Hebrews 4:9
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
There, remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God - It was not, 1. The rest of the Sabbath; it was not, 2. The rest in the promised land, for the psalmist wrote long after the days of Joshua; therefore there is another rest, a state of blessedness, for the people of God; and this is the Gospel, the blessings it procures and communicates, and the eternal glory which it prepares for, and has promised to, genuine believers. There are two words in this chapter which we indifferently translate rest, καταπαυσις and σαββατισμος· he first signifying a cessation from labor, so that the weary body is rested and refreshed; the second meaning, not only a rest from labor, but a religious rest; sabbatismus, a rest of a sacred kind, of which both soul and body partake. This is true, whether we understand the rest as referring to Gospel blessings, or to eternal felicity, or to both.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
therefore--because God "speaks of another day" (see on Heb 4:8). remaineth--still to be realized hereafter by the "some (who) must enter therein" (Heb 4:6), that is, "the people of God," the true Israel who shall enter into God's rest ("My rest," Heb 4:3). God's rest was a Sabbatism; so also will ours be. a rest--Greek, "Sabbatism." In time there are many Sabbaths, but then there shall be the enjoyment and keeping of a Sabbath-rest: one perfect and eternal. The "rest" in Heb 4:8 is Greek, "catapausis;" Hebrew, "Noah"; rest from weariness, as the ark rested on Ararat after its tossings to and fro; and as Israel, under Joshua, enjoyed at last rest from war in Canaan. But the "rest" in this Heb 4:9 is the nobler and more exalted (Hebrew) "Sabbath" rest; literally, "cessation": rest from work when finished (Heb 4:4), as God rested (Rev 16:17). The two ideas of "rest" combined, give the perfect view of the heavenly Sabbath. Rest from weariness, sorrow, and sin; and rest in the completion of God's new creation (Rev 21:5). The whole renovated creation shall share in it; nothing will there be to break the Sabbath of eternity; and the Triune God shall rejoice in the work of His hands (Zep 3:17). Moses, the representative of the law, could not lead Israel into Canaan: the law leads us to Christ, and there its office ceases, as that of Moses on the borders of Canaan: it is Jesus, the antitype of Joshua, who leads us into the heavenly rest. This verse indirectly establishes the obligation of the Sabbath still; for the type continues until the antitype supersedes it: so legal sacrifices continued till the great antitypical Sacrifice superseded it, As then the antitypical heavenly Sabbath-rest will not be till Christ, our Gospel Joshua, comes, to usher us into it, the typical earthly Sabbath must continue till then. The Jews call the future rest "the day which is all Sabbath."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Tamid, c. 7. sect. 4. T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 97. 1, Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 16. 3. Massecheth Sopherim, c. 18. sect. 1. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 3. 1. (l) Zohar in Gen. fol. 31. 4. Shaare Orn, fol. 17. 1. Caphtor, fol. 64. 1. Tamid, c. 7. sect. 4. T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 97. 1, Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 16. 3. Massecheth Sopherim, c. 18. sect. 1. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 3. 1. (l) Zohar in Gen. fol. 31. 4. Shaare Orn, fol. 17. 1. Caphtor, fol. 64. 1. Hebrews 4:10 heb 4:10 heb 4:10 heb 4:10For he that is entered into his rest, &c. This is to be understood not of believers, nor of their entrance into the Gospel rest, or into eternal rest, but of the Lord Jesus Christ; for a single person is only spoken of, and not many, as in Heb 4:3 and the rest entered into is his own, which cannot be said of any other; and besides, a comparison is run between his entrance into rest, and ceasing from his works, and God's resting the seventh day, and ceasing from his, which can only agree with him; and besides, Christ is immediately spoken of, and at large described in Heb 4:12. Now he entered into his rest, not when he was laid in the grave, but when he rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God, as having done his work; and this is the ground and foundation of the saints' rest under the Gospel dispensation; for these words are a reason of the former, as appears by the causal particle "for": and now being at rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his; Christ had works to do, as preaching the Gospel, performing miracles, and obtaining the redemption and salvation of his people: these were given him to do, and he undertook them, and he has finished them; and so ceases from them, as never to repeat them more; they being done effectually, stand in no need of it; and so as to take delight and complacency in them; the pleasure of the Lord prospering in, his hand, the effects of his labour answering his designs; just as God ceased from the works of creation, when he had finished them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:9 a special rest: Jesus’ sacrifice functioned as a Day of Atonement sacrifice (5:1-3; 9:13-22; see Lev 23:26-28, 32). Through Christ’s sacrifice, God’s promised rest for his people is available.
