Verse
Context
The Sabbath Rest
1Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. 2For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For unto us was the Gospel preached - Και γαρ εσμεν ευηγγελισμενοι· For we also have received good tidings as well as they. They had a gracious promise of entering into an earthly rest; we have a gracious promise of entering into a heavenly rest. God gave them every requisite advantage; he has done the same to us. Moses and the elders spoke the word of God plainly and forcibly to them: Christ and his apostles have done the same to us. They might have persevered; so may we: they disbelieved, disobeyed, and fell: and so may we. But the word preached did not profit them - Αλλ ουκ ωφελησεν ὁ λογος της ακοης εκεινους· But the word of hearing did not profit them. The word and promise to which the apostle most probably refers is that in Deu 1:20, Deu 1:21 : Ye are come unto to the mountain of the Amorites, which the Lord our God doth give unto to us. Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee: fear not. Many exhortations they had to the following effect: Arise, that we may go up against them; for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? Be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land; for God hath given it into your hands; a place where there is no want of any thing that is in the earth; Jdg 18:9, Jdg 18:10. But instead of attending to the word of the Lord by Moses, the whole congregation murmured against him and Aaron, and said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt; Num 14:2, Num 14:4. But they were dastardly through all their generations. They spoke evil of the pleasant land, and did not give credence to his word. Their minds had been debased by their Egyptian bondage, and they scarcely ever arose to a state of mental nobility. Not being mixed with faith in them that heard - There are several various readings in this verse, and some of them important. The principal are on the word συγκεκραμενος, mixed; which in the common text refers to ὁ λογος, the word mixed; but, in ABCD and several others, it is συγκεκραμενους, referring to, and agreeing with, εκεινους, and may be thus translated: The word of hearing did not profit them, they not being mixed with those who heard it by faith. That is, they were not of the same spirit with Joshua and Caleb. There are other variations, but of less importance; but the common text seems best. The word συγκεκραμενος, mixed, is peculiarly expressive; it is a metaphor taken from the nutrition of the human body by mixing the aliment taken into the stomach with the saliva and gastric juice, in consequence of which it is concocted, digested, reduced into chyle, which, absorbed by the lacteal vessels, and thrown into the blood, becomes the means of increasing and supporting the body, all the solids and fluids being thus generated; so that on this process, properly performed, depend (under God) strength, health, and life itself. Should the most nutritive aliment be received into the stomach, if not mixed with the above juices, it would be rather the means of death than of life; or, in the words of the apostle, it would not profit, because not thus mixed. Faith in the word preached, in reference to that God who sent it, is the grand means of its becoming the power of God to the salvation of the soul. It is not likely that he who does not credit a threatening, when he comes to hear it, will be deterred by it from repeating the sin against which it is levelled; nor can he derive comfort from a promise who does not believe it as a pledge of God's veracity and goodness. Faith, therefore, must be mixed with all that we hear, in order to make the word of God effectual to our salvation. This very use of the word, and its explanation, we may find in Maximus Tyrius, in his description of health, Dissert. x., page 101. "Health," says he, it is a certain disposition ὑγρων και ξηρων και ψυχρων και θερμων δυναμεων, η ὑπο τεχνης συγκραθεισων καλως, η ὑπο φυσεως ἁρμοσθεισων τεχνικως, which consists in a proper mixture together of the wet and the dry, the cold and the hot, either by an artificial process, or by the skillful economy of nature."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
