Breathe

In Exodus 23:12, the Hebrew word for “refreshed” comes from the verb naphash (H5314). It’s a primitive root that means to breathe, to be breathed upon, or, figuratively, to be refreshed (as if by a current of air).

Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed.

(Exodus 23:12)

You might already know it, but the first time “rest” is used in this verse, it’s the verb form of the root word for Sabbath (H7673). In other words:

On the seventh day you shall Sabbath, that … the son of your female servant and the stranger may breathe.

Take a breath, brethren.

The Sabbath is here.

Put away your projects, your worries and cares from the rest of the week and breathe. Today is a day of rest, but it is also a day of refreshing.

Inhale.

Exhale.

You made it. You’re here. Lay down your burdens, climb out from under that mountain of work, and bask in the warmth of your Father’s presence. Study. Pray. Put aside the temporary, trivial things of this life and realign yourself with the God of all creation. This day is for you—a gift from a Father who loves you dearly, a glimpse into the future days of true refreshing, and a promise of the rest that remains for the people of God.

The road ahead is long, and the journey is demanding. But for today—for these 24 precious hours—your job is to breathe. To be refreshed.

Shabbat shalom, friends.

Until next time,
Jeremy