HIS Rest; Heb. 4:1 = The noun "rest" translates eight times in this chapter (vv. 1, 3, 4, 5, 8. 10, & 11) from the Greek noun root (transliterated "katapauo"; pronounced "kata-POW-"), which literally describes a calm, quiet, and peaceful situation wherein the one who experiences this type of rest lives in security and contentment. This is the same "rest" previously recorded in Hebrews 3:11 and 18.
The rest spoken of in verse nine (v.9) is a different type of rest which will receive its own commentary treatment.
The writer first approached the subject of GOD's Rest in the previous chapter (3:11 & 18). There, GOD addressed the rebellious Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt.
Due to the Israelites "hardening their hearts" toward GOD during their wilderness wanderings, GOD now addresses another audience: the readers' of this epistle as identified by the pronouns "us" and "any of you". The reader must compel himself to investigate the meaning and significance of this Rest.
In the previous references to GOD's Rest, the term "rest" speaks specifically of Israel's settling into Canaan which GOD initially promised to Abraham ( Gen. 17:8). This Rest may also apply generally of Israel's prospering in their national identity and security (cp. Exo. 6:4; Lev. 14:34; 25:38; Num. 13:2; 34:2; Deu. 32:49).
Yet, with all GOD's Promises and Guarantees, both Israel, and eventually Judah, lost everything due to their repeated and continuous rebellions and idolatries.
Now, GOD promises a Rest in the soteriological application through the reception of, and faith in the Gospel and Doctrines of JESUS CHRIST as LORD and SAVIOR. "MY Rest" speaks of the present irrevocable security all Christian believers enjoy in their Salvation apart from vain "works", and from the Law's condemnation of death (cp. Mt. 11:28-29).
The rest spoken of in verse nine (v.9) is a different type of rest which will receive its own commentary treatment.
The writer first approached the subject of GOD's Rest in the previous chapter (3:11 & 18). There, GOD addressed the rebellious Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt.
Due to the Israelites "hardening their hearts" toward GOD during their wilderness wanderings, GOD now addresses another audience: the readers' of this epistle as identified by the pronouns "us" and "any of you". The reader must compel himself to investigate the meaning and significance of this Rest.
In the previous references to GOD's Rest, the term "rest" speaks specifically of Israel's settling into Canaan which GOD initially promised to Abraham ( Gen. 17:8). This Rest may also apply generally of Israel's prospering in their national identity and security (cp. Exo. 6:4; Lev. 14:34; 25:38; Num. 13:2; 34:2; Deu. 32:49).
Yet, with all GOD's Promises and Guarantees, both Israel, and eventually Judah, lost everything due to their repeated and continuous rebellions and idolatries.
Now, GOD promises a Rest in the soteriological application through the reception of, and faith in the Gospel and Doctrines of JESUS CHRIST as LORD and SAVIOR. "MY Rest" speaks of the present irrevocable security all Christian believers enjoy in their Salvation apart from vain "works", and from the Law's condemnation of death (cp. Mt. 11:28-29).
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