Completion of Creation and the Seventh Day Rest
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The Completion of Creation and the Seventh Day Rest are significant events described in the Book of Genesis, marking the culmination of God's creative work and the establishment of a divine pattern for rest. These events are foundational to understanding the biblical account of the world's origins and the sanctity of the Sabbath.

Biblical Account

The narrative of the completion of creation is found in Genesis 1:31–2:3. After six days of creative activity, during which God brought the universe and all its inhabitants into existence, the account reaches its climax. Genesis 1:31 states, "And God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day." This declaration emphasizes the perfection and completeness of God's creation.

On the seventh day, God ceased from all His work. Genesis 2:2-3 records, "On the seventh day God had finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. 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." The act of resting does not imply that God was weary, but rather that He ceased His creative activity, signifying completion and satisfaction with His work.

Theological Significance

The completion of creation and the seventh day rest hold profound theological implications. The declaration that creation was "very good" underscores the inherent goodness and orderliness of the world as God intended it. This counters any notion of creation being flawed or chaotic from its inception.

The sanctification of the seventh day establishes a divine precedent for rest and worship. By blessing and sanctifying this day, God set it apart as holy, instituting a rhythm of work and rest that reflects His own actions. This pattern is later codified in the Ten Commandments, where the Sabbath is commanded as a day of rest and remembrance of God's creative work (Exodus 20:8-11).

Sabbath Observance

The observance of the Sabbath becomes a central aspect of Israelite identity and religious practice. It serves as a weekly reminder of God's sovereignty and the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Sabbath is a day for rest, reflection, and worship, providing an opportunity to cease from labor and focus on spiritual renewal.

In the New Testament, the concept of rest is expanded through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a "Sabbath rest" for the people of God, indicating a spiritual rest that believers enter through faith in Christ. This rest is both a present reality and a future hope, pointing to the ultimate rest in God's eternal kingdom.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the idea of a deity resting after creation was not unique to the Hebrew Scriptures. However, the biblical account is distinct in its monotheistic framework and its emphasis on the goodness of creation. The seventh day rest is not merely a cessation of activity but a divine ordinance with moral and spiritual dimensions.

Throughout history, the observance of the Sabbath has been a point of contention and discussion among various Christian traditions. While some maintain a strict adherence to a Saturday Sabbath, others observe Sunday as the Lord's Day, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Despite these differences, the principle of rest and worship remains a vital aspect of Christian life and practice.

Conclusion

The completion of creation and the seventh day rest are pivotal events that reveal God's creative power, the goodness of His creation, and the establishment of a sacred rhythm of work and rest. These themes continue to resonate throughout Scripture, shaping the understanding of God's relationship with humanity and the world.
Subtopics

Completion

Related Terms

Perform (155 Occurrences)

Finish (35 Occurrences)

Servants (763 Occurrences)

Solomon's (56 Occurrences)

Exaltation (9 Occurrences)

Waked (13 Occurrences)

Intimation (4 Occurrences)

Thus (1271 Occurrences)

Ezra (28 Occurrences)

Pentecost (3 Occurrences)

Period (43 Occurrences)

Consummation (2 Occurrences)

Standing-pillars (9 Occurrences)

Nazirite (10 Occurrences)

Asmoneans

Shrines (40 Occurrences)

Inspiration (4 Occurrences)

Obeisance (45 Occurrences)

Jotham (26 Occurrences)

Completing (11 Occurrences)

Holy (1097 Occurrences)

Spirit (706 Occurrences)

Book (211 Occurrences)

Completed (109 Occurrences)

Baruch (24 Occurrences)

Up (25836 Occurrences)

Out (29154 Occurrences)

Jeremiah's (4 Occurrences)

Jubilee (25 Occurrences)

Japhia (5 Occurrences)

Life's (4 Occurrences)

Weightier (3 Occurrences)

Wean

Finisheth (13 Occurrences)

Fulfillment (19 Occurrences)

Terminate (1 Occurrence)

Revolution (6 Occurrences)

Readiness (17 Occurrences)

End (3706 Occurrences)

Execution (4 Occurrences)

English

Enjoined (20 Occurrences)

Midst (657 Occurrences)

Moment (71 Occurrences)

Matched (1 Occurrence)

Malchiah (10 Occurrences)

Provide (74 Occurrences)

Borrowing (1 Occurrence)

Complied (1 Occurrence)

Cleaveth (26 Occurrences)

Consummate (1 Occurrence)

Abrogate (1 Occurrence)

Ability (34 Occurrences)

Abiram (9 Occurrences)

Accomplishment (7 Occurrences)

Affords (2 Occurrences)

Assigned (64 Occurrences)

Selling (23 Occurrences)

Suppose (47 Occurrences)

Selleth (17 Occurrences)

Sargon (1 Occurrence)

Sum (34 Occurrences)

Sabbath (126 Occurrences)

Affrighted (60 Occurrences)

Canonicity

Sitting (201 Occurrences)

Slavonic

Georgian

Righteousness (442 Occurrences)

Perfection (30 Occurrences)

Gothic

Strip (33 Occurrences)

Perfect (205 Occurrences)

Section (22 Occurrences)

Removal (42 Occurrences)

Omnipresence

Judaeus

Philo

Finally (29 Occurrences)

Completion of Creation and Rest
Top of Page
Top of Page