gospel preached . . . unto them--in type: the earthly Canaan, wherein they failed to realize perfect rest, suggesting to them that they should look beyond to the heavenly land of rest, to which faith is the avenue, and from which unbelief excludes, as it did from the earthly Canaan. the word preached--literally, "the word of hearing": the word heard by them. not being mixed with faith in them that heard--So the Syriac and the Old Latin Versions, older than any of our manuscripts, and LUCIFER, read, "As the world did not unite with the hearers in faith." The word heard being the food which, as the bread of life, must pass into flesh and blood through man's appropriating it to himself in faith. Hearing alone is of as little value as undigested food in a bad stomach [THOLUCK]. The whole of oldest extant manuscript authority supports a different reading, "unmingled as they were (Greek accusative case agreeing with 'them') in faith with its hearers," that is, with its believing, obedient hearers, as Caleb and Joshua. So "hear" is used for "obey" in the context, Heb 4:7, "To-day, if ye will hear His voice." The disobedient, instead of being blended in "the same body," separated themselves as Korah: a tacit reproof to like separatists from the Christian assembling together (Heb 10:25; Jde 1:19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For unto us was the Gospel preached,.... The Gospel is the good news and glad tidings of salvation by Christ; and this may be said to be preached, when men preach not themselves, nor read lectures of morality, nor mix law and Gospel together, nor make justification and salvation to be by works, nor set persons to make their peace with God, or get an interest in Christ; but when they preach Christ and salvation alone by him; and so it was preached to the Hebrews, and that more fully, and with more clearness, power, and success than formerly; and which is a privilege and blessing; and is sometimes blessed for the conviction of sinners, for regeneration, for the implanting of faith, and the comfort of believers. The words may be rendered, we were evangelized; as such may be said to be, who have a spirit of liberty, in opposition to a spirit of bondage; who live by faith on Christ alone; who derive their peace and comfort, not from their works, but from him; whose repentance and obedience are influenced by the love of God; and who desire to perform all duties aright, and depend on none: now though this was true of the apostle and others, yet is not the sense here, because of what follows, as well as unto them, or "even as they"; for though the Gospel was preached to the Israelites in the wilderness, in the ministry of Moses, and by types and sacrifices; yet they were not evangelized by it, or cast into a Gospel mould, or brought into a Gospel spirit: however, it was preached unto them; which shows the antiquity of it; the sameness of the method of salvation in all ages; the necessity of salvation by Christ, and the unity of Christ's church under different dispensations: but the word preached did not profit them; that is, the Gospel, which is here called the word of hearing, as it may be rendered; because it is and may be heard; and there is a necessity of hearing, in order to faith in Christ: the word signifies a rumour, or report: the Gospel is a report of Christ, his person and offices; of his great love to sinners, and of what he has done for them; but though it is a word of hearing, a report made, and the word preached, yet to some it is unprofitable; it has no good effect upon them; yea, it is the savour of death unto death to them, and the aggravation of condemnation; and the reason of the inefficacy and unprofitableness of the word to the Israelites was, its not being mixed with faith in them that heard it; the Gospel is as food, and faith is the hand that receives it, and takes it, and tastes of it, and eats it, and concocts and digests it; and when this is the case, it is profitable and nourishing; but when it is otherwise, it is not. The Alexandrian copy, the Complutensian edition, and five of Beza's ancient copies, and as many of Stephens's, with others, read, "they were not mixed" referring it not to the word, but to persons; and so read the Arabic and Ethiopic versions: and the sense is, that the generality of the Israelites did not join themselves in faith, in believing in God, to Caleb and Joshua; who hearkened to the Lord, and received and obeyed his word; and so the word became useless to them: there ought to be an union or conjunction of the saints, and the bond of this union is love; and the thing in which they unite is faith, believing in Christ, and the doctrine of faith, which is but one; and though the word may be profitable to others who are not in the communion of the saints; yet forsaking the assembly of the saints, and not constantly attending with them, or not mixing with them continually in public worship, is one reason of the unprofitable hearing of the word when it is preached to them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:2 This good news is the message of salvation (2:3-4). • they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God: Some manuscripts read they didn’t combine what they heard with faith. In either case, the hearers were deficient in faith, distrusting God’s word of promise.
