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Ruth 3:1-4 - Seeking a place of rest - Day 222

 Dear Friends,

Originally wrote this from our home away from home in Madison Wi.  We were learning the ropes of taking care of soon to be 8 month old grandsons.  After the peaceful drive on 95 and then Chicago, we were a bit frazzled.  So concept of a place of rest had a special appeal at this point.

Blessings

Jeff 

mānôaḥ: A masculine noun designating a rest, resting place. Israel, figuratively, could find no resting place for the soles of her feet (Deut. 28:65; Lam. 1:3). A resting place was or rest was a time or place of security (Ruth 3:1). It is used of rest for the soul because of the Lord’s mercies and blessings (Ps. 116:7). It points to a location where something settles down and remains there or the cessation of work in order to refresh oneself. The dove found no resting place for herself (Gen. 8:9).

Finding a place of rest.  From looking at Strong's dictionary, Hebrew had a verb (nuah = to rest) and this noun, A resting place. 

Naomi has been wandering or sojourning most of her life. She has come back to her hometown but has no land.  In a sense, she still had no place of rest, no Manoah.  But she wants to seek a place of rest for Ruth.

If we think back to the Promised Land, it was to be a place of rest for Israel.  Deuteronomy 3:20  The 2 1/2 tribes to be released after the other tribes find rest.

Seems that rest and peace are linked in Jewish mind.  What about us?  Aren't we more activity oriented, always doing something.  But Jesus says come to me all who labor and you will find rest for your souls.


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