ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Hebrews 4

Heb. 4:1–13 Continuing to use Psalm 95, the author focuses on the word “rest.” The section makes most sense if the rest is understood as having begun but still awaiting completion.

Heb. 4:1 Therefore. Verses 1–13 connect closely to the preceding argument (compare 3:7–11, 16–19 with 4:2–10) and to the previous exhortation (compare 3:12–14 with 4:1–2, 11–13). There remains a future, end-time Sabbath rest from God that can be enjoyed in some measure even in this life (vv. 3–10). fear. Reverent fear before God, here concerning a person’s spiritual state (see notes on Prov. 1:7; Acts 5:5; 1 Pet. 1:17; 1 John 4:18).

Heb. 4:2 Comparisons continue between the exodus generation and the church. Both received God’s declaration of deliverance (good news). Both were called to respond in faith. The exodus generation did not receive the promised benefit because they failed to respond in faith. Their failure warns Christians against unbelief.

Heb. 4:3–5 we who have believed. Faith in God’s good news is necessary to enter God’s rest. The “rest” of God in Ps. 95:11 (they shall not enter my rest) is connected with God’s resting on the seventh day after his work of creation. The fact that the exodus generation was not allowed to enter that rest proves that God’s Sabbath rest was still open. Even “today,” at the time of the writing of Hebrews, this rest could still be entered. Indeed, people throughout the entire church age can enter into this rest.

Heb. 4:6–7 Verse 6 restates the conclusions of vv. 2–5. Verse 7 advances the argument by suggesting that the today of Ps. 95:7–8 holds out to the worshiper the possibility of entering even now in a partial way into the end-time “rest” and blessing that the exodus generation missed. Christians enter into God’s rest through recognizing that Christ’s work of redeeming them from sin has been completed.

Heb. 4:8–10 For if Joshua had given them rest. One could conceivably argue that the “rest” that the exodus generation sought was their entrance into the Promised Land. However, that entrance occurred in the days of Joshua, and Psalm 95 (with its promise of “today” entering into God’s rest) is later than Joshua’s day. Therefore, the Sabbath rest remains possible for God’s people to enter even now, in this life (Heb. 4:9).

Heb. 4:11 therefore (in light of the conclusion from vv. 9–10) strive to enter that rest. This phrase again emphasizes the need for perseverance (see 2:1; 3:14; 4:14).

Heb. 4:12–13 The warning continues: faithless disobedience will not go unnoticed. word of God. Usually this phrase in Hebrews refers to the message of salvation (13:7; compare 4:2), but here the “word” is pictured as God’s personal utterance, living, active, sharp, piercing, and discerning, with eyes that expose. The Word of God acts as God himself, so that one’s innermost thoughts and intentions are exposed. This happens constantly in Christians’ lives.

Heb. 4:14–10:18 As high priest, Jesus is superior to the Mosaic priesthood due to (1) his ability to sympathize with human need, (2) his perfect holiness, (3) his eternal call to the priestly order of Melchizedek, (4) his initiating a new and better covenant, (5) his ministering in the true heavenly tabernacle, and (6) his once-for-all sacrifice for the salvation and perfection of his followers.

Heb. 4:14 Jesus’ role as high priest is announced in 2:17, discussed here (4:14–5:10), and further explained in 7:1–9:8. passed through the heavens. Jesus ascended to the right hand of God the Father (see note on 1:3). Son of God. Jesus’ role as a human high priest (2:5–18) is united with his position as God’s unique Son (5:5–6; see 1:1–14; 3:5–6). Let us hold fast continues the theme of perseverance (2:1; 3:6; 12–14; 4:11). confession. See 3:1; 10:23.

Heb. 4:15 tempted. The Greek word can refer either to temptation to make one sin (compare Matt. 4:1–11) or testing designed to strengthen one’s faith (compare Luke 22:28). Here it means temptation to sin. in every respect. Jesus was tempted in every area of personal life. He (unlike every other human) remained without sin. Thus he is truly the holy high priest (Heb. 7:26–28; see 5:2–3).

Heb. 4:16 Draw near is used consistently in Hebrews to describe a person approaching God (7:25; 10:1; 22; 11:6; 12:18; 22; see Lev. 9:5). This is possible only when one’s sins are forgiven through the ministry of a high priest (Heb. 7:25; 10:22). Confidence indicates that Christians may come before God without fear that they will be punished for approaching someone with greater authority and power.