Abstract:
This dissertation will be dedicated to the identification and analysis, based on bibliographical and exegetical research, of relationships between the Sabbath and social justice in the Hebrew Bible, more specifically in the commandment regarding rest in the Decalogue, in the versions of Ex 20,8-11 and Dt 5,12-15. The first chapter makes a comparative exegesis of the commandments regarding rest in the two records of the Decalogue, through a synchronous reading with diachronic assistance from the historical-grammatical method, when necessary. Such exegesis seeks to find, in the text itself, elements that indicate relationships between the order of Sabbath rest and social justice. The second chapter analyzes the socioeconomic systems of Egypt and the Canaanite nations at the time, based on constant production and accumulation, in contrast to the system proposed by YHWH's alliance with Israel, with its agenda guided by Sabbath rest. When comparing these three realities, the economic uniqueness of Hebrew society stands out and it is possible to see how these distinctions were reflected in social care. Finally, the third chapter presents how groups in vulnerable situations could have expectations of social justice based on the rest ordinance. These groups, named by name in the commandment, will be analyzed based on the relationship maintained with the family leaders who originally received the commandments and were expected to ensure their fulfillment.
