What Does the Bible Say About Rest?

The Bible addresses rest across both Old and New Testaments. These verses are organized by biblical era — from the patriarchs to the apostles — letting Scripture speak for itself.

9 verses·3 eras·5 promises

Exile (~586 BC)

Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Jeremiah 31:31· YahwehPromise
I will put my Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land: and you shall know that I, Yahweh, have spoken it and performed it, says Yahweh.
Ezekiel 37:14· GodPromise

Life of Jesus (~30 AD)

But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.'"
He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory.
Matthew 12:20· GodPromise
"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28· JesusPromise

United Kingdom (~1000 BC)

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety. For the Chief Musician, with the flutes. A Psalm by David.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalms 91:1· DavidPromise
For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

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