The term rest features prominently in the Torah. It is tightly connected to God’s intended design. A man should enjoy existence in rest. This concept is amply represented by the many Sabbaths in the Torah. The psalmist is talking about the more important Sabbath for his soul. Only God provides it.
The first verse makes an important connection between rest and salvation; between Sabbath and salvation. Rest, in many cases, can directly be translated as salvation. When one observes rest, they are enjoying salvation from the yoke of labor imposed on humanity by sin.
In the usual fashion, the psalmist replaces the concepts with actual objects. His enemies have made rest impossible for him. But God is his rock. “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress.” He will not be shaken.
The psalmist calls on the saint to trust the LORD at all times. It should be a 24/7 operation.
“You reward everyone according to what they have done.” If rest is the most critical component of life or reward in life, does it then mean that the LORD will award it to any deserving candidate? This is quite logical but very contradictory. The truth laid in this chapter is that rest is God’s unique gift to mankind. The LORD provides it freely to his children as part of His desired creation.
Probably, the only work required for one to access rest is a trip to the savior’s throne room. And there the sinner can find rest for his soul.
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