Hebrews 4:9
The Sabbath Rest
8For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.9There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God.10For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Doubt, the Sin God Hates the Most
By David Wilkerson6.4K43:56DoubtEXO 14:11PSA 106:6PSA 106:13PSA 106:21PSA 106:24PSA 106:32HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a doctor receiving good news about a patient's health. The speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in God's word and not forgetting His works. They highlight that God is not looking for highly educated individuals or mega churches, but for a people who will be His greatest evangelistic tool. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to trust in God and come into a perfect rest in Him, free from anxiety and fear. The story of Daniel in the lions' den is used as an example of someone who held fast to their faith and impacted the world as a result.
The Making of a Worshipper
By David Wilkerson6.1K52:05WorshipperEXO 14:14EXO 15:2PSA 23:4PSA 46:10ROM 8:31HEB 4:91JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker addresses the common question of why God allows sudden disasters and tragedies to happen. He uses the example of the Israelites in the Bible who were freed from bondage but faced new challenges in the wilderness. The speaker emphasizes that even though they had experienced freedom and were rejoicing, they quickly began to complain and doubt God when faced with difficulties. The sermon highlights the importance of learning from hard times and storms, and reminds listeners that life will not always be easy, but God is still present and faithful.
Learning How to Be Ordinary
By David Wilkerson5.4K49:46PSA 37:23MRK 16:18ROM 6:14ROM 8:28HEB 4:9JAS 4:71JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pressure that society puts on individuals to be successful and extraordinary. He gives examples of parents pushing their children to excel in sports or music, and the prevalence of self-help books promoting success and wealth. The preacher also highlights the dangers of this mindset by referencing Hitler and the impact of his success message on the German people. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of embracing ordinariness and recognizing that true worth and calling come from God, not from worldly achievements.
(God and Man) Entering God's Sabbath Rest
By Zac Poonen4.0K33:21SabbathEXO 20:8EXO 21:2PSA 46:10PSA 119:105MAT 4:4MAT 11:28HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of dedicating Wednesdays and Saturdays to fasting and prayer. He and another brother would spend hours in prayer after their half day of work, and then go out to the streets to preach the gospel and sell gospels. The speaker also reflects on the importance of sacrifice and blood in approaching God, highlighting how Jesus' death brought an end to the need for animal sacrifices. He encourages the audience to come up higher and approach their actions from a place of rest and love, rather than from a legalistic mindset. The sermon also references Exodus 20 and discusses the concept of Sabbath rest and the freedom of a Hebrew slave after six years of service.
Romans 7 vs Romans 8
By Leonard Ravenhill3.4K1:24:27FreedomGEN 22:9JOS 1:2MAT 6:33MAT 11:28ROM 7:24ROM 8:37HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which sets believers free from the law of sin and death. He mentions his fear of flying and the challenges involved in his upcoming teaching trip. The speaker then talks about the significance of Jesus' resurrection and how the Holy Spirit quickened him, emphasizing the importance of this moment in human history. He concludes by discussing the various trials and difficulties people face and how they can be more than conquerors through God's ways and thoughts.
His Immensity - Part 3
By A.W. Tozer3.1K22:49ImmensityPSA 46:10ISA 64:1MRK 8:36PHP 3:8COL 3:3HEB 4:9REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher addresses the deep longing and emptiness that exists within every human soul. He emphasizes that even though people may have fame, success, and worldly pleasures, they still cry out for something more. The preacher suggests that this longing can only be satisfied by a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He encourages the audience to seek God in silence and prayer, and to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly pursuits. The sermon concludes with a call to surrender the world and find true fulfillment in Jesus alone.
