In the study of biblical anthropomorphisms, the attribution of human characteristics to God serves as a means to make the divine nature more comprehensible to human understanding. One such characteristic is the concept of "resting," which is attributed to God in various passages of Scripture. This notion of divine rest is not indicative of fatigue or weariness, as it might be for humans, but rather signifies completion, satisfaction, and the establishment of order.

Divine Rest in Creation

The most prominent example of divine rest is found in the account of creation. Genesis 2:2-3 states, "And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that 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." Here, God's rest is not due to exhaustion but is a cessation from creative activity, marking the completion and perfection of His creation. This rest also sets a pattern for the Sabbath, a day of rest for humanity, reflecting God's own rest.

Rest as a Symbol of Divine Satisfaction

In Exodus 31:17 , the Sabbath is described as a sign between God and the Israelites: "It is a sign forever between Me and the Israelites; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed." The term "refreshed" does not imply that God needed rejuvenation but rather conveys a sense of divine satisfaction and delight in His completed work. This anthropomorphic language helps believers understand the joy and fulfillment that God experiences in His creation.

Rest as a Metaphor for Peace and Order

The concept of rest is also used metaphorically to describe the peace and order that God establishes. In Psalm 95:11 , God declares, "So I swore on oath in My anger, 'They shall never enter My rest.'" Here, "rest" refers to the Promised Land, a place of peace and divine provision. The refusal to enter God's rest is a consequence of disobedience and unbelief, illustrating the spiritual rest and peace that come from trusting in God.

Rest in the Eschatological Context

In the New Testament, the theme of rest is expanded to include the eschatological hope of believers. Hebrews 4:9-10 states, "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." This passage draws a parallel between God's rest after creation and the ultimate rest that believers will experience in eternity. It emphasizes the completion of God's redemptive work and the eternal peace that awaits those who are faithful.

Conclusion

The anthropomorphic attribution of resting to God serves multiple purposes in Scripture. It communicates the completion and perfection of God's creative and redemptive work, symbolizes divine satisfaction and peace, and provides a model for human rest and worship. Through these depictions, believers gain insight into the nature of God and the ultimate rest that He promises to His people.Genesis 2:2,3
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.
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Exodus 20:11
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: why the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
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Exodus 31:17
It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
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Deuteronomy 5:14
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD your God: in it you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your ox, nor your ass, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger that is within your gates; that your manservant and your maidservant may rest as well as you.
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Hebrews 4:4,10
For he spoke in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
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How can we express our doubt to God without offending Him (Malachi 2:17; 3:14-15)? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about God ' Theme Index | GotQuestions.org

Questions about God (All) | GotQuestions.org

Anthropomorphism: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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