41 Therefore , let us fear if , while a promise remains of entering His rest , any one of you may seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also ; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard . 3 For we who have believed enter that rest , just as He has said , " AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH , THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST ," although His works were finished from the foundation of the world . 4 For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: " AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS "; 5 and again in this passage, " THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST ." 6 Therefore , since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience , 7 He again fixes a certain day , "Today ," saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before , " TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE , DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS ." 8 For if Joshua had given them rest , He would not have spoken of another day after that. 9 So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God . 10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works , as God did from His.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hebrews 4:1-10
Commentary on Hebrews 4:1-10
(Read Hebrews 4:1-10)
The privileges we have under the gospel, are greater than any had under the law of Moses, though the same gospel for substance was preached under both Testaments. There have been in all ages many unprofitable hearers; and unbelief is at the root of all unfruitfulness under the word. Faith in the hearer is the life of the word. But it is a painful consequence of partial neglect, and of a loose and wavering profession, that they often cause men to seem to come short. Let us then give diligence, that we may have a clear entrance into the kingdom of God. As God finished his work, and then rested from it, so he will cause those who believe, to finish their work, and then to enjoy their rest. It is evident, that there is a more spiritual and excellent sabbath remaining for the people of God, than that of the seventh day, or that into which Joshua led the Jews. This rest is, a rest of grace, and comfort, and holiness, in the gospel state. And a rest in glory, where the people of God shall enjoy the end of their faith, and the object of all their desires. The rest, or sabbatism, which is the subject of the apostle's reasoning, and as to which he concludes that it remains to be enjoyed, is undoubtedly the heavenly rest, which remains to the people of God, and is opposed to a state of labour and trouble in this world. It is the rest they shall obtain when the Lord Jesus shall appear from heaven. But those who do not believe, shall never enter into this spiritual rest, either of grace here or glory hereafter. God has always declared man's rest to be in him, and his love to be the only real happiness of the soul; and faith in his promises, through his Son, to be the only way of entering that rest.