in creation” (Gen. 2:3). The word “rested” is the Hebrew shabat, from which the concept of the Sabbath was developed. Far from the superstitions of surrounding nations, who also observed special days, Israel’s Sabbath day was a day of joy, a celebration of God, for it was his own celebration of completing his creative work (Ex. 31:14, 16; Deut. 5:12, 15).7 Why does God rest? Certainly he does not grow tired (Ps. 121:4; Isa. 40:28). Rather, God ceased from his creative activity; his work was finished.