and to avoid pursuing our own desires.
Hunting on Sundays may be considered as pursuing personal pleasure rather than focusing on rest, worship, and fellowship. By refraining from hunting on the Sabbath, we demonstrate our commitment to honoring God’s designated day and seeking His presence instead.
Matthew 12:12
“How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing human well-being and acts of compassion over strict adherence to Sabbath rules. It encourages us to consider the greater good and show mercy and kindness, even on the Sabbath.
While hunting on Sundays may be seen as work, there may be exceptional circumstances where hunting serves a greater purpose, such as providing food for those in need. In such cases, the act of hunting can be considered as doing good and may be permissible on the Sabbath.
Luke 13:14-16
“Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”
This encounter between Jesus and the synagogue leader addresses the rigid legalism that can arise in Sabbath observance. Jesus reinforces the principle that acts of mercy and compassion should not be restricted on the Sabbath.
This passage suggests that if hunting on Sundays is carried out for a purpose that aligns with acts of mercy or providing for the needs of others, it may be justified. However, it is crucial to discern one’s intentions and motivations, ensuring that hunting does not become an excuse to ignore the spirit of the Sabbath.
Jeremiah 17:21-22
“This is what the Lord says: Be careful not to carry a load on the Sabbath day or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem. Do not bring a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your ancestors.”
God instructs the people of Jerusalem to refrain from any work or bringing loads on the Sabbath. The emphasis here is on keeping the Sabbath day holy and dedicating it to worship and rest.
Carrying hunting equipment or supplies on Sundays would involve breaking this commandment, as it constitutes work and detracts from the purpose of the Sabbath. Christians should strive to honor the holiness of the Sabbath and abstain from activities like hunting that violate this principle.
Leviticus 23:3
“There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the universal nature of the Sabbath and its significance to all who belong to the Lord. It declares that the Sabbath day is a day of rest and sacred assembly, to be observed by refraining from work regardless of where one lives.
Regardless of cultural or regional practices, if hunting on Sundays is considered work in a particular context, then it would be contrary to the principle of Sabbath rest and should be avoided. Christians should prioritize honoring God by dedicating the Sabbath day to rest and worship.
Isaiah 56:2
“Blessed is the one who does this—the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.”
This verse communicates the blessings that come from faithfully observing the Sabbath and refraining from any actions that would desecrate it. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to honoring the Sabbath.
While hunting on Sundays may not necessarily be considered evil, it can be seen as an activity that desecrates the Sabbath by disregarding the command to rest and engage in acts of worship. By refraining from hunting, Christians demonstrate their dedication to keeping the Sabbath holy and experience the blessings that come from obedience.
Hebrews 10:25
“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This verse encourages believers to prioritize gathering together, supporting one another, and growing in faith as the day of Christ’s return draws near. It emphasizes the importance of fellowship and mutual encouragement within the faith community.
Hunting on Sundays may hinder the opportunity to participate in communal worship and fellowship, limiting the ability to fulfill this biblical exhortation. Christians should make gathering with other believers a priority on the Sabbath, recognizing its significance in nurturing their spiritual growth.
Matthew 12:8
“For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Jesus asserts His authority over the Sabbath, highlighting His divine nature and power to establish the true meaning and purpose of the Sabbath.
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example and seek to align our actions and attitudes with His teachings. Therefore, to honor Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath, Christians should strive to observe the Sabbath in a manner that reflects His heart and priorities, avoiding activities like hunting that may detract from its intended purpose.
Isaiah 66:23
“From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the Lord.
This verse portrays a future vision of all humanity worshiping and submitting to the Lord on both Sabbaths and other holy occasions. It reflects the universal nature of worship and the divine expectation that all people will recognize the significance of the Sabbath.
To align with this vision, Christians should approach the Sabbath with reverence, setting aside worldly pursuits and dedicating time for worship, rest, and spiritual reflection. Engaging in hunting on Sundays may hinder the ability to fully participate in this universal act of worship.
Colossians 2:16-17
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
This passage reminds believers that the observance of religious festivals, New Moon celebrations, and the Sabbath are symbolic representations of the redemptive work of Christ. These practices pointed to the ultimate reality found in Jesus.
While hunting on Sundays may not directly impact one’s salvation, it is important for Christians to discern whether engaging in this activity is consistent with their understanding of the Sabbath’s symbolic significance and their desire to fully embrace the reality found in Christ.
Hebrews 4:9-10
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”
This passage speaks of the spiritual rest available to God’s people through faith. It refers to a rest that goes beyond the physical ceasing of work on the Sabbath but encompasses a deeper rest that comes from trusting in God’s finished work.
Hunting on Sundays may hinder believers from fully entering into this Sabbath-rest by diverting their attention and energy toward labor rather than finding true rest in God. Christians should seize the opportunity to experience this spiritual rest on the Sabbath day.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
As believers, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honor God by how we use and care for them. This includes our actions and choices regarding the Sabbath.
Hunting on Sundays may be physically demanding and detract from the rest and restoration our bodies need. By refraining from hunting, Christians demonstrate their commitment to honoring God with their bodies and ensuring they are well-rested on the Sabbath.
Mark 6:31
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’”
In this passage, Jesus recognizes the need for rest and leads His disciples to a quiet place to find rest and solace amid their busyness and ministry.
Hunting on Sundays, with its potential physical exertion and distractions, may hinder Christians’ ability to find the rest and stillness they need to refresh their souls. Prioritizing rest and quiet reflection on the Sabbath aligns with Jesus’ example and teachings.
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
This verse reminds believers of the importance of showing kindness, helping others, and sharing what they have. It highlights the pleasing nature of such acts of sacrifice in the eyes of God.
While hunting on Sundays may not necessarily conflict with this exhortation, Christians should evaluate whether their decision to hunt instead of engaging in acts of service and generosity aligns with the sacrificial love that pleases God. The Sabbath can be an opportune time to focus on selfless acts that benefit others and bring glory to God.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
This verse invites believers to silence their hearts and minds, recognizing the sovereignty and greatness of God. It encourages us to find solace in His presence and trust in His providence.
Hunting on Sundays, with its noise, activity, and focus on worldly pursuits, may hinder Christians from fully embracing the stillness and contemplation needed to truly know God. By setting aside hunting on the Sabbath, believers create space to experience the peace and intimacy that comes from being still before God.
Psalm 118:24
“The Sabbath day is a day of joy and gladness; it is a day to rejoice and give thanks to the Lord.”
This verse expresses the joyful nature of the Sabbath and the opportunity it presents to rejoice and express gratitude to the Lord.
Engaging in hunting on Sundays may detract from the joy and thanksgiving that should characterize the Sabbath. Instead, Christians should strive to cultivate an atmosphere of celebration, worship, and appreciation for God’s goodness, using the day to focus on expressing gratitude rather than pursuing personal interests.
Isaiah 55:6
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”
This verse urges believers to actively seek and draw near to the Lord. It reminds us of the importance of nurturing our relationship with God and not taking His presence for granted.
Hunting on Sundays may divert our attention and activities away from seeking the Lord and hinder our ability to fully engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and Bible study. Christians should prioritize spending intentional time with God on the Sabbath, eagerly seeking His presence.
Luke 6:5
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.’”
This statement by Jesus affirms His authority over the Sabbath as the Son of Man, highlighting His divine role and understanding of its purpose.
As followers of Jesus, we acknowledge His lordship over the Sabbath and seek to align our actions and attitudes with His teachings. Therefore, refraining from hunting on Sundays honors Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath and allows us to wholeheartedly participate in the rest and worship that the day offers.