Work and RestSample

God rested after creating the world

God created the world by speaking. ‘And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. […] ‘And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds — livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so’ (Genesis 1). Six days long, God spoke and everything came into existence.

Then everything was finished, and God considered it very good. He had completed his creative work. And so, on the seventh day, God rested. Not because He was tired — God is never tired (Isaiah 40:28). But, He ceased creating on this day since creation was perfect, and He enjoyed the result of his work.

This pattern of God creating the world in six days and then resting has become the basis of God’s command for the Israelites to work for six days and then take a day of rest: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy” (Exodus 20:11, ESV). Throughout the centuries, this rhythm has been largely preserved.

Did you know that our seven-day week is based on God creating the world in six days?