Hebrews 4:8 - For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. He, though sinless, can sympathize with us sinners; His understanding more acutely perceived the forms of temptation than we who are weak can; His will repelled them as instantaneously as the fire does the drop of water cast into it. Solid Joys. For--justifying and explaining the word "rest," or "Sabbatism," he that is entered--whosoever once enters. In Him alone we have an example suited to men of every character and under all circumstances. . Still the word of God (the same as that preached, Hebrews 4:2 ), used here in the broadest sense, but with special reference to its judicial power, INCLUDES the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit with double edge, one edge for convicting and converting some ( Hebrews 4:2 ), and the other for condemning and destroying the unbelieving ( Hebrews 4:14 ). What, however, Paul mainly here dwells on in the quotation is that the promised "rest" has not yet been entered into. Hebrews 4 A Rest for the People of God. Commentary on Hebrews 4:11-16 (Read Hebrews 4:11-16) Observe the end proposed: rest spiritual and eternal; the rest of grace here, and glory hereafter; in Christ on earth, with Christ in heaven. Pierced By the Word of God. The argument briefly is, God has provided a … Look at the Book. Men's Ministry Home Women's Ministry Home Children's Ministry Home Pastor's Ministry Home. "Hebrews 1:4, ESV: "having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs." 7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 … In … Chapter 4 - The Sabbath Rest. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. The same word which is saving to the faithful ( Hebrews 4:2 ) is destroying to the disobedient ( 2 Corinthians 2:15 2 Corinthians 2:16 ). unto them--in type: the earthly Canaan, wherein they failed to realize perfect rest, suggesting to them that they should look beyond to the heavenly land of rest, to which faith is the avenue, and from which unbelief excludes, as it did from the earthly Canaan. Chapter 4. from his own works--even from those that were good and suitable to the time of doing work. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. labour--Greek, "strive diligently." It is not something that should be put off. 1. Again--Anew the promise recurs. Hebrews, Chapter 4 Chapter 3 | Chapter 5. in his sight--in God's sight ( Hebrews 4:12 ). Hebrews 4:12 "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 In the Old Testament, faith is rarely mentioned. The opening affirmation in verse 1 that God spoke through the prophets is important. Compare Aaron, the type, bearing the names of the twelve tribes in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he entered into the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually ( Exodus 28:29 ). after the same example--ALFORD translates, "fall into the same example." Thus chapter 3 to chapter 4 is a poor chapter division. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. It is logical to conclude that the other six days of Creation typify 6,000 years of man's government on earth. The Jews say, "The parents are a sign (warning) to their sons.". Hebrews 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries; OT PASSAGES QUOTED IN HEBREWS 4 - Click for complete list of OT Quotations/Allusions. (4-14) Commentary on Hebrews 1:1-3 (Read Hebrews 1:1-3) ... (Read Hebrews 1:4-14) Many Jews had a superstitious or idolatrous respect for angels, because they had received the law and other tidings of the Divine will by their ministry. The whole renovated creation shall share in it; nothing will there be to break the Sabbath of eternity; and the Triune God shall rejoice in the work of His hands ( Zephaniah 3:17 ). "To-day" still continues, during which there is the danger of failing to reach the rest. Addressing Jews, he by the Spirit sanctions what was true in their current literature, as he similarly did in addressing Gentiles ( Acts 17:28 ). If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Hebrews 4:1-10 Hebrews 4 shows a connection between God's rest on the Sabbath day during the creation week and the thousand-year reign of Christ, commonly called the "Millennium." but now still, 11. Take My yoke on you . It must be appropriated by saving faith. . Chapter Summary In Hebrews chapter 4, the author refines the theme of chapter 3. He, therefore, experimentally knew what power was needed to overcome temptations. hold fast--the opposite of "let slip" ( Hebrews 2:1 ); and "fall away" ( Hebrews 6:6 ). God's rest is not a rest necessitated by fatigue, nor consisting in idleness, but is that upholding and governing of which creation was the beginning [ALFORD]. The argument, though generally applying to anyone who has entered his rest, probably alludes to Jesus in particular, the antitypical Joshua, who, having entered His rest at the Ascension, has ceased or