Deuteronomy 12:9
For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בָאתֶ֖ם
For ye are not as yet come
H935
בָאתֶ֖ם
For ye are not as yet come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
4 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עָ֑תָּה
H6258
הַמְּנוּחָה֙
to the rest
H4496
הַמְּנוּחָה֙
to the rest
Strong's:
H4496
Word #:
7 of 14
repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode
הַֽנַּחֲלָ֔ה
and to the inheritance
H5159
הַֽנַּחֲלָ֔ה
and to the inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
your God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
12 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
1 Kings 8:56Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.Psalms 95:11Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.Deuteronomy 25:19Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.Micah 2:10Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.
Historical Context
The 'rest' would come after conquest when Joshua 'gave them rest round about' (Joshua 21:44). However, complete rest awaited David's kingdom: 'the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies' (2 Samuel 7:1). Solomon's temple construction fulfilled the central sanctuary requirement after achieving this rest (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). But even this rest was provisional—only Messiah brings ultimate rest from sin, enemies, and spiritual wandering (Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:9-11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does physical rest in the promised land typify spiritual rest in Christ?
- What 'rest' has God provided that should transform how we worship and live?
- How does understanding worship as response to completed salvation (rest) differ from worship as means to earn God's favor?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The explanation for current flexibility: 'For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you.' The dual destination—'rest' (menuchah, מְנוּחָה) and 'inheritance' (nachalah, נַחֲלָה)—describes both cessation from wandering and permanent land possession. Until settled, full covenant stipulations don't apply. But once Israel possesses the land and enjoys rest from enemies, worship centralization must begin. Hebrews 3-4 applies 'rest' typologically to salvation in Christ and eschatological rest. Israel's physical rest foreshadows spiritual rest in Messiah.