Words in italic type have been added for clarity. They are not found in the original Hebrew or Aramaic.

The Promise of Rest

Hebrews 4:¹ Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

• The meaning of EL (God) is comprised of two ancient Hebrew Letters: The A/E (alef) which is a picture of an ox head, and the L (lama), a picture of a yoke. The name for God as “EL” is the understanding that EL, God, is a burden bearer who yokes Himself to man to carry man’s burdens. A reminder of Jesus’ words:
  
  • Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
• EL: reading from right to left:

Hebrews 4:² For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it (since they were not united by faith with those who heeded it).

• “Remember this: Satan Drives and there is no rest. The enemy knows our weakness’ and always comes through those same doors. When Jesus (Yeshua) Leads – he leads into rest. This is the key to freedom in (Jesus) Yeshua. “

Hebrews 4:³ For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:

“So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ”

although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

• Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord; and our heart is restless until it rests in Thee. – Augustine

Hebrews 4:⁴ For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”;

 Hebrews 4:⁵ and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.”

• To Rest has many applications
  • To rest on the Sabbath (the seventh day of the week).
  • A place of rest, including the Garden of Eden, Paradise, the Promised Land, and Heaven.
  • A state of mind, to rest without the presence of fear.
  • A belief and reliance on God’s promises.
  • To be secure and protected.
  • A completion of work/works.
  • To sleep, a rest for the body.
  • A “release””: from captivity, a ransom, a return of ownership.
  • A spiritual rest in death, also referred to as sleep.
  • To have a temporary respite from responsibilities.
  • To allow God to do the “work” for you.

Hebrews 4:⁶ Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter (the promised land) because of disobedience,

Hebrews 4:⁷ again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts.”

Hebrews 4:⁸ For if Joshua (Gr. Jesus, same as Heb. Joshua) had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day.

Hebrews 4:⁹ There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.

Hebrews 4:¹⁰ For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.

The Word Discovers Our Condition

Hebrews 4:¹¹ Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

Hebrews 4:¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:¹³ And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Our Compassionate High Priest

Hebrews 4:¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Hebrews 4:¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

• Hebrews 4:14-16 notes that Jesus is our High Priest, the Son of God, and a King on the throne of Grace.
• To understand the culture of trepidation when anyone approachs the King’s throne one only needs to read about the fear Queen Esther had in approaching the king’s throne, even though she was the Queen (Esther 4:15), or Nehemiah’s fear as the King’s cup-bearer (Nehemiah 2:2-3), in a time when even a sad face could be taken as an insult to the king, resulting in imprisonment and a death sentence.
• It is almost unfathomable to realize the power, the relationship, and the access to God’s throne for believers.

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