Rashi explains that “menuchah” refers to the Mishkan in Shiloh. Interestingly, during its tenure in Shiloh, it was forbidden for Jews to offer korbonos on bamos, private altars. The Mishkan in Shiloh was a national sanctuary. Consequently, all korbonos were to be offered there. Horav Mordechai Ilan, zl, notes the word menuchah, resting place, was applied to a place of restriction and discipline. No longer were people permitted to do as they pleased, offering korbonos when and where they desired. Now there were regulations to uphold, standards to be maintained, and rules to which they needed to adhere.
We Jews are different than the rest of the world. Our Torah teaches us that restriction and discipline leads to tranquillity. Regulations enable us to enjoy life. They give us the opportunity to repose and rejuvenate. Only one who studies and adheres to Torah may be considered a free man. He is not subjected to the constant demands of his yetzer hora, evil inclination. He is not driven by desire. He is in control, because his life is controlled by Hashem’s Torah, His blueprint for life. No, it really is not surprising that the period that ushered in the restriction of bamos is considered a period of menuchah, rest.