The Sabbath Rest
1Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. 2For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Lord Will Fight for You
By David Wilkerson9.3K59:03DEU 1:21MAT 7:7LUK 18:7JHN 10:27HEB 4:2JAS 1:6REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and having faith in Him. He encourages the congregation to look back on their lives and see the many times God has delivered them and made a way for them. The preacher also highlights the value of a single believer who has absolute faith in God. He mentions the challenges and temptations faced in the world, such as the presence of evil music videos and the chaos on the streets. Despite these challenges, the preacher assures the congregation that God will fight for them and be faithful to see them through.
(Awake! Series): Take Heed How Ye Hear
By A.W. Tozer8.9K42:25Take HeedLUK 8:16HEB 4:2In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing the different types of hearers in the church. He mentions a faithless hearer who lacks faith and therefore does not benefit from the gospel. The preacher also talks about the critical hearer who focuses on grammar and delivery rather than the message itself. He acknowledges that sometimes preaching can be dull, but emphasizes that God is still calling people to Himself. The sermon concludes with a prayer for protection against the negative influences of the world on young people.
A Way Through the Wilderness
By George Warnock8.9K1:19:43WildernessPSA 40:6HEB 4:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses Jesus' statement to his disciples that it is better for him to go away. He emphasizes that Jesus' departure was part of God's plan to bring about the fullness of his glory on earth. The preacher highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit, who would come after Jesus' departure and enable believers to fully comprehend and receive the love of Christ. He also uses various illustrations and types to convey the different aspects of God's work in his people. The sermon concludes with the reminder that embracing the cross of Christ can transform our nature from bitterness to sweetness.
Unbelief
By Bill McLeod2.8K44:52UnbeliefPSA 78:41MAT 28:17MRK 1:15MRK 6:5MRK 16:14LUK 24:25JHN 20:27HEB 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and belief in God. He criticizes the dangerous teaching that focuses on material wealth and encourages believers to trust in God's provision. The preacher shares examples of how God has provided for him and others in times of need, even using non-believers to bless them. He highlights the significance of believing in the gospel and having faith in God's ability to lead, bless, and use believers in their Christian work. The sermon references Bible verses such as Galatians 5:6, 1 John 4, Mark 6, and Hebrews 4 to support these teachings.
A Word of Reconciliation, Participation, Emancipation
By Major Ian Thomas2.7K44:37ReconciliationJHN 14:62CO 5:172CO 5:19PHP 2:12HEB 4:21PE 1:231PE 1:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and embracing the truth. He highlights that while people may argue about untruth, they cannot argue about the truth. The preacher quotes John 8:30, where Jesus declares that those who continue in his word will know the truth and be set free. He uses the analogy of a glove to illustrate how believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and empowered to live a life that is possible through Christ. The preacher concludes by inviting the audience to receive God's forgiveness and embrace the truth through a simple prayer.
Avoiding Cynicism - Part 3
By K.P. Yohannan2.4K10:18Critical SpiritGEN 19:26PSA 27:13PRO 18:21MAT 6:33HEB 3:19HEB 4:2HEB 11:8In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannett addresses the danger of becoming cynical and taking God's Word and blessings for granted. He highlights the importance of faith and belief in experiencing the goodness of the Lord in our lives. He references the Old Testament story of the Israelites who were destroyed in the wilderness because they did not mix the word they heard with faith. He emphasizes the need to avoid cynicism and instead have a tangible, real, and touchable faith in God's promises.
(Spirit-Filled Life) Part 4: Lay All on the Altar
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:03:33Surrender to GodSpirit Filled LifeNUM 13:33PRO 14:14LUK 11:13ROM 8:14ROM 12:11CO 10:22CO 10:5GAL 2:20GAL 5:24HEB 4:2Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of laying everything on the altar to experience a Spirit-filled life, drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan and the Christian's journey towards spiritual victory. He explains that the two baptisms the Israelites underwent symbolize salvation and the immersion in the Holy Spirit, which is meant to lead believers into a life of victory over sin. Poonen warns against seeking the Holy Spirit for mere experiences, urging believers to trust God fully and to confront the 'giants' of sin in their lives with faith. He highlights that true victory comes from recognizing our position in Christ and actively engaging in the battle against the flesh, rather than living in a state of religious complacency. Ultimately, he calls for a continuous surrender to God, encouraging believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in their daily lives.
