Resting by “waters of rest” …
Biblical teachings advocate for rest. Scriptures refer to 랑נוּ뗰ה, or “rest,” frequently. In the Old Testament, terms like “to rest” and “rest” refer to social, physical, and spiritual rest. Every one of these three categories benefits from rest. However, what does this genuinely mean for us to “rest”?
We start by examining the Hebrew “rest words” that are found in the Old Testament in order to comprehend this. This is a somewhat large set of words that comprises verbs with a variety of meanings, like becoming silent, stopping, ceasing, recovering, and relaxing; related terms in this category include: peace, quiet, resting place, recovery, relief, etc.
We notably highlight the verb “núach” within this diverse group of words, which can mean: to offer rest, to bring peace, to cause to rest, to allow one breathe again, to relax, to take a break, to catch one’s breath, to be still, to be tranquil, or to lie down.
The term “menucha,” which essentially means “rest,” is derived from the verb “núach,” which means “to rest.” Other meanings of menucha include “enlightenment,” “relief,” “stop,” and “peace.” It is noteworthy how frequently these terms are used in relation to what the Lord God is, does, and provides for humanity. Both the verb “to rest” and the noun “rest” are described as divine favors and gifts that [are only possible through Him]! That is how God meant it to be.
At creation
God recommends “resting” to man, whom He created, as a particular blessing, based on the model of rest that He Himself gave from the beginning. God “blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation” following His six-day process of creation (Genesis 2:2-3).
See Exodus 20:11–15. God decides that the reward for effort done is to rest. So that people may relax at night after completing their daily chores and worries, he established the day-night cycle.
God’s commandment to rest
God gives man regular rest requirements (Exodus 20:8–11; see Exodus 23:12; 31:15; Deuteronomy 5:12–15). This directive is not meant to be a harsh rule, but rather a kind reminder from God that has a specific purpose: to help us remember who and what He did for us on a frequent basis so that we can grow spiritually (and also physically). “You will never forget that the Lord, your God, took you from the land of Egypt, where you were a slave.”
However, the Bible teaches that God wants everyone to understand their own duty, which is why He provides the required “menucha” (rest/relief) for animals, land, and employees in particular. incredibly relevant, useful, and concrete! God desires that people treat all animals, no matter how big or tiny, as well as their land in this manner. The Lord mandated a “Sabbath year” because the soil has to be able to stabilize at regular periods.
“You are to sow your field for six years. However, there will be a solemn rest day for the country and a day set aside for the Lord in the seventh year. Leviticus 25:3–7. For the field to resume being fruitful, it must also heal.
God mandates that animals, like people, take regular breaks from work. Thus, the obligation to observe the Sabbath rest extends to owned animals as well (Exodus 20:10). God teaches that this ought to be more than just a duty. He wants us to treat them well out of love for our animals and respect for the wonderful creation. “The life of his beast is not important to the righteous person.” (Proverbs 12:10).
An owner of an animal must understand its needs and provide for it in a responsible and compassionate manner. So you don’t spend the holidays tying your dog up in a tree? In a similar vein, you wouldn’t harm the environment or wildlife while seeking out (vacation) entertainment.
How much more does this apply to other individuals if the Lord God emphasizes responsibility for creation? Exodus 20:10 states that whoever has responsibility for the other people should exercise the greatest caution in doing so.
The Lord is the one who is soothing
We saw that “menucha”/rest is a Divine blessing.
God’s people will experience “menucha,” or rest and quiet, in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 12:9). A tranquil sojourn in the land of promise is already associated with “menucha,” or rest and silence, according to Jacob’s prophecy of Issachar. “Blessed be the Lord who has given “menucha”/rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised,” prayed Solomon centuries later. Kings 8:56.
Israel was to enjoy God’s blessed “menucha,” or rest, en route to the Promised Land. The Lord guided them as they traveled through the desert, telling them to “seek out a “menucha”/resting place for them.” (See Numbers 10:33). God has promised “menucha,” or rest, serenity, and insight, as part of his salvation.
“After the Lord has delivered you from your suffering and turmoil, or “menucha,”…” (Isaiah 14:3). The promise made by God in Isaiah 32:18, “My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet “menuchot”/resting places,” is reflected in the plural form of the word meaning rest.
On their trek, God leads His people along the route. By believing in the atoning work of Jesus on the cross for the sins of sinful man, He desires to provide everyone their rest in the eternal Fatherland, at His house. “Go back to your “menuchot” or rest, my soul; for the Lord has abundantly blessed you” (Psalm 116:7).
“He leads me beside waters of “menuchot”/rest …” (Psalm 23:2).
© Copyright dr. Annechiena Sneller-Vrolijk
