Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Significance:In the biblical context, "rests" refer to periods of cessation from labor, both physical and spiritual, that are divinely ordained and hold significant theological implications. The concept of rest is deeply rooted in the creation narrative and extends throughout Scripture, symbolizing not only physical rejuvenation but also spiritual peace and fulfillment in God.
Creation and the Sabbath:The foundation of rest is established in the creation account.
Genesis 2:2-3 states, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." This divine rest sets a precedent for the Sabbath, a day of rest commanded for humanity in the Ten Commandments (
Exodus 20:8-11).
The Sabbath rest is not merely a cessation of work but a holy day set apart for worship and reflection on God's provision and sovereignty. It serves as a reminder of God's creative power and His covenant relationship with His people.
Rest in the Promised Land:The concept of rest is also tied to the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. In
Deuteronomy 12:9-10 , Moses speaks of a future rest: "For you have not yet come to the resting place and the inheritance the LORD your God is giving you. But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and He will give you rest from all your enemies around you, and you will live in safety."
This rest is both physical, in terms of peace and security from enemies, and spiritual, as it signifies entering into the fullness of God's promises. The land itself becomes a symbol of divine rest and blessing.
Rest in the New Testament:In the New Testament, the theme of rest is expanded through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In
Matthew 11:28-30 , Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
This rest is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, offering relief from the burdens of sin and the law. It is a rest that comes from faith in Christ and His redemptive work.
Eschatological Rest:The ultimate rest is eschatological, pointing to the eternal rest believers will experience in the presence of God.
Hebrews 4:9-11 speaks of this future rest: "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience."
This passage encourages believers to persevere in faith, looking forward to the consummation of God's promises and the eternal rest that awaits in His kingdom.
Conclusion:The biblical concept of rest encompasses physical, spiritual, and eschatological dimensions. It is a gift from God, rooted in creation, fulfilled in Christ, and ultimately realized in eternity. Rest serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, provision, and the hope of eternal peace with Him.
Greek
373. anapauo -- to give rest, give intermission from labor, by...... refresh NASB Word Usage give...rest (1), refresh (1), refreshed (3), rest (3), resting
(2),
rests (1), take your ease (1). take ease, refresh, give rest.
...Strong's Hebrew
3559. kun -- to be firm... 1), place (1), prepare (21), prepared (37), prepares (5), provide (1), provided
(5), provides (1), ready (7), reliable (1), rested (1),
rests (1), right (3
...5117. nuach -- to rest
... 2), place (2), placed (4), put (6), put it aside (1), put down (1), put aside (1),
remain (3), resides (1), rest (14), rested (6), resting (1),rests (2), rid...
Library
A CommunityRests Upon Justice and Good-Will. ...
... by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Book I. Chapter XXVIII. A communityrests upon
justice and good-will.? A communityrests upon justice and good-will....
This ChargeRests on Forgery.
... Chapter II. 13. This chargerests on forgery. It is this that has thrown
the Churches everywhere into such confusion; for pretences...
A HaloRests Upon Thy Brow,
... SECOND ADVENT III A halorests upon Thy brow,. 8,8,8,8. A halorests upon Thy brow,.
O Saviour of the sons of men; For Thou art crowned a Victor now;"....
NowRests Her Soul in Jesu's Arms,
... II. Nowrests her soul in Jesu's arms,. 8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8... by Catherine Winkworth,
1855. Nowrests her soul in Jesu's arms,. Her body in the grave sleeps well,....
The Blame of Our Misdeeds not to be Cast Upon God the one Power...
... Chapter II."The Blame of Our Misdeeds Not to Be Cast Upon God The One
Power WhichRests with Man is the Power of Volition. What...
Of a Certain Remainder of Love that OftentimesRests in the Soul...
... BOOK IV. OF THE DECAY AND RUIN OF CHARITY. CHAPTER IX. OF A CERTAIN REMAINDER OF
LOVE THAT OFTENTIMESRESTS IN THE SOUL THAT HAS LOST HOLY CHARITY....
Full Power through Rhythm.
... This is heart rest. The heart is the center, the citadel of the life. When the heart
rests all is at rest.... Have you thought of when your heartrests?...
On the Lordship or Dominion of God
... to which he has them as his own property, and can command and use them, and do about
them, whatever the relation of creation and the equity whichrests upon it...
Third Day. Holiness and Creation.
... Holiness. Where Godrests in complacency and love, He makes holy.... God. As
He rested in His holy day, so He nowrests in His Holy Son....
Faith
... (2:) Reliance. The soul casts itself upon Jesus Christ; faithrests on Christ's
person. Faith believes the promise; but that which...
Thesaurus
Rests (25 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Rests (25 Occurrences). Luke
... Father. There is one who
accuses you, namely Moses, on whom your hope
rests. (WEY).
...Faith (769 Occurrences)
... A thing is true, and therefore worthy of trust. It admits of many degrees up to
full assurance of faith, in accordance with the evidence on which itrests....
Bolster (7 Occurrences)
... directly on the abutment. 8. (n.) A transverse bar above the axle of a wagon,
on which the bed or bodyrests. 9. (n.) The crossbeam...
Bearing (150 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) That part of any member of a building whichrests upon its supports; as,
a lintel or beam may have four inches of bearing upon the wall....
Sacraments
... to place Baptism and the Lord's Supper, which were instituted by Christ as ordinances
of the church, in the same category with marriage, whichrests not on His...
Feel (58 Occurrences)
... of Scripture, "See, I am placing on Mount Zion a stone for people to stumble at,
and a rock for them to trip over, and yet he whose faithrests upon it shall...
Rest (831 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) That on which anythingrests or leans for support; as, a rest in a
lathe, for supporting the cutting tool or steadying the work....
Disciple (38 Occurrences)
... A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2)rests on his sacrifice,
(3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matthew 10:24...
Placing (44 Occurrences)
... of Scripture, "See, I am placing on Mount Zion a stone for people to stumble at,
and a rock for them to trip over, and yet he whose faithrests upon it shall...
Geology
... In Western Sinai the Nubian Sandstonerests conformably on Carboniferous limestone,
and by the Dead Sea on Cambrian limestone, while at Petra and at many other...
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