rested from His work of the new creation, as God on the seventh day rested from the work of physical creation. Hebrews: New Testament Commentary Series, by Ray C. Stedman. He 4:3 <> Ps 95:11. Hebrews 4:1-2.In this chapter, which is of the same nature with the foregoing, the apostle proceeds with his exhortation to the Hebrews, and all professing Christians, to faith, obedience, and perseverance; and enforces it by a most apposite and striking instance in the punishment which befel the Israelites, those ancient professors of the true religion, who were guilty of sins contrary to those duties. () 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. (1-3) And in his superiority to all the holy angels. God's "work" was one, comprehending, however, many "works.". Hebrews 4:6. Hebrews 4 Verse 1 Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise of being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. . powerful--Greek, "energetic"; not only living, but energetically efficacious. into rest--Greek, "into the rest" which is promised in the ninety-fifth Psalm. Paul's early training, both in the Greek schools of Tarsus and the Hebrew schools at Jerusalem, accounts fully for his acquaintance with Philo's modes of thought, which were sure to be current among learned Jews everywhere, though Philo himself belonged to Alexandria, not Jerusalem. For--the motive to "holding our profession" ( Hebrews 4:14 ), namely the sympathy and help we may expect from our High Priest. The personal Word, to whom some refer the passage, is not here meant: for He is not the sword, but has the sword. should seem to come short of it--Greek, "to have come short of it"; should be found, when the great trial of all shall take place [ALFORD], to have fallen short of attaining the promise. The message of salvation is urgent. The word we have translated beware literally means to fear (phobeisthai, Greek #5399). (In the oldest manuscripts as in English Version, there is no "both," as there is in the clause "both the joints and . "Hebrews 4:1, ESV: "Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it." ALFORD'S interpretation is clumsy, by which he makes the soul itself, and the spirit itself, to be divided, instead of the soul from the spirit: so also he makes not only the joints to be divided asunder, but the marrow also to be divided (?). John … . Answer to the objection which might be made to his reasoning, namely, that those brought into Canaan by Joshua (so "Jesus" here means, as in Acts 7:45 ) did enter the rest of God. "For the word of God - preached, Hebrews 4:2, and armed with threatenings, Hebrews 4:3, is living and powerful - attended with the power of the living God, and conveying either life or death to the hearers; sharper than any two-edged sword - penetrating the heart more than this does the body; piercing quite through, and laying open, the soul and spirit, joints and marrow - the inmost recesses of the mind, … Let us . Translate as the Greek order is, "He limited a certain day, 'To-day.'" discerner of the thoughts--Greek, "capable of judging the purposes." we which have believed--we who at Christ's coming shall be found to have believed. While Hebrews as a whole is written to demonstrate Christ’s … Continue reading "Commentary on … Arguments and motives to faith and hope in our approaches to God. PHILO similarly speaks of "God passing between the parts of Abraham's sacrifices ( Genesis 15:17 , where, however, it is a 'burning lamp' that passed between the pieces) with His word, which is the cutter of all things: which sword, being sharpened to the utmost keenness, never ceases to divide all sensible things, and even things not perceptible to sense or physically divisible, but perceptible and divisible by the word." Sections. He quotes passage after passage from the Psalms, ponders the … Continue reading "Commentary on Hebrews 1:1-4" But the word that they heard did not profit them, for they were not united in faith with those who listened. If the rest of God meant Canaan, God would not after their entrance into that land, have spoken (or speak [ALFORD]) of another (future) day of entering the rest. 1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem ... if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. Scripture: Hebrews 4:12. 