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.
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?
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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.