[Greek] ἀνάπαυσις (anapausis), [Latin] resto: rest, cessation, intermission, respite, relaxation, refreshment; Mt.11:29, Mt.12:43, Lk.11:24, Rev.4:8, Rev.14:11
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means rest (from something), repose, relaxation, and recreation. Plutarch’s De Liberis Educandis 13 states “While they (parents) are over-hasty to advance their children in all sorts of learning beyond their equals, they set them to hard and laborious tasks. We ought therefore to give children some time to take breath from their constant labors.” Xenophon’s Constitution of the Lacedaimonians 12.6 states “After the exercises the senior colonel gives the order by herald to sit down. This is their method of inspection and next to take breakfast and to relieve the outposts.” Xenophon’s Hiero 2.11 states “Once again, to private citizens a truce or peace brings rest from war’ but despots are never at peace with the people subject to their despotism, and no true can ever make a despot confident.”
Old Testament: This term, meaning rest, place of rest, and day of rest, is related to several Hebrew terms. Two such terms include shaqat (to be quiet) and shabbath (Sabbath). Wisdom is likened to a yoke and a house of instruction where one can receive teachings. The foolish and naïve are called to take up lodging in this house of instruction. In the New Testament, Jesus also offers a yoke (and instruction) and provides rest.
Thus will you afterward find rest in her, as she will become your joy (Sir.6:28). Preferable is death to a bitter life, unending sleep to constant illness (Sir.30:17). Among all these I sought a resting place; in whose inheritance should I abide? (Sir.24:7). Come aside to me, you untutored, and take up lodging in the house of instruction (Sir.51:23). Take her yoke upon your neck; that your mind may receive her teaching (Sir.51:26). You naïve ones, gain sense, you fools, gain sense (Prov.8:5)
New Testament: This term means rest, ceasing (stopping), relief, and resting place. In Revelations the smoke of the tormenting fire rises forever and the winged creatures do not stop exclaiming. An unclean spirit cannot find rest as it roams through arid regions. Jesus provides an easy yoke for those who labor and who are burdened. Taking His yoke and learning from Him, they will find rest. Jesus draws upon Wisdom imagery of providing rest (and wisdom).
Scripture:
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.” Mt.11:29
Jesus draws upon Wisdom imagery in proving wisdom and rest. Jesus states that the yoke of the Law creates more burdens. Jesus invites the burdened to take the yoke of obedience to His word, under which one will find rest.
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a person it roams through arid regions searching for rest but find none.” Mt.12:43
Jesus has broken Satan’s hold over Israel. This unclean spirit cannot find rest.
Conclusion:
Pause, rest
In the Greek era, it was quite interesting to see how this term was used. I didn’t expect to find a reference to a parenting guide for gifted students. It seems all children need a break from studies. I was not surprised that this term would find itself with war, despots, and reconnaissance.
In the Old Testament era, this term is related to many Hebrew references. For the purposes of brevity, I only made passing reference to the Sabbath. It is significant to note that Wisdom is likened to a yoke and school of instruction. The ignorant and naïve are called to instruction. Jesus later borrows from this Wisdom imagery of a yoke in providing rest and instruction.
Jesus offers an easy yoke (and instruction) for those who labor and are burdened.
This post has helped me give me pause for thought about this yoke that Jesus provides.