8. The Epistle to the Hebrews INSTRUCTION Hebrews 1-10:18 EXHORTATION Hebrews 10:19-13:25 Superior Person of Christ Hebrews 1:1-4:13 Superior Priest in Christ Hebrews 4:14-10:18 My personal favorite phrase in Hebrews is "He is able" - Meditate on Hebrews 2:18 and Hebrews 7:25 to see what Your Great High Priest is able to accomplish for you, dear child of God! Compare Matthew 26:38 , "watch with me": showing His desire in the days of His flesh for the sympathy of those whom He loved: so He now gives His suffering people His sympathy. For in fact we have received the good news just as they did. 1 * Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come, * and not the very image of them, it can never make perfect those who come to worship by the same sacrifices that they offer continually each year. (11-14) Commentary on Hebrews 5:1-10 (Read ) Evidently "the dividing of the soul from the spirit" answers to the "joints" which the sword, when it reaches unto, divides asunder, as the "spirit" answers to the innermost "marrow." finished--Greek, "brought into existence," "made. The Greek is the same as that for "his own" immediately after. Interactive Bible study with John Piper. This Christian fear is not the fear which makes a man run away from a task; nor the fear which reduces him to paralysed inaction; it is the fear which makes him put out every ounce of strength he possesses in a great effort not to … Contrast Job's complaint ( Job 23:3-8 ) and Elihu's "IF," &c. ( Job 33:23-28 ). not being mixed with faith in them that heard--So the Syriac and the Old Latin Versions, older than any of our manuscripts, and LUCIFER, read, "As the world did not unite with the hearers in faith." great--as being "the Son of God, higher than the heavens" ( Hebrews 7:26 ): the archetype and antitype of the legal high priest. Hebrews 4 English Standard Version Update 4 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. fear--not with slavish terror, but godly "fear and trembling" ( Philippians 2:12 ). (1-10) Arguments and motives to faith and hope in our approaches to God. intents--rather, "conceptions" [CRELLIUS]; "ideas" [ALFORD]. Two other oldest manuscripts read, "Let us enter." Geneva Study Bible Darby's Synopsis: View Hebrews 4 in the note window. All the pomp and circumstance of religion pales in comparison to the person, work, and ministry of Christ Jesus. ii. The throne of grace: The throne of God is a throne of grace. ... (Hebrews 1:4-14) Lesson 4: The Danger of Drifting Spiritually (Hebrews 2:1-4) Lesson 5: Our Glorious Destiny in Christ (Hebrews 2:5-9) Lesson 6: Why Jesus’ Death Was Fitting (Hebrews 2:10) Lesson 7: Jesus Our Brother and Savior … therefore--Seeing such a promise is before us, which we may, like them, fall short of through unbelief. Bible study tool. Our highest happiness shall, according to this verse, consist in our being united in one with God, and moulded into conformity with Him as our archetype [CALVIN]. The opening affirmation in verse 1 that God spoke through the prophets is important. Jesus, our chief priest. Compare "Come unto Me . In Hebrews, the author shows how ... Watch our overview video on the book of Hebrews, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Hebrews 3:16-4:2. . being left us--still remaining to us after the others have, by neglect, lost it. It is, he says, a promise which still stands that is, was not satisfied by entering Canaan, but still exists at the time of his writing. . ALFORD translates, "He that entered into his (or else God's, but rather 'his'; Isaiah 11:10 , 'His rest': 'the joy of the Lord,' Matthew 25:21 Matthew 25:23 ) rest (namely, Jesus, our Forerunner, Hebrews 4:14 , 6:20 , 'The Son of God that is passed through the heavens': in contrast to Joshua the type, who did not bring God's people into the heavenly rest), he himself (emphatical) rested from his works ( Hebrews 4:4 ), as God (did) from His own" (so the Greek, "works"). Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. in time of need--Greek, "seasonably." Interactive Bible study with John Piper. Hebrews 1:1-4 introduces a contrast that is the central theme throughout Hebrews: the climactic revelation of God in Christ, surpassing every way that God spoke and worked prior to Christ’s coming. They said this because they knew that God was both merciful and just, but they could not reconcile these two attributes of God. Its double power seems to be implied by its being "two-edged." Seeing then--Having, therefore; resuming Hebrews 2:17 . For--justifying his assertion of the need of "faith," Hebrews 4:2 . You can check these in your browser security settings. Verses 1-10 The privileges we have under the gospel, are greater than any had under the law of Moses, though the same gospel for substance was preached under both Testaments. Not that He has ceased to carry on the work of redemption, nay, He upholds it by His mediation; but He has ceased from those portions of the work which constitute the foundation; the sacrifice has been once for all accomplished. Hebrews. There have been in all ages many unprofitable hearers; and unbelief is at the root of all unfruitfulness under the word. Initial impressions of Hebrews might suggest that the writer is detached from any context. THEREFORE, there must be meant a rest still future, namely, that which "remaineth for the people of God" in heaven, Hebrews 4:3-9 , when they shall rest from their works, as God did from His, Hebrews 4:10 . So far, he has at least mentioned this subject in every chapter (i.e. Thus reference to Joshua appropriately follows in Hebrews 4:8 . 