The Hebrew word *nuwach* (H5117), translated as "put" in Genesis 2:15, carries a deeper meaning than mere placement. In its passive form, *nuwach* signifies to cause to rest or to dwell, implying a state of rest rather than simple positioning. This word is theologically significant, with synonyms like *shabbat* (ceasing activity), *shaqat* (absence of disturbance), *shalom* (wholeness and well-being), *domi* (quiet), and *raga'* (repose), highlighting a broader concept of rest. In Genesis 2:15, when the LORD God took the man and caused him to rest in the Garden of Eden, it reflects His intent for mankind to dwell in a permanent state of peace and security, a condition only possible in His presence. This *nuwach* rest differs from the *shabbat* rest of Genesis 2:2-3, where God ceased creating. While *shabbat* rest indicates stopping activity, *nuwach* rest suggests an enduring state of stability and peace, symbolized by the Garden itself. The concept of *nuwach* appears in Exodus 20:11 within the Sabbath commandment, where both *shabbat* and *nuwach* are referenced, indicating that observing the Sabbath involves not only ceasing work but also immersing oneself in God's rest. This rest implies permanent stability, a state of being securely settled in peace, blessing, contentment, delight, and victory through God's intervention and continued obedience. Throughout the Old Testament, *nuwach* is associated with God's presence as the source of rest, as seen in Exodus 33 where His presence equates to giving rest. In Deuteronomy 12 and Joshua, it connotes peace and safety from enemies, while in Solomon's era, it includes quietness and prosperity. Other passages, such as in Psalms and Isaiah, add dimensions like refreshment, joy, strength, and liberty from sorrow, fear, and bondage. Ezekiel 37 links *nuwach* to spiritual renewal through God's Spirit, paralleling the act of causing to dwell in Genesis 2:15. Ultimately, *nuwach* in Genesis 2:15 summarizes God's desire for mankind to dwell in rest with Him forever in Paradise. This rest is not only a future hope but a weekly experience on the Sabbath, marked by peace, refreshment, joy, contentment, quiet, strength, safety, security, liberty, obedience, success, victory, and salvation, all flowing from His presence.

The Hebrew word *nuwach* (H5117) carries a deeper significance than the simple translations of "put" or "place" suggest when describing God's action of placing Adam in the Garden of Eden. Rather than merely depositing or positioning, *nuwach* at its root means to cause to rest or to cause to dwell, particularly in the passive tense, fitting the context of Genesis 2 far better. This implies that God took Adam by the hand, leading him into the Garden not just to be there, but to dwell in a state of rest, mirroring the rest God Himself desired. Unlike the Sabbath rest, which involves ceasing from weekday activity, *nuwach* represents a state of being securely settled in peace, contentment, and even delight, with shades of victory and salvation embedded in its meaning. This rest encompasses a spectrum from peace to salvation, but the ultimate *nuwach* rest is only attainable in the presence of God, as other Old Testament uses show that without His presence, true rest remains elusive. In the case of the first Adam, God caused him to rest in the Garden by providing the environment, instruction, and His presence, intending an intimate relationship. However, Adam and Eve's failure to respond with obedience led to their separation from both God and the paradise created for their rest, a separation that has widened for their descendants, leaving a world without peace. With the second Adam, Jesus Christ, the rest was not external as in a garden, but internal, as God caused His Spirit to dwell within Him. This indwelling Spirit endowed Him with wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and godly judgment, enabling Him to live in God's rest even amid turmoil and persecution. Jesus responded to this gift with obedience, producing the *nuwach* rest and becoming an example of an intimate, reciprocal relationship with the Father. God desires this same rest for His people, intervening to bridge the separation caused by sin. The Redeemer comes to Zion, to those who turn from transgression, offering His Spirit and Word through a covenant that lasts forever, aiming to transform chaos into perfect rest. Though the process has begun for those who have entered this covenant, the fullness of God's rest remains ahead, requiring diligence and obedience to enter it. This rest, tied to the concepts of tending and keeping as in the Garden, reflects the labor and care needed to respond to God's provision, mirroring the reciprocal relationship exemplified by Jesus.

The concept of rest on the Sabbath, as exemplified by Fred's anticipation of relief from a long work week, is deeply rooted in the Hebrew word *nuwach* (H5117), which signifies rest or repose. This term reflects the divine principle of ceasing from labor, as God Himself rested after creation, setting a pattern for His people to follow. The Sabbath, as a day of *nuwach*, is intended to be a time of physical and spiritual rejuvenation, focusing on God rather than personal desires or exhaustion. It is a gift meant for man's benefit, providing an opportunity to align with God's purpose through rest and worship. Neglecting this rest, as Fred considers doing by skipping Sabbath services for personal convenience, undermines the essence of *nuwach* and the intended blessing of the day.