Page 42 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

4:6 "because of disobedience" Faithlessness is evidenced by disobedience (cf. 3:18; 4:6,11). The larger
context of chapter 4 reflects the events recorded in Numbers 13-14, but the specific scriptural reference
is Ps. 95:7-11, which relates to Israel's experience at Meribah.

4:7 "fixes a certain day, "Today," saying through David" The Greek term "fixes" is the English term
"horizon," which means a setting of bounds. "Through David" is not in the Hebrew text of Ps. 95:7-8,
but the Septuagint correctly interprets and inserts the traditional author of the Psalm. The author's
argument is based on God's rest still being open even during David's reign.

Psalm 95:7-11 has been quoted several times in the context of chapters 3 and 4. Each time a different
part of the OT passage is emphasized (like a sermon).
1. 3:7-11 emphasizes "do not harden your hearts" of Ps. 95:8
2. 3:15 emphasizes "when they provoked Me" of Ps. 95:9
3. 4:3,5 emphasizes "they shall not enter My rest" of Ps. 95:11
4. 4:7 emphasizes "today" of Ps. 95:7

4:8 "if" This is a SECOND CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE, which is often called "contrary to fact." Joshua did
not bring all of the children of Israel into rest. This is using the term "rest" not in the sense of Canaan,
but God's spiritual rest (cf. vv. 9-10). From vv. 8-10 it is obvious that the author of Hebrews is using
"rest" in three historical/theological senses:
1. The Promised Land of Canaan (v. 8, Joshua's day, Num. 13-14)
2. The opportunity to trust God (cf. v. 9 i.e., David's day, Ps. 95)
3. The Genesis 2 (v. 4) rest of God at creation (v. 10)
4. Heaven (vv. 1 and 11)

"Joshua" The King James translation has "Jesus," which follows the Geneva and Bishops Bibles'
translations, but the context demands the OT "Joshua." Both names are spelled the same (i.e., Joshua -
Hebrew; Jesus - Aramaic)! The early church often used Joshua as a type of Jesus (cf. Acts 7:45, where the
same error in translation is made).

4:10,11 All of the VERBALS of vv. 10-11 are AORIST, which either (1) point to a completed action or (2) view
all of life as a whole. Verses 10 and 11 make it clear that the "rest" of v. 10 refers to heaven. Believers
will one day cease their diligence (cf. Rev. 14:13), but v. 11 clearly asserts that while physical life
remains, believers must continue in faith, repentance, obedience, and perseverance. Verse 11 is a
strong warning. Salvation is absolutely free in the finished work of Christ. It is a gift of grace from the
Father and the convicting work of the Spirit. However, the sovereign Triune God has chosen to deal with
humanity in a covenant relationship. Mankind must respond and continue to respond. Here Uttly says,
“Salvation is not a ticket to heaven nor a fire insurance policy, but a day-by-day faith relationship with
38
God which issues in progressive Christlikeness! The covenant has benefits and obligations.”

4:11

NASB, NKJV "Let us be diligent to enter that rest"
NRSV "Let us make every effort to enter that rest"

38 Uttly
40