Bible Study Hebrews 4: 1-16

 

A Commentary of the Book of Hebrews

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: King James Version

Bible Study Hebrews 4: 1-16

Text:

4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.”

Drawing on the insights of Psalm 95, the author presents a grave warning to his readers: “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” This underscores a vital theological distinction: just as Israel was liberated from Egypt yet struggled to find true rest, today there remains a difference between being saved and actually entering into God's rest.

This "rest" is not confined to the physical boundaries of Canaan or a distant "heavenly rest". Instead, the fleeting peace established under Joshua serves as a precursor to a more profound spiritual and everlasting rest.

The author highlights the precariousness of coming close to this state only to miss it entirely. This theme of divine partnership and soul-rest is further supported in Matthew 11:29-30, where Christ invites believers to find rest by laboring alongside Him. Importantly, failing to attain this rest does not equate to the loss of salvation; rather, it results in a three-part deprivation for the believer: missing Christ’s leadership, losing an active role in divine objectives, and lacking the internal experience of resting in Him.

Verse 2: “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”

This passage addresses the spiritual rest associated with salvation and the necessity of placing one's trust in Christ as Savior. Although the gospel was proclaimed to them, it proved of no benefit because it was not accompanied by faith.

While Moses successfully guided the Israelites out of Egypt, he was unable to lead them into the land of Canaan. Subsequently, although Joshua led the people into the land, he could not provide them with true rest. Many failed to achieve this rest, never fully realizing the inheritance intended for them. In a contemporary context, the worldly influences and spiritual adversaries often deprive believers of the divine blessings available to them.

Verse 3: “For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.”

Believers who act on God's word are able to access spiritual rest, serving as the direct counterpart to Psalm 95: 11 which warns that those without faith are barred from this divine tranquility. The phrase "finished from the foundation of the world" signifies that this spiritual rest is a complete and perfected gift from God. Rather than being a work in progress, it is anchored in a divine plan established in eternity past, mirroring the rest God observed after completing the creation of the world. 

Verse 4: “ For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.”

In verses 4-5, the emphasis is placed on God designating a specific day for rest rather than the act of resting itself. Because "He spake ... of the seventh day on this wise," this divine rest exists as an established reality. Ultimately, the rest we are summoned to join is not a product of our own efforts but is God's own rest, which He graciously shares with us.

Verse 5: “And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.”

Verses 3-5 focus on the central idea that God's "rest" has been available since the seventh day of Creation, despite the fact that a disobedient generation was unable to access it. The author interprets the promises regarding the physical land as ultimate indicators of this divine rest, which is accessible solely to those who possess faith.

Verse 6: “ Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:”

Unbelief serves as the primary obstacle that deprives an individual of the rest found in salvation, as well as the profound satisfaction and divine blessing God intends to provide. It is this lack of faith that prevents the realization of the extraordinary rest God desires to bestow upon the faithful.

Verse 7: “again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

The author emphasizes that the opportunity for spiritual rest is not a future prospect but a present imperative. This moment represents the definitive time for salvation. Individuals are encouraged to recognize the immediacy of this opportunity to trust in Christ, as the scripture warns against the hardening of hearts when hearing His voice today.

Verse 8: “For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.”

Both the Greek name "Jesus" and the Hebrew "Joshua" translate to "Savior." Within this specific context, the passage refers to the rest that Joshua was unable to secure for Israel even after they entered Canaan, the Promised Land.

Psalm 95 confirms that this rest remained unfulfilled during the leadership of both Moses and Joshua. Consequently, it became necessary for God to "have spoken of another day" to provide the true rest intended for His people.

Verse 9: “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”

While the opportunity to enter into God's rest remains available, it is important to understand that this does not exempt us from the necessity of labor.

Verse 10: “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.”

According to the author, an individual who has "entered into his rest" is characterized as one who "hath ceased from his own works." This description is frequently interpreted as the believer abandoning personal attempts to achieve salvation through merit, instead relying on the completed sacrifice of Christ. Some also view this as a reference to the believer"s ultimate eternal rest.

However, this entry into rest is specifically likened to how "God did from his." Just as God stopped His creative activities upon completing the universe, a person who is born again through faith likewise stops their own labor. This cessation encompasses not only the rejection of works-based salvation but also the surrender of one"s personal ambitions and life goals to God. 

Verse 11: “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

This passage presents a solemn appeal: "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest." There are two key elements to consider:

1. The Intended Goal: This refers to a rest that is both spiritual and everlasting—the experience of grace in the present and glory in the future, found in Christ during our time on earth and with Him in eternity. 2. The Required Path: The method for reaching this goal is diligent effort. Work is the essential precursor to rest; those who decline to labor now will find no rest in the hereafter. Following sincere and persistent labor, a fulfilling and sweet rest will be achieved, and the efforts made now will only enhance the joy of that rest when it arrives.

Verse 12: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The "word of God," which encompasses both the truth revealed through Jesus and the spoken word discussed in this context, is characterized as "quick" (meaning "alive"), powerful, and more piercing than a double-edged sword. This vibrant divine word, present throughout both the Old and New Testaments, is depicted by the author of Hebrews as a living force that scrutinizes like an all-seeing eye. It penetrates to the very core of a person—separating soul and spirit, joints and marrow—and acts as a judge over the heart's innermost thoughts and motivations. Such deep discernment leaves no room for hesitation or double-mindedness. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit serves as the author, administrator, and facilitator of God's Word, acting as the divine agent who brings the written text to life with power.

Verse 13: “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

The author identifies the activity of the Word with the activity of God, viewing them as essentially identical. Advancing beyond these Scriptural truths necessitates the utmost sincerity of motive. As members of the household of God and fellow laborers with Christ, there is no place for personal glory or self-interest, except in the cross of Christ. This New Testament bond with God is enabled by Christ’s role as our high priest, a connection that brings both significant responsibilities and a sense of profound peace, contentment, and rest.

Verse 14: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”

Under the Old Covenant, the High Priest navigated three distinct areas—the outer court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies—to perform the atoning sacrifice. In a superior fulfillment, Jesus ascended through three heavens (the atmospheric, the stellar, and the dwelling place of God) after offering the ultimate and final sacrifice. While the earthly High Priest entered the Holy of Holies annually on the Day of Atonement within a tabernacle that served only as a restricted imitation, Jesus entered the celestial Holy of Holies itself. By achieving total redemption, He replaced the earthly copy with heavenly reality. Consequently, the Christian faith is defined by its heavenly nature rather than earthly constraints. The author’s deliberate use of "Jesus the Son of God" uniquely emphasizes both His humanity and His divinity. To “hold fast” means to persevere. 

Verse 15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

The Lord's people were not treading an unfamiliar path or facing trials unknown to Him. By emphasizing the comparison between Christ's trials and our own, the author notes that Jesus underwent every form of temptation known to humanity. However, the crucial distinction lies in the outcome: Christ never succumbed to sin. This demonstrates that experiencing temptation is not, in itself, a sinful act.

Verse 16: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Believers enjoy the priestly privilege of approaching God with confidence, a right earned through Jesus' sacrifice which cleanses the stain of sin and enables them to present acceptable offerings of gratitude. Within this relationship, mercy serves to provide forgiveness for our failures under temptation, while grace offers the necessary and timely assistance to endure through such trials.