The promised rest
The children of Israel failed to enter their promised rest, so a promise of rest remains for those in Christ. Both physical and spiritual Israel have heard God’s good news, so the promise of entering into rest is ours as well as theirs. God’s word was heard by them, but they fell into unbelief. This resulted from their failing to hear the word of God with faith (Hebrews 4:1-2; Numbers 13:1-33).
The promise is affirmed for all who believe, yet those who rebelled in the wilderness faced God’s wrath and could not enter (Psalm 95:11). Thompson notes that the phrase "from the foundation of the world" suggests that God’s plan of salvation was conceived before all ages and will be fulfilled at the end of time (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 1:20). This phrase connects to the creation story in Genesis, indicating that the concept of rest has existed since God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2). God’s rest is reserved for those who serve him faithfully (Hebrews 4:3-5).
The promise of rest remained for faithful Israelites, even though some did not enter because of unbelief. The first generation, except Joshua and Caleb, died in the wilderness because of unfaithfulness. Nonetheless, the second generation, including faithful and unfaithful individuals, entered Canaan, the land of rest. Psalm 95:7-11 illustrates that even in David’s time, the people needed warning against unbelief, highlighting that Canaan was a type of the heavenly rest to come. The word "today" emphasizes that the promise of rest is available now. Though Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, this physical rest was incomplete, prompting David to refer to a more fulfilling rest, namely heaven (Hebrews 4:6-8).
A promise of rest exists for the obedient beyond the types of rest under the old covenant (Hebrews 4:9-10). Jesus spoke of this rest in Matthew 11:28-30, emphasizing that it is the reason he came. Those who enter this rest are freed from worldly cares. It signifies a rest achieved after completing one’s life work (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Lightfoot notes that just as God entered his Sabbath, believers will also enter theirs, resting from their labors (Revelation 14:13).
We should strive diligently to attain the rest we know awaits us (Hebrews 4:11; 2 Peter 1:10). The writer urges readers to be diligent, emphasizing the need for earnest effort. The example of the Israelites shows the consequences of failing to give our all.
Some might think they can deceive God by feigning diligence. However, God’s insight into the human soul is profound (Hebrews 4:12). That knowledge is reflected in the nature of his word. The "word of God" is described as the incorruptible seed (1 Peter 1:23) that can generate faith (Romans 10:17), essential for pleasing God (Hebrews 11:6). By heeding this word, one can receive blessings (Luke 11:28). This message, delivered by Jesus, should dwell richly in believers’ hearts (John 17:8, 14, 17; Colossians 3:16) and is the basis for their salvation (John 5:24; Acts 20:32). The "word" must be acted upon. It is ineffective for those who do not live by its teachings (James 1:18-25).
The writer asserts that this word is alive and powerful, able to divide the very essence of man and discern his true purpose in life. This power is rooted in the God who authored it, who knows all secrets (Hebrews 4:13).
Further strengthening the foundation of the Christian’s faith is the High Priest, Jesus Christ, who has passed through the heavens and intercedes for his followers (Hebrews 4:14; 7:25). He is compassionate and understands human weaknesses better than anyone, having faced and overcome temptation (Hebrews 4:15).
For these reasons, Christians should approach their High Priest with confidence, seeking help in times of need. Under Moses’ law, only priests could draw near to God, but under Christ’s covenant, every believer is a priest, granted access to the “throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).
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