The Call of God - a Loving Father in Heaven
By Zac Poonen2.7K1:23:17Character Of GodGEN 3:15JOB 13:15PSA 23:1MAT 6:33EPH 6:41TI 4:8HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding comfort and consolation in God during times of tribulation. He highlights the repetition of the words "comfort" and "consolation" in the Bible verses, emphasizing the role of God as the source of comfort. The speaker shares his personal experience of how his love for God has transformed his ministry, making it a joyful and effortless task. He also discusses the need for individuals to break free from the rut of religious traditions and external standards, and instead seek a deep and personal relationship with God.
Be Ye Holy (Alternate 3)
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K57:48HolinessMAT 16:18ACT 26:18HEB 4:91PE 1:41PE 2:221JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the ministry, which is to turn people from darkness to life and from the power of Satan to God. He references Paul's testimony before King Agrippa in Acts 26 and encourages preachers and missionaries to read this chapter regularly. The preacher also discusses the story of Joseph and how he was falsely accused but had evidence of his innocence. He highlights the difficulty of judging others and the importance of not misjudging. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the believers' inheritance in heaven, which is incorruptible and reserved for them, and the power of God that keeps them. The preacher also mentions a miniature Bible carried by the Apollo 15 astronauts and reflects on the wonder of the earth hanging in space. He challenges the idea that sin is necessary and encourages believers to live without sin.
Enter Into Rest
By Zac Poonen2.5K1:07:31RestPSA 51:6MAT 11:28JHN 14:18EPH 2:6HEB 3:1HEB 4:4HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the Israelites' experience in the wilderness and how God provided for them with manna and water for 40 years. Despite witnessing miracles and receiving daily provisions, God was still angry with them. The speaker then shifts to the state of the church in the first century and the present day, highlighting the need for believers to come up higher and see things from God's standpoint. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith and belief in receiving the promises of God, as demonstrated by the Israelites' failure to enter the Promised Land. The speaker also discusses the role of the peace of Christ as a referee in our hearts, indicating when we have done something wrong and need to repent.
Understanding Spiritual Authority (Part 2): The Purpose and the Limits of Authority
By Carter Conlon2.5K52:28Spiritual AuthorityPSA 37:10MAT 6:33JHN 1:29JHN 1:37HEB 4:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that he is just a voice crying out for God, unable to change people's lives. He urges the listeners to open their hearts and make a straight way for Jesus, inviting Him into their inner beings and getting rid of all crooked ways. The preacher's main goal is to give the audience a knowledge of who Jesus is and who they can become in Him. He emphasizes that sitting under the preaching of an anointed word should result in a stirring and burning in the heart, leading to growth and transformation. The preacher also shares his personal testimony of separating from ministry and emphasizes the importance of doing things righteously. He encourages the listeners to trust in God's goodness and not develop a bitter spirit when authority fails or abuses them. The purpose of the ministry, according to the preacher, is to lead believers out of the poverty of their old nature and into a new and supernatural life in Christ. He emphasizes that coming to Christ means experiencing the living reality of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
True Consecration
By Miles J. Stanford1.9K47:55ConsecrationMAT 6:33HEB 4:9HEB 6:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of personal work and leading others to Jesus. He emphasizes the need for careful discernment to ensure that individuals are ready for spiritual growth. The speaker also highlights the tragedy of churches relying on external speakers for occasional special meetings, instead of fostering consistent growth within the congregation. The sermon then delves into the topic of consecration in relation to discipleship, emphasizing the progression and development of a believer's journey towards true consecration. The key verse in Romans 6:13 is highlighted as the foundation for understanding and practicing consecration.
K-051 Anatomy of a Shout
By Art Katz1.9K1:10:22ShoutJOS 6:16HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of a shout in the spiritual realm. They explain that a shout of a certain quality and constitution has the ability to break the powers of darkness and bring victory. The speaker references the biblical story of the Israelites conquering Jericho by shouting and blowing trumpets. They also highlight the importance of resting in God's Sabbath and performing His works in that rest. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer and self-reflection on one's position in relation to God's calling.
K-472 Walking in the Rest of God
By Art Katz1.9K57:39Rest Of GodEXO 40:34PSA 23:1EZK 37:1MAT 28:19LUK 19:44ACT 17:14HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker shares his recent experiences in Europe and how they were influenced by a vision he had years ago. He emphasizes that just because God gives a vision, it doesn't mean it will be immediately realized. The speaker also discusses the importance of allowing oneself to be formed by God's hand and infused with His life and grace. He mentions the need for Godly character and describes a powerful encounter with Jewish believers who had suffered greatly but were comforted by the presence of God.
