Hebrews 4:8

For if. From the fact stated in v. 7, concerning the renewal of the invitation to enter into God’s “rest” in David’s time, the conclusion is drawn that Joshua had not given Israel “rest.” Otherwise, had Israel entered into the spiritual “rest” God intended for them as a nation, in the days of Joshua, He would not have repeated His invitation to that nation in the days of David, centuries later.

Jesus. That is, Joshua. The English name Jesus is a transliteration of the Greek, which in turn is a transliteration of the Hebrew equivalent of Joshua (see on Matt. 1:1).

Had given them rest. Joshua did, indeed, give Israel literal “rest” in Canaan, that is, he led them in a successful conquest and settlement of considerable portions of the land (see Vol. II, pp. 43, 44). But he did not lead them into the spiritual “rest” God designed for them because they were not willing (see on ch. 3:11).

Afterward. That is, after the days of Joshua, in the days of David.

Spoken. That is, the words of Ps. 95:7-11.

Another day. That is, the “day” of David, as v. 7 makes evident (see comment there). The fact that in the days of David and Solomon, Israel was in full possession of the land of Canaan makes it clear that the “rest” here referred to was not the occupation of literal Canaan but the glorious role God intended for the nation (see Vol. IV, pp. 26-30).