The Rest of God

When I started this study on rest it was shocking how many Hebrew words are translated into rest in English. For this study we will discover 15 Hebrew words and 5 Greek words that are translated as rest in the AKJV Bible that will be suited for this study. There are nearly twice that many, but not all are concerning the rest that is of God, for us, and given for our benefit.

The very first time that rest is mentioned in the Bible is in Gn 2:2. 

Gn 2:1 ¶  Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2  And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3  And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Shabath 7673 שבח repose-desist from exertion-keep Sabbath-make to rest.1) to cease, desist, rest 1) to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed. 1c1) to cause to cease, put an end to. The Hebrew words in Strong's Concordance from 7673 to 7678 are all a form of the Sabbath.

When a word is first mentioned in the Bible, it has a strong significance. Now God did not rest because He was tired from 6 days of Creation. 

Not that there was not a lot of work and energy to put this universe together.

No, God sanctified the day, for all creation ceased that day. All that we have on this earth and in the universe was created in the beginning, including man.

God wanted us to know the importance about the 7th day and what it would mean in the future.

Job  Oldest book in Bible

 Shaan 7599 שאן  to be peaceful-at ease     3:18 There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.

                                              

Shakab 7901 שכב  lie down in rest (sex)-lie down sleep-rest   11:18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

God's word promises His children this security. He leads me to lie down in green pastures, Ps 23.

He gives his beloved sleep, Ps 127:2. 

Chadal  2308 חרל  desist-idle-leave off-let alone-rest  

 14:6 Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day.

Nachath  5183 נחת   same word from (5182 to 5185)  descent-punish-quiet-rest. 1) rest, quietness 1a) quietness, quiet attitude 1b) rest (of death) 2) descent (of judgment)

  17:16 They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust.

Other places in the word:

Pv 29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

Isa 30:15  For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

 Although, the rest in the grave only applies today to those who do not know Jesus. The awakening will be for judgment. In Job's time, all went to Sheol (Hades). In the New Covenant to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD, 2 Cor 5:8. Those in Sheol (Hades) today wait for resurrection and judgment.

In the grave, the body knows nothing, Eccl 9:5. Your spirit and soul are either in Heaven with Jesus or in Hades. Hades and Sheol are translated in AKJV as hell.

 

Manowach 4494 מנוח  to settle-be home.

The first mention of this word is in Gn 8: 9  But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot. 

Noah had been on the Ark for nearly a year and knew that the waters were receding. He turned loose a dove and it came back to him for the waters still covered the earth.

                                      

 On the next attempt the dove brought back an olive leaf. The next time it was released, the dove did not return.

The olive leaf was a sign that life had emerged from the flood. This is a picture of the promise of God for a new beginning and safety in times of trouble. Jesus promised it would be as the days of Noah before His 2nd coming, Mt 24:37. As God took care of Noah and his family, He will take care of us, His children.

With the Sabbath, and Manowach we see God's rest which was commanded to be observed, and gives us a place to belong. Under Grace, the intent is the same, only we seek the rest, as we also seek God.

Ps 91:1 He who dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.

We see a deeper meaning in the dove symbol, for in the Gospels we see the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus when He was baptized by John. Jesus is the path to the rest of God and has the Holy Spirit without measure.

Other Manowach uses:

1 Crn 6: 31 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. Those who worshipped the LORD in song and tended the Ark.

This is the place of the Tabernacle of David where the Ark had rest before the people. 

For more info see my blog and Youtube on the Tabernacle of David. As David placed a special tent on Mt. Zion for the Ark, his bones lie in rest also on Mt. Zion.

David's tomb.

Shaqat  8252  שקט   settle-be still-quiet.  1) to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed.      

1st mention of this word is Joshua 14:15 …And the land had rest from war. Referring to Caleb and conquering the giants in Hebron and peace.

When Moses first sent 12 spies to look over Canaan, they brought back plenty of fruit of the land, Nu 13.

10 of the spies gave an "evil report" that the land was filled with giants, to which they appeared as grasshoppers and had no chance of couquering them. God would not let those who followed the 10 spies come to His rest. 

 The only two who believed God that they could take the land were Joshua and Caleb. They pleaded with the people of Israel that they were well able to take the land for God was with them as He had promised, but they would not hear.

Joshua and Caleb were the only survivors of that generation. God said that Caleb had a different spirit within him. Joshua was the leader of Israel into the Promised Land.

Caleb told Joshua that after 40 years he was well able to take the mountain of the giants because he was strong in the LORD. He was 85. He did take the mountain, took it for his inheritance, and killed the Giants.

