QT 7/11/2025 Gen 2:1–3, Rest is a good thing

Genesis 2:1–3 (ESV) —

1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

 

NOTE: The seventh day, which has a number and the Hebrew word yohm, does not include the phrase, 'there was evening and there was morning,' suggesting the day has not ended and is not 24 hours like the other days (if you accept the argument that yohm combined with a number must be 24 hours -- I'm not convinced that it has to be). Leaving aside the "how" questions which are not as important as the "so what" question, God sets a pattern of rest, as an example to man. He does not command it although it will be commanded (a couple thousand years later) in the OT law. We do see observances of rest in the OT prior to the law. It is not mentioned in the NT as a command, although the principle is argued in Hebrews but with a different meaning. In the NT, we celebrate the first day of the week, the day of new beginnings for a Christian, Jesus' resurrection.

 

I've seen Christians take this to wildly different extremes. Some make a big deal because it is mentioned pre-law (although not as a command). Some believe that because it is one of the ten commandments, it is required. I reject all the required or 'command' theories. But I do think it is a good idea. Jesus taught the Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath (effectively nixing the "command" idea). God rested as an example. I doubt God needed rest or tired himself out from creation, so it would appear to be an example for us. Some try to spiritualize it too much, but it was about rest (meaning physical). Having said that, combining physical rest with spiritual communion with God is probably the best type of rest.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I rest? When do I rest?
2. Do I take a day to chill, or am I always on the go? Rest is a good thing

 

PRAYER: Father, rest is a good thing, but in the busyness of life it gets forgotten. This is another area where the enemy has twisted the first few chapters to Genesis. The enemy wants us to remain in a frantic state of work or doing things, never stopping to enjoy or appreciate his creation. I pray we would take time to slow down and decompress and hear you speak.