Isaiah Chapter 28 · Verse 12
To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הַמְּנוּחָה֙
This is the rest
H4496
הַמְּנוּחָה֙
This is the rest
Strong's:
H4496
Word #:
5 of 12
repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode
הָנִ֣יחוּ
to rest
H5117
הָנִ֣יחוּ
to rest
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
6 of 12
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 30:15For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.Jeremiah 6:16Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.Isaiah 11:10And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.Jeremiah 44:16As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.Zechariah 7:14But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Zechariah 7:11But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.2 Chronicles 14:11And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.
Historical Context
God repeatedly offered Israel rest and refreshment through covenant faithfulness. Moses promised rest in Canaan (Deuteronomy 12:9-10). Joshua gave them rest from enemies (Joshua 21:43-45). Solomon's reign brought peace (1 Kings 4:24-25). Yet they persistently chose idolatry and alliances over trusting God. Jesus offered rest to Jerusalem; they rejected and crucified Him (Matthew 23:37). The church now enters Christ's rest by faith (Hebrews 4:3), but many still refuse to hear and miss God's gracious provision.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'rest' and 'refreshing' is God offering that you might be refusing to receive through unbelief or disobedience?
- How does Jesus's invitation to rest (Matthew 11:28-30) fulfill Isaiah's promise of God providing rest?
- Why do people willfully refuse God's gracious offers of rest and persist in wearying self-effort?
Analysis & Commentary
To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. Before sending foreign-tongued judgment (v.11), God offered gracious invitation. To whom he said refers to the people addressed in verse 11. God previously declared: This is the rest (zot ham-menucha, זֹאת הַמְּנוּחָה, this is the resting place) wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest (asher hanichu le-ayef, אֲשֶׁר הָנִיחוּ לֶעָיֵף, by which you may give rest to the weary). Menucha (מְנוּחָה) means rest, peace, settled security—what God offered in the Promised Land under covenant obedience.
And this is the refreshing (ve-zot ham-marga'ah, וְזֹאת הַמַּרְגֵּעָה, and this is the refreshment/quietness). God provided rest from enemies, spiritual refreshment in His presence. But the devastating conclusion: yet they would not hear (ve-lo avu shmo'a, וְלֹא אָבוּ שְׁמוֹעַ, literally "they were not willing to hear"). Willful refusal, not inability. Jesus echoes this: "Come unto me...and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Rest is offered, but many won't come. Hebrews 4:1-11 warns against missing God's rest through unbelief.