What kind of giants do you face? Will you defend your inheritance with the power of a reborn spirit within you? Only by resting in God and trusting in Him can you do this.

Ru 3:18  Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day. Boaz and his reaction to Ruth when he found he was the near kinsman.

Ps 94:13  That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.

Jer 46:27  But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. This is talking about the return of Israel to be a nation after being dispersed for 2500 years, in 1948.

Newach 5117 נוח  same word (5118 to 5119) rest-settle down-let alone-comfort

Ex 23:12  Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest 7673 (Sabbath): that thine ox and thine ass may rest 5117, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

We need rest when we are tired, and a day's worth a week is what God commanded.

Josh 1:13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.

Menuchah 4496 מנחה   same word (4494 to 4496) peaceful repose-abode (marriage)-quiet-resting place

We as the Church are the Bride of Christ, Rv 21. Menuchah is a rest which describes our forever rest with Jesus as His Bride. 

                                                        

God has promised us a rest in marriage. We have to look for it and put effort into it. We have to place our spouse in high regard of love, similar to Christ and the Church, Eph 5. Women are to honor and respect their husbands. 

As Adam said of Eve, this is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh, Gn 2:23. Jesus said because of this the two become one flesh, Mk 10:8. We nourish our flesh, not pick at it, or hurt it.

Ex 33:13  Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

14  And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. Moses looks for assurance that God is and will be with him.

The Sabbath had to be kept. To break it was a death penalty.

Ru 1:9  The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. Naomi to daughters in law leaving Moab.

Ps 95:11  Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. Israel after spies report and condemnation to 40 years in the wilderness.

Ps 116:7  Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

Ps 132:8  Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

David finds a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant, and did prepare to build a permanent place with all the gold, silver, and supplies. Solomon, son of David,  is the one who built the first Temple.

Ps 132:14  This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. To David is given the revelation that Zion (Grace) is where God dwells. 

Shakan 7931 שכן  (like shakab 7901)  lodging-abide-permanently reside  

Ps 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. David sees the rest that he will have with the Lord. 

Ps 55:6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

Isa 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. Jesus, son of David, son of Jesse.

David knew that he would dwell in the house of the Lord forever, Ps 23:6

Damam 1826 רמם  astonished-hold peace-quiet-rest-be silent-wait.

The first mention of this word is in Ps 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. David was astonished many times in His life at the miraculous working of God.

Shalom 7965 שלם  (from shalam 7999) safe in mind, body, and estate

Ps38:3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. After David’s adultery and murder.

Shalom is usually translated as peace. Here it is rest because of what David was missing because of his sin and transgression against God. Shalom is the idea that all is well. That there is nothing missing, nothing broken.

God is our Peace and Sanctuary, the Most High which is our refuge, Ps 91:1-2.

Raga 7280 רגע to make sudden rest from turmoil (waves or boils)

Similar to Jesus calming the storm. Mr 4:39  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Isa 51:4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.

God promises here that a new law, or Grace, will come forth from Him, and that His judgment will rest. Jesus is that Grace and a light of the people. All of God’s wrath toward people was poured out on Jesus at the cross. If you are in Christ God is not angry with you.

Margowa 4771 מרגוע (from raga 7280) broken-ease-moment-blink

Jer 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Concerning rebellion of Israel before taken away by Babylon.

God promised rest, but Israel rejected it, not only in the days of Moses, but in the days of Jeremiah, and finally in the days of Jesus.

 New Testament  - written in Greek. Jesus is the Messiah, Saviour of the world that God had promised. In Him is the entrance to the rest promised.

 373 Anapauo  take ease-refresh-repose. 1) to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength 2) to give rest, refresh, to give one’s self rest, take rest 3) to keep quiet, of calm and patient expectation

Mt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

We need to remember this when there are times of trouble and restlessness enters into our lives.

Sometimes the problems of the world become so intense that we are overwhelmed. 

In these times we need to remember Jesus words to come unto Him for rest. Peter also tells us to cast all of our cares upon Jesus, for He lovingly cares for us. 1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

372 Anapausis   recreation-rest-cease from motion-rest. 1) intermission, cessation of any motion, business or labour 2) rest, recreation.

 Mt 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

John had learned to trust in Jesus' love. He was constantly referring to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." When Jesus spoke of being betrayed, Peter asked John to ask Jesus who it was for John was resting on Jesus bosom, Jn 23:13-26.

We too must learn to rest in the love of Jesus, which was given to us by the Father. This is the door to finding rest for your soul.