Make Your Life Count 2
By George Verwer1.0K51:47Counting The CostMAT 6:33ROM 10:172CO 12:9EPH 6:16HEB 4:2JAS 1:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding how God works through people, rather than relying solely on one individual's ideas. He emphasizes the need for a fellowship of people who love and support one another. The speaker also addresses the challenges and discouragements that can arise when doing God's work, particularly in evangelizing the Muslim world. He encourages listeners to lay down their lives for others and open their homes as a powerful evangelistic center. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the rest of faith and the promise of a radical, loving, and compassionate lifestyle.
Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please God
By Hans R. Waldvogel96327:56Without FaithNUM 13:28ISA 53:5MAT 12:17ROM 4:21COL 1:12HEB 4:2JAS 1:6In this sermon, Peter and John are described as performing a miracle at the beautiful gate of the temple. Instead of seeking fame and fortune, they redirect the attention of the people to God, emphasizing that it is not their own power or holiness that has made the man walk, but the power of God. The speaker highlights the importance of faith in the resurrection of Jesus and the belief that God is able to fulfill his promises. The sermon also references the story of George Miller of Bristol, who demonstrated the power of trusting in God by starting orphanages based solely on faith.
God Speaking About His Son
By Robert Dowie89354:30Jesus ChristHEB 1:1HEB 2:1HEB 2:3HEB 4:2HEB 6:4HEB 6:9HEB 13:14In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Hebrews, specifically chapter 1. The key theme throughout the chapter is that God is speaking. The speaker highlights four ways in which God is speaking in this chapter: speaking about his son, speaking in his son, speaking for his son, and speaking in the past. The speaker encourages the audience to read through the book of Hebrews, write down all the verses that mention God speaking, and submit their findings in two weeks. The sermon emphasizes the greatness of Christ and how he is described in the book of Hebrews.
Survivalship
By George Verwer88624:46SurvivalshipROM 8:281CO 9:241TH 5:16HEB 4:2HEB 4:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning to be heard in our Christian life. He shares a story of a young man who made a mistake that resulted in a plane crash and the emotional struggle he went through. The speaker highlights the need for believers to use the weapon of thanksgiving and praise in spiritual warfare. He also discusses the importance of discipline in various areas of life, such as food, time management, and media consumption. The sermon references Bible verses, including the Sermon on the Mount and Romans 8:28, to support these principles.
The Shield of Faith
By Erlo Stegen77648:25PRO 28:1MAT 10:26ROM 13:12EPH 6:10EPH 6:16HEB 4:2HEB 4:11The sermon transcript discusses the importance of having faith as a shield against the attacks of the evil one. It explains that Satan's tactics are like fiery arrows, and faith is the shield that can extinguish them. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to be strong in the Lord and to have a faith that is active and obedient. It also highlights the importance of living a life of righteousness and truth, as God sees and knows everything and will eventually expose all secrets.
Call to Repentance
By George Warnock7661:25:11RepentanceEXO 12:14EXO 15:25EXO 23:16PSA 40:6MAT 3:17HEB 4:2HEB 4:111JN 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that Israel failed to learn from their experiences in the wilderness, despite God's tender leading and the manifestation of His glory. The speaker highlights the importance of trusting in God's word and recognizing that even in difficult times, God has a purpose and is working for His glory. Various illustrations and types are used to convey the different aspects of God's work in His people. The sermon also emphasizes the need for believers to be united and built up in the body of Christ, continually growing in faith and edifying one another until they stand face to face with Him in His unveiled splendor.
