The Promise of Rest

Opening Text

Hebrews 4:1–3 NKJV

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 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. For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

The word “therefore” ties this verse to the preceding verses. The end of chapter 3 explains that the Israelites who rebelled against God never entered “his rest” (referring to the Promised Land in 3:18–19).

Hebrews 4:1 NKJV

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

Hebrews 4:1–11 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. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’ ” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.” Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

Hebrews 4:1–11 NKJV

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 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. For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.” Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

Life Application Bible Commentary, Hebrews A Rest for God’s People / 4:1–13

In this chapter, the word “rest” is used in three different ways: (1) the rest Israel had been promised in Canaan; (2) God’s rest after creating the world (see 4:4); and (3) the rest experienced by Christians—both now and in the future.

Deuteronomy 12:9–11 describes the “rest” that Israel had been promised in Canaan:

• the land itself

• security and protection because they were God’s people

• rest from fighting (peace)

• God’s presence through the tabernacle (and later the temple)

The word “therefore” ties this verse to the preceding verses. The end of chapter 3 explains that the Israelites who rebelled against God never entered “his rest” (referring to the Promised Land in 3:18–19).

Life Application Bible Commentary, Hebrews A Rest for God’s People / 4:1–13

In this chapter, the word “rest” is used in three different ways: (1) the rest Israel had been promised in Canaan; (2) God’s rest after creating the world (see 4:4); and (3) the rest experienced by Christians—both now and in the future.

Deuteronomy 12:9–11 describes the “rest” that Israel had been promised in Canaan:

• the land itself

• security and protection because they were God’s people

• rest from fighting (peace)

• God’s presence through the tabernacle (and later the temple)

Life Application Bible Commentary, Hebrews A Rest for God’s People / 4:1–13

In this chapter, the word “rest” is used in three different ways: (1) the rest Israel had been promised in Canaan; (2) God’s rest after creating the world (see 4:4); and (3) the rest experienced by Christians—both now and in the future.

Deuteronomy 12:9–11 describes the “rest” that Israel had been promised in Canaan:

• the land itself

• security and protection because they were God’s people

• rest from fighting (peace)

• God’s presence through the tabernacle (and later the temple)