Therefore, let us be on our guard while the promise of entering into his rest remains, that none of you seem to have failed. 2 For in fact we have received the good news just as they did. But the word that they heard did not profit them, for they were not united in faith with those who listened. 3 For we who believed enter into [that] rest, just as he has said: “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter into my rest,’” and yet his works were accomplished at the foundation of the world. 4 For he has spoken somewhere about the seventh day in this manner, “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works”; 5 and again, in the previously mentioned place, “They shall not enter into my rest.” 6 Therefore, since it remains that some will enter into it, and those who formerly received the good news did not enter because of disobedience, 7 he once more set a day, “today,” when long afterwards he spoke through David, as already quoted: “Oh, that today you would hear his voice: ‘Harden not your hearts.’” 8 Now if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterwards of another day. 9 Therefore, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God. 10 And whoever enters into God’s rest, rests from his own works as God did from his. 11 Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience.
The author of Hebrews, writing primarily to Jewish Christians, emphasizes the need for vigilance concerning the promise of entering God's rest. This focus on vigilance arises from the extensive use of Old Testament references and Jewish themes throughout the epistle. The community appears to be facing persecution, and there is a concern that some members may be tempted to return to Judaism or abandon their Christian faith altogether.
The concept of "God’s rest" in Hebrews 3 and 4 is multifaceted. It refers not only to the physical rest that was promised to the Israelites in the Promised Land but also to the ultimate spiritual and eschatological rest that God offers to His people through faith in Christ—eternal rest in God's presence.
The "good news" mentioned in this passage refers to the message of salvation that was also proclaimed to the Israelites. However, they failed to benefit from it due to their lack of faith. The author stresses that merely hearing the word is not sufficient; it must be combined with faith to be effective. Those who are faithful are assured of entering God’s rest, which is rooted in the divine promise. In contrast, the Israelites who were unfaithful did not enter this rest, as noted in Psalm 95:11. The reference to God’s rest being established "at the foundation of the world" highlights that this rest has always been part of God's divine plan, a rest symbolized by God resting on the seventh day after completing creation (Genesis 2:2).
This repetition of the warning from Psalm 95 (in Heb. 4:2) underscores the seriousness of the Israelites’ failure to enter God's rest due to their disobedience. The author insists that the opportunity to enter God’s rest remains open to the present audience, but they must respond to God's call with urgency—"today"—indicating that this opportunity is both ongoing and immediate. By citing Psalm 95:7-8, the author connects the present opportunity for salvation with the historical warning given to Israel.
The rest that Joshua provided by leading the Israelites into the Promised Land was not the ultimate rest that God intended. If Joshua’s rest had fulfilled God’s promise, there would be no need for God to offer "another day" of rest. The true rest is spiritual and still accessible to believers today. The promise of a “sabbath rest” for believers is still ongoing and available.
The author concludes by urging the audience to strive to enter God's rest, warning against complacency and disobedience like that of the Israelites. Faithfulness and perseverance are required; they must remain vigilant and endure to the end to fully partake in the rest that God has promised.
Heavenly Father. grant us the grace to remain vigilant and steadfast in our faith, that we may not fall into disobedience but strive always to enter Your promised rest. May Your Word penetrate our hearts, guiding us in truth and perseverance, as we seek the eternal peace and communion with You that is yet to be fully realized. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
- McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.
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