The Rest Versus Babylon
By Robert B. Thompson6481:18:58GEN 1:2MAT 5:14MAT 23:24ACT 9:15ROM 8:19HEB 4:2HEB 4:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of rest in the context of the Bible. He compares the rest of God to various analogies, including Joshua bringing Israel into the land. The preacher emphasizes that the devil is not afraid of large prayer meetings or assertive actions by the church, but rather fears when individuals interact with Jesus. He also highlights the importance of ceasing from our own works and entering into the vision that God has for us through faith and obedience.
Harvest Celebration 1981
By George Verwer4431:08:59MissionsMAT 6:33HEB 4:2HEB 12:1The video is about a campaign to raise awareness and support for Christians in the Soviet Union. It promotes an action pack that includes an audiovisual presentation, a book called "The Siberian Seven," posters, stickers, and other materials. The speaker emphasizes the importance of paying the price and seeking God's face for revival in Britain. He asks the audience if they are in God's race and challenges them to be on fire for God, devoted to Him in every aspect of their lives. The video also highlights the importance of both enjoying fellowship and having reverence for God.
Anatomy of a Prophetic Word
By David Ravenhill721:19:41Prophetic MinistryWord and Spirit BalanceProphetic Word2KI 20:1ISA 46:7JER 18:4HAB 2:3LUK 8:41CO 12:11CO 13:91TH 5:21HEB 4:21PE 1:10David Ravenhill discusses the importance of understanding the prophetic word, emphasizing the need for a balance between the Word of God and the Spirit of God. He highlights the complexity of prophetic ministry, explaining that revelation, interpretation, and application are crucial components of a prophetic word. Ravenhill warns against the extremes of gullibility and skepticism, urging believers to examine prophetic utterances carefully. He also stresses the significance of motivation and the conditions that can affect the fulfillment of prophetic words, encouraging the church to embrace the prophetic as a vital tool for edification and guidance.
Persevering Faith That Inherits God's Promises (Isa. 49:1-7)
By Mike Bickle1453:29PerseveranceFaith in God's PromisesHEB 4:2HEB 6:12HEB 12:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the necessity of persevering faith in inheriting God's promises, drawing from the example of Jesus and Abraham. He explains that while God's promises may seem delayed or impossible due to circumstances, believers are called to actively engage their faith and not become passive. Bickle highlights that the process of waiting and enduring is part of God's preparation, and encourages believers to remain steadfast, looking to Jesus as both the model and source of strength. He reminds the congregation that true faith combines belief in God's promises with active obedience to His commands, urging them to run with endurance and not succumb to weariness.
Hindrances to Holiness
By Samuel Logan Brengle4The Nature of SalvationHindrances to HolinessPSA 139:23HOS 4:6JHN 10:102CO 10:122CO 12:9PHP 2:5HEB 3:1HEB 4:2JAS 1:22PE 1:4Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes that God offers a perfect salvation that empowers believers to overcome worldly challenges and live in accordance with His will. He identifies several hindrances to receiving this salvation, including ignorance of its existence, unbelief in God's promises, and the pursuit of the wrong expectations regarding salvation. Brengle encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of holiness, which is not merely about external conduct but involves a transformation of the heart and character. He concludes that true holiness is attainable through humility and a close relationship with Jesus, who exemplifies the perfect model of a holy life.
Spiritual Blindness
By Bakht Singh12KI 6:17PSA 119:18MRK 8:22LUK 24:30HEB 4:2REV 3:18Bakht Singh preaches on spiritual blindness, using the story of Elisha's servant and other biblical examples to illustrate how earthly desires, greed, lies, and lack of faith can lead to spiritual blindness. He emphasizes the need for God to open our eyes to see heavenly things, the importance of clear spiritual vision for understanding God's Word, and the role of faith in receiving and understanding the Word of God.
The Gospel, Glad Tidings.