Even the secular world realizes the benefits of rest. But the rest of the Lord refreshes not only your body, but your soul, and your spirit.

2663 Katapausis  repose down-rest-calm the winds-resting place. 1) a putting to rest 1a) calming of the winds 2) a resting place 2a) metaph. the heavenly blessedness in which God dwells, and of which he has promised to make persevering believers in Christ partakers after the toils and trials of life on earth are ended.   I would add that according to Paul, David, Isaiah, and others, we can enter into this rest in Jesus our Lord and the Holy Ghost to help us in this life. 

Heb 3:11  So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest. God offers rest to us in our Lord Jesus, His precious gift to the world. Some will not accept nor seek His loving kindness and rest.

Heb 4:1 ¶  Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. This can only come by trusting in Jesus and His finished work. Your own works can never get you there.

Heb 4:10  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

                         

2664 Katapano   settle down-give rest-cause to desist. 1) to make quiet, to cause to be at rest, to grant rest 1a) to lead to a quiet abode 1b) to still, restrain, to cause (one striving to do something) to desist.

Heb 4:4  For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

Heb 4: 8  For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. That day is available to us, now, in our time.

4520 Sabbatismos  repose of a Christian (type of heaven)-rest  (Sabbaton 4521 Sabbath) (2) 1) to make quiet, to cause to be at rest, to grant rest 1a) to lead to a quiet abode 1b) to still, restrain, to cause (one striving to do something) to desist. The blessed rest from toils and troubles looked for in the age to come by the true worshippers of God and true Christians.

Heb 4:9  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

The rest that God calls for us to enter into must be in God.

This rest must be received in faith and in trust. We must put our hope in Him and not waver in our lives. 

And in our ministries. Which all have a gift of God to be used in His kingdom. For we are the salt of the earth. We are the light of the world, Mt 5:13-16

All of the rest of God is available for people, but it must begin at the Cross of Christ and being born again, Jn 3:16. There is no other way except through Jesus. Your own works cannot save you, only Jesus. 

Jesus once said that He had no place where to lay his head, Mt 8:20.

Jesus gave up His place in Heaven to come to earth for us. In His Passion He took our sin, our sickness, our maladies on Himself that we might be whole in Him. When this was done, He looked up to Heaven and cried, "It is finished!"

 Then while looking up to the Father He said, "Into Thy hands I commend My Spirit." He then bowed His head to His Chest and died. Here was His rest for us.

All of that being said I want to repeat the important statement that was revealed to Paul concerning our rest. First I will list the Greek words that are used for rest in the passage so that you might look at them as you read it.

These next three Greek words for rest are used in the passage following, Heb 4:1-11.

 

2663 Katapausis  repose down-rest-calm the winds-resting place. 1) a putting to rest 1a) calming of the winds 2) a resting place 2a) metaph. the heavenly blessedness in which God dwells, and of which he has promised to make persevering believers in Christ partakers after the toils and trials of life on earth are ended. I would add that according to Paul in this Hebrews passage, it is a rest that is possible while still living; possible and necessary for communion with the Father.  

2664 Katapano   settle down-give rest-cause to desist. 1) to make quiet, to cause to be at rest, to grant rest 1a) to lead to a quiet abode 1b) to still, restrain, to cause (one striving to do something) to desist.

4520 Sabbatismos  repose of a Christian (type of heaven)-rest  (Sabbaton 4521 Sabbath) (2) 1) to make quiet, to cause to be at rest, to grant rest 1a) to lead to a quiet abode 1b) to still, restrain, to cause (one striving to do something) to desist; the blessed rest from toils and troubles looked for in the age to come by the true worshippers of God and true Christians.

Heb 4:1 ¶  Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest (2663), any of you should seem to come short of it. 2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3  For we which have believed do enter into rest (2663), as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest (2663): although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4  For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest (2664) the seventh day from all his works. 5  And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest (2663). 6  Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7  Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8  For if Jesus had given them rest (2664), then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9  There remaineth therefore a rest (4520) to the people of God. 10  For he that is entered into his rest (2663), he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 ¶  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest (2663), lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

When you are in the rest of God, you will be concerned with those things that are eternal and not your own works, but that the will of God be done on earth as it is in Heaven. You will accept Jesus' finished work and not try to earn His Favor by your own works. You will enter into a place of rest that few people find. A place of Peace, Trust, Confidence, Faithfulness. Truly understanding being the bride of the King.

All Bible quotes are from the AKJV.

All pictures and art from the internet, no infringement intended.