Hebrews 3:7

Wherefore. That is, in view of what has been said in vs. 1-6 concerning Christ as “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession” (v. 1) and of our “confidence” and “hope” in Him (v. 6).

The Holy Ghost saith. Recognition is given to the Holy Spirit as the agent of communication between God and man (see on 2 Peter 1:21), particularly with respect to Ps. 95, from which the quotation in Heb. 3:7-11 is taken, and to David as being supernaturally inspired when he wrote the psalm (cf. Heb. 4:7).

To day. See on Ps. 95:7. The “to day” to which David referred was his own time, but, guided by inspiration, the writer of Hebrews declares that the truth here stated applies with equal force in NT times (see Vol. IV, p. 37; see on Deut. 18:15). The Holy Ghost bears this same message to us today (see on Heb. 4:7-9). From generation to generation the same merciful appeal has gone forth, calling men to find “rest” of soul in Christ. Soon mercy will no longer plead and the day of salvation will close.

The thought stated in Heb. 3:7-11 is repeated again and again in chs. 3 and 4 and forms the basis of the argument here presented. The conclusion drawn from the argument is that “there remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Heb. 4:9) and that we should “therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (v. 16).

It should be noted that the argument of chs. 3 and 4 opens with the presentation of Christ as “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession” (Heb. 3:1) and closes with an appeal to come to Him in faith, in the full assurance that He can and will provide the help we need (Heb. 4:14-16). Note how the expressions, “hold fast the confidence” (Heb. 3:6), “hold fast our profession” (Heb. 4:14), “come boldly unto the throne of grace” (v. 16), bind the line of reasoning together.

If. Gr. ean, “if,” “when,” “whenever.” Man’s free choice in accepting or rejecting God’s merciful call is here set forth in clear, unmistakable language. God has not predestined certain men to accept, and certain other men to reject, His mercy (see on John 3:17-20; Eph. 1:4-6).

Hear his voice. Obviously more is implied than hearing with the ears. Reference is to effective hearing, that is, hearing that results in appropriate action. Compare on Matt. 7:24-27; Rev. 1:3.