By Edward Payson1MRK 16:15JHN 3:16ACT 13:26ROM 1:16ROM 10:172CO 4:42CO 5:201TI 1:11HEB 4:2Edward Payson preaches about the glorious gospel of the blessed God, emphasizing the bright light that the Apostle Paul shone as he reflected the image of the Sun of righteousness. The gospel is described as the glorious glad tidings of the blessed God, filled with joy, salvation, and the display of God's moral excellencies. The sermon urges ministers to faithfully proclaim the gospel, highlighting the divine commission and the importance of not delaying in sharing the life-giving message. For the congregation, the sermon calls for a response to the gospel, questioning if they have truly believed and experienced the joy and peace that come from accepting the glorious gospel of Christ.
Spiritual Appraisers
By A.W. Tozer0ROM 2:25MAT 15:5GAL 2:20GAL 5:6HEB 4:2The preacher delves into the significance of the Greek word 'Opheleo,' which means to provide assistance or benefit, emphasizing the resulting gain or profit, both materially and spiritually. This term is used in various contexts in the Bible to highlight the importance of deriving spiritual benefit, such as in John 6:63 and Hebrews 4:2. The sermon also explores the value of circumcision in the Jewish tradition, its symbolic meaning, and how it relates to justification and righteousness before God, as discussed in Romans 2:25. The preacher emphasizes the need for believers to daily appropriate the Gospel, understanding that our acceptance by God is solely through Christ's righteousness, not our own works.
1 Peter 2:8
By John Gill0Disobedience to the GospelStumbling at ChristISA 8:14MAT 21:42JHN 1:11JHN 3:19ROM 9:331CO 1:23GAL 5:4EPH 2:8HEB 4:21PE 2:7John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:8, illustrating how Christ serves as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who disbelieve, particularly the Jews who could not accept His humble origins and the nature of His ministry. He discusses their misconceptions about the Messiah's glory and power, which led them to reject Jesus due to their expectations of a worldly king. Gill emphasizes that their disobedience to the Gospel and refusal to accept divine revelation are the root causes of their stumbling. He also notes that while some are appointed to believe, others are left in their disobedience, leading to their spiritual downfall. Ultimately, the sermon highlights the contrast between those who embrace Christ and those who reject Him due to their own understanding and expectations.
Mixed With Faith
By K.P. Yohannan0FaithTrust in God's PromisesNUM 14:8MAT 9:29ROM 10:17PHP 1:6HEB 4:2HEB 11:6K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of mixing faith with knowledge to truly experience God's promises, illustrating how the Israelites failed to enter the Promised Land due to their unbelief despite knowing God's Word. He contrasts the pride of self-reliance with the humility required to trust in God's power, highlighting that faith is essential for pleasing God and overcoming life's challenges. Yohannan shares examples of childlike faith from individuals who, despite limited biblical knowledge, experience miraculous outcomes through their simple belief in Jesus. He encourages believers to grow their faith through the Word of God, asserting that true victory comes from trusting in God's promises rather than relying on human understanding.
Living by Faith, Not by Sight
By K.P. Yohannan0FaithTrust in God's PromisesMAT 17:20MRK 9:23LUK 1:37JHN 14:12ROM 10:172CO 5:7EPH 3:20PHP 4:13HEB 4:2JAS 1:6K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of faith in the Christian life, asserting that mere knowledge of the Bible is insufficient for experiencing victory in life, ministry, or family. He illustrates that without faith, even diligent efforts, such as raising children with biblical principles or seeking financial support, may yield no results. Drawing from Mark 9:23, he highlights that faith is the essential element that activates God's promises and potential in our lives. Yohannan further explains that just as a chemical reaction occurs when elements are combined, our understanding and experiences must be mixed with faith to produce tangible outcomes. Ultimately, he encourages believers to trust in God's promises, as all things are possible for those who believe.