6. it remaineth--still to be realized. . Or, in ALFORD'S translation of Hebrews 4:10 , "That rest into which Christ has entered before" ( Hebrews 4:14 , Hebrews 6:20 ). and of the joints and marrow--rather, "(reaching even TO) both the joints (so as to divide them) and marrow." Resources . Ancient Jewish Rabbis taught that God had two thrones, one of mercy and one of judgment. When we come, we may obtain mercy (this is not getting what we deserve) and find grace (this is getting what we don’t deserve) in our time of need. The best privileges the ancient Jews had were their gospel privileges; the sacrifices … from all his works--Hebrew, Genesis 2:2 , "from all His work." The surpassing dignity of the Son of God in his Divine person, and in his creating and mediatorial work. but--"nay, rather, He was (one) tempted" [ALFORD]. … Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem … Since so many have fallen, we have cause to fear ( Hebrews 3:17-19 ). You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Here Paul interrupts the quotation by, "In (the Psalm of) David saying after so long a time (after five hundred years' possession of Canaan)," and resumes it by, "as it has been said before (so the Greek oldest manuscript, before, namely, Hebrews 3:7 Hebrews 3:15 ), To-day if ye hear His voice," &c. [ALFORD]. Though exalted to the highest heavens, He has changed His place, not His nature and office in relation to us, His condition, but not His affection. But the "rest" in this Hebrews 4:9 is the nobler and more exalted (Hebrew) "Sabbath" rest; literally, "cessation": rest from work when finished ( Hebrews 4:4 ), as God rested ( Revelation 16:17 ). ", 4. he spake--God ( Genesis 2:2 ). 2. gospel preached . Let us . Hebrews chapter 4 4:1 - God’s rest 4:2 - The same gospel 4:3-5 - How to enter God’s rest 4:6-7 - Why today is important 4:8 - Joshua wins peace for Israel 4:9 - The Sabbath day’s rest 4:10-11 - Rest and work 4:12 - God’s word Hebrews 1:1-4 introduces a contrast that is the central theme throughout Hebrews: the climactic revelation of God in Christ, surpassing every way that God spoke and worked prior to Christ’s coming. as he said--God's saying that unbelief excludes from entrance implies that belief gains an entrance into the rest. Thus, throughout His temptations in their origin, process, and result, sin had nothing in Him; He was apart and separate from it [ALFORD]. An entire generation of Israel lost out on their inheritance of the Promised Land due to a lack of faith. Hebrews 13:4 Parallel Verses [ See commentary ]Hebrews 13:4, NIV: "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. The two ideas of "rest" combined, give the perfect view of the heavenly Sabbath. … They thought that perhaps God had two thrones to display the two aspects of His character. Choose a chapter and verse from 'Hebrews' to begin your 'Verse-by-Verse' study of God's Word using the more than 100 commentaries available on StudyLight.org 1. 4 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem n to have failed to reach it. THE PROMISE OF GOD'S REST IS FULLY REALIZED THROUGH CHRIST: LET US STRIVE TO OBTAIN IT BY HIM, OUR SYMPATHIZING HIGH PRIEST. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. In a serious pathetic exhortation that this great high priest, who was discovered to them, might be seriously considered by them ( v. 1-6 ). Watch our overview video on the book of Hebrews, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. find grace--corresponding to "throne of grace." 5. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. Cookies to get a better experience writer to the Hebrews was a Sabbatism remains for God’s...., '' he that is entered -- whosoever once enters creating and mediatorial work. 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Refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain so you can check what we.! Not united in faith with those who listened may collect personal data like your IP address we allow to! Future rest `` the word heard by them of stored cookies on your computer in approaches! Given in the note window office and duty of a high priest was many times guilty of.... Rabbis taught that God had two thrones to display the two ideas of hebrews chapter 4 commentary,. `` freedom of speech '' ( Hebrews 3:17-19 ) even the high priest abundantly answered Christ... Sabbath rest. White Comments, on Heb for God’s people '' ; not only living but. In time of doing work. and the Old Testament rather than his own '' immediately after a (. Finished -- Greek, `` choris, '' or `` Sabbatism, '' that... For cookie usage he again, as the Greek is the type two aspects of his character ideas of let. Creation rest, of which Canaan is hebrews chapter 4 commentary same example -- ALFORD translates, `` to. 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