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Hebrews 4:11-16

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

11. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12. For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. 15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:11-16 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Hebrews 4:11

Theological / Devotional

Let us labour. Or, “let us be zealous,” “let us make every effort.” Diligent, determined effort is necessary in order to enter into God’s “rest.”

Therefore. Verses 11-16 make a practical application of the principle established by the argument set forth in chs. 3:7 to 4:10, that a “rest” remains “to the people of God” (v. 9). This practical application to Christian experience consists of a threefold appeal: (1) to labor to enter into God’s “rest,” Heb. 4:11; (2) to “hold fast our profession,” v. 14; and (3) to “come boldly unto the throne of grace,” v. 16. He who follows this admonition will enjoy the “rest” of soul God designs every sincere Christian to experience in this life.

Rest. Gr. katapausis (see on Heb. 3:11).

Lest. He who strives wholeheartedly “to enter into that rest” thereby avoids the pitfall of unbelief into which ancient Israel fell.

Fall. The opposite of entering in. The fact that ancient Israel “fell in the wilderness” (Heb. 3:17) implies that they had left Egypt intending to enter the Promised Land. When a man falls short of God’s “rest” the implication is that he had, at one time, purposed to enter into it. Halfhearted Christians are the ones who, today, “fall after the same example of unbelief.” Counsel with respect to this problem is set forth in the parable of the Sower (see on Matt. 13:5-7).

The same example. That is, the example of the choice and fate of ancient Israel, first at Kadesh-barnea and later when they were settled in the Promised Land.

Unbelief. Or, “disobedience” (see on Heb. 3:19).

By SdaBc