Lovingly Embracing Truth
By A.W. Tozer0Love in DoctrineTruth1SA 13:12JHN 8:32ROM 13:101CO 13:2GAL 5:6EPH 4:15COL 3:142TI 3:16HEB 4:21JN 4:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of embracing truth with love, arguing that while theology is essential for strong Christian faith, it must be coupled with love to be truly meaningful. He warns against the dangers of unbelief, illustrating how Israel's failure to combine truth with faith led to their downfall. Tozer compares this to King Saul's unauthorized offering, highlighting the tragic consequences of attempting to engage with holy truth without a sincere heart. Ultimately, he calls for a deep, loving engagement with divine truth to avoid the pitfalls of mere doctrinal knowledge devoid of faith.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For unto us was the Gospel preached - Και γαρ εσμεν ευηγγελισμενοι· For we also have received good tidings as well as they. They had a gracious promise of entering into an earthly rest; we have a gracious promise of entering into a heavenly rest. God gave them every requisite advantage; he has done the same to us. Moses and the elders spoke the word of God plainly and forcibly to them: Christ and his apostles have done the same to us. They might have persevered; so may we: they disbelieved, disobeyed, and fell: and so may we. But the word preached did not profit them - Αλλ ουκ ωφελησεν ὁ λογος της ακοης εκεινους· But the word of hearing did not profit them. The word and promise to which the apostle most probably refers is that in Deu 1:20, Deu 1:21 : Ye are come unto to the mountain of the Amorites, which the Lord our God doth give unto to us. Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee: fear not. Many exhortations they had to the following effect: Arise, that we may go up against them; for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? Be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land; for God hath given it into your hands; a place where there is no want of any thing that is in the earth; Jdg 18:9, Jdg 18:10. But instead of attending to the word of the Lord by Moses, the whole congregation murmured against him and Aaron, and said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt; Num 14:2, Num 14:4. But they were dastardly through all their generations. They spoke evil of the pleasant land, and did not give credence to his word. Their minds had been debased by their Egyptian bondage, and they scarcely ever arose to a state of mental nobility. Not being mixed with faith in them that heard - There are several various readings in this verse, and some of them important. The principal are on the word συγκεκραμενος, mixed; which in the common text refers to ὁ λογος, the word mixed; but, in ABCD and several others, it is συγκεκραμενους, referring to, and agreeing with, εκεινους, and may be thus translated: The word of hearing did not profit them, they not being mixed with those who heard it by faith. That is, they were not of the same spirit with Joshua and Caleb. There are other variations, but of less importance; but the common text seems best. The word συγκεκραμενος, mixed, is peculiarly expressive; it is a metaphor taken from the nutrition of the human body by mixing the aliment taken into the stomach with the saliva and gastric juice, in consequence of which it is concocted, digested, reduced into chyle, which, absorbed by the lacteal vessels, and thrown into the blood, becomes the means of increasing and supporting the body, all the solids and fluids being thus generated; so that on this process, properly performed, depend (under God) strength, health, and life itself. Should the most nutritive aliment be received into the stomach, if not mixed with the above juices, it would be rather the means of death than of life; or, in the words of the apostle, it would not profit, because not thus mixed. Faith in the word preached, in reference to that God who sent it, is the grand means of its becoming the power of God to the salvation of the soul. It is not likely that he who does not credit a threatening, when he comes to hear it, will be deterred by it from repeating the sin against which it is levelled; nor can he derive comfort from a promise who does not believe it as a pledge of God's veracity and goodness. Faith, therefore, must be mixed with all that we hear, in order to make the word of God effectual to our salvation. This very use of the word, and its explanation, we may find in Maximus Tyrius, in his description of health, Dissert. x., page 101. "Health," says he, it is a certain disposition ὑγρων και ξηρων και ψυχρων και θερμων δυναμεων, η ὑπο τεχνης συγκραθεισων καλως, η ὑπο φυσεως ἁρμοσθεισων τεχνικως, which consists in a proper mixture together of the wet and the dry, the cold and the hot, either by an artificial process, or by the skillful economy of nature."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
