Tuesday, November 08, 2011

What is rest?

“Divine rest is portrayed as occurring in a number of different contexts in ancient Near Eastern cosmogonies. Aside from the occasional text in which rest refers to an inactive stupor, divine rest generally represents a state that has been achieved through a particular action that was undertaken as a response to a condition or situation that prior to the divine action was usually viewed as unacceptable. The condition in each case represents something that prevents rest. The action indicates how rest is achieved, and the state describes the type of rest anticipated or enjoyed. The common denominator in most of these cases is that divine rest provides a sense of security. When the situation among the gods or in the larger cosmos is secure, deity may rest—regardless of whether the rest means that he/she is thereby free to do nothing, to socialize, to enjoy life, or to do the work of running the cosmos unimpeded. The location where this rest will be experienced is, of course, the temple, the palace home of the god, where the deity may enjoy leisure, social activity, and rule.”—Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology, pages 110-111

<idle musing>
I like this (think Hebrews): "The common denominator in most of these cases is that divine rest provides a sense of security."

Good summary of what Jesus sitting down at the right hand of the Father means for us, isn't it?
</idle musing>

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