gospel preached . . . unto them--in type: the earthly Canaan, wherein they failed to realize perfect rest, suggesting to them that they should look beyond to the heavenly land of rest, to which faith is the avenue, and from which unbelief excludes, as it did from the earthly Canaan. the word preached--literally, "the word of hearing": the word heard by them. not being mixed with faith in them that heard--So the Syriac and the Old Latin Versions, older than any of our manuscripts, and LUCIFER, read, "As the world did not unite with the hearers in faith." The word heard being the food which, as the bread of life, must pass into flesh and blood through man's appropriating it to himself in faith. Hearing alone is of as little value as undigested food in a bad stomach [THOLUCK]. The whole of oldest extant manuscript authority supports a different reading, "unmingled as they were (Greek accusative case agreeing with 'them') in faith with its hearers," that is, with its believing, obedient hearers, as Caleb and Joshua. So "hear" is used for "obey" in the context, Heb 4:7, "To-day, if ye will hear His voice." The disobedient, instead of being blended in "the same body," separated themselves as Korah: a tacit reproof to like separatists from the Christian assembling together (Heb 10:25; Jde 1:19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For unto us was the Gospel preached,.... The Gospel is the good news and glad tidings of salvation by Christ; and this may be said to be preached, when men preach not themselves, nor read lectures of morality, nor mix law and Gospel together, nor make justification and salvation to be by works, nor set persons to make their peace with God, or get an interest in Christ; but when they preach Christ and salvation alone by him; and so it was preached to the Hebrews, and that more fully, and with more clearness, power, and success than formerly; and which is a privilege and blessing; and is sometimes blessed for the conviction of sinners, for regeneration, for the implanting of faith, and the comfort of believers. The words may be rendered, we were evangelized; as such may be said to be, who have a spirit of liberty, in opposition to a spirit of bondage; who live by faith on Christ alone; who derive their peace and comfort, not from their works, but from him; whose repentance and obedience are influenced by the love of God; and who desire to perform all duties aright, and depend on none: now though this was true of the apostle and others, yet is not the sense here, because of what follows, as well as unto them, or "even as they"; for though the Gospel was preached to the Israelites in the wilderness, in the ministry of Moses, and by types and sacrifices; yet they were not evangelized by it, or cast into a Gospel mould, or brought into a Gospel spirit: however, it was preached unto them; which shows the antiquity of it; the sameness of the method of salvation in all ages; the necessity of salvation by Christ, and the unity of Christ's church under different dispensations: but the word preached did not profit them; that is, the Gospel, which is here called the word of hearing, as it may be rendered; because it is and may be heard; and there is a necessity of hearing, in order to faith in Christ: the word signifies a rumour, or report: the Gospel is a report of Christ, his person and offices; of his great love to sinners, and of what he has done for them; but though it is a word of hearing, a report made, and the word preached, yet to some it is unprofitable; it has no good effect upon them; yea, it is the savour of death unto death to them, and the aggravation of condemnation; and the reason of the inefficacy and unprofitableness of the word to the Israelites was, its not being mixed with faith in them that heard it; the Gospel is as food, and faith is the hand that receives it, and takes it, and tastes of it, and eats it, and concocts and digests it; and when this is the case, it is profitable and nourishing; but when it is otherwise, it is not. The Alexandrian copy, the Complutensian edition, and five of Beza's ancient copies, and as many of Stephens's, with others, read, "they were not mixed" referring it not to the word, but to persons; and so read the Arabic and Ethiopic versions: and the sense is, that the generality of the Israelites did not join themselves in faith, in believing in God, to Caleb and Joshua; who hearkened to the Lord, and received and obeyed his word; and so the word became useless to them: there ought to be an union or conjunction of the saints, and the bond of this union is love; and the thing in which they unite is faith, believing in Christ, and the doctrine of faith, which is but one; and though the word may be profitable to others who are not in the communion of the saints; yet forsaking the assembly of the saints, and not constantly attending with them, or not mixing with them continually in public worship, is one reason of the unprofitable hearing of the word when it is preached to them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:2 This good news is the message of salvation (2:3-4). • they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God: Some manuscripts read they didn’t combine what they heard with faith. In either case, the hearers were deficient in faith, distrusting God’s word of promise.