The Life Jesus Lived
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:05:16Following JesusMAT 6:33ACT 24:16COL 2:16HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of desiring to partake in God's nature, which is the greatest gift He can give. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their lives and strive to live like the apostles, who were conscious of nothing against themselves. The speaker shares personal experiences of being a demonstration to others by not making excuses to miss meetings, even when sick, and by not making demands on others. The sermon concludes with an invitation to humble oneself under God's hand and receive the grace to live a victorious life in the spirit.
Resting in God's Love
By K.P. Yohannan1.5K24:33God's LoveMAT 6:33GAL 2:20HEB 4:9In this sermon, K.P. Johanan emphasizes the unconditional love of God and encourages listeners to rest in that love. He explains that as we come to understand God's love for us, we are then able to share that love with others. The sermon also mentions a DVD called "Touch of Love" which takes viewers on a guided tour through Asia, highlighting the plight of the untouchable children and how to reach them with God's eternal love. The sermon concludes with a reminder that no matter what difficulties we face, God's love and care for us will sustain us and bring us through.
K-485 Covenant Keeping (1 of 3)
By Art Katz1.5K37:00Covenant KeepingEXO 20:8EXO 31:18MAT 6:33LUK 14:33ROM 8:1ROM 8:4HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker expresses his concern about the passive nature of the church and the lack of engagement from its members. He shares an example of a church that distributed study outlines for personal Bible study at every level, which helped the congregation to actively participate and apply the teachings in their lives. The speaker suggests that God's dealing with Israel is a reiteration of the same themes of sin, judgment, and resurrection that humanity needs to learn from. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and observing God's provisions, even in the face of opposition, as it brings honor to God.
(The Church and Satans Wiles) 5 - Forgiveness and Rest
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:01:39MAT 4:4LUK 6:36HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the scriptures and not being lazy in our approach to understanding the word of God. He highlights the connection between the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew and its shorter form in Luke, pointing out that both versions end with the story of the wise and foolish builders. The speaker also shares a personal testimony of someone who chose to forgive all those they held grudges against before their death, emphasizing the significance of forgiveness and the knowledge of the Lord over material wealth. The sermon concludes with an invitation from Jesus to come under his authority and find rest for our souls, with the speaker encouraging listeners to pray for their lives and homes to be islands of peace.
K-446 Prophetic Communication
By Art Katz1.4K21:13PropheticHEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving the message of the mystery of God through a foundational servant sent from heaven. This message has the power to turn the world upside down and challenge the narrow perspectives of religious success. The speaker shares their personal experience of how the different aspects of faith came together in a new coherence when they received the word sent and given by God. They also highlight the significance of the vessel delivering the message, emphasizing the need for discipline, maturity, and submission to God and to men.
Walking With God in Your Generation (Norwegian)
By Zac Poonen1.3K59:25GEN 5:22ISA 58:13LUK 21:24ACT 2:171CO 14:1HEB 4:9HEB 11:5HEB 11:72PE 2:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking with God and living a life that pleases Him, drawing inspiration from the examples of Enoch and Noah. It challenges young people to have a radical conversion like Enoch, to desire to prophesy, and to condemn the world by their way of life. The speaker highlights the need for strict yet loving parenting, involving children in building the church, and responding wholeheartedly to the call of God.
The Call to Find Our Place: United to Christ
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.1K20:58In ChristPSA 91:1JER 29:13MAT 11:28JHN 14:2GAL 2:20PHP 3:10HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a couple who embarked on a Mediterranean cruise with other wealthy southern people before the Civil War. The couple, who desired a peaceful retirement, encountered various strange occurrences on the ship, including the disappearance of several officers. Eventually, they discovered a piece of jade that belonged to an idol in a village they visited. When the cannibals saw the jade, they worshipped the couple and spared their lives. The speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus and the power of his resurrection, stating that true victory and success come from seeking a deeper relationship with Him.
God Renews Us and We Enter His Rest
By Zac Poonen9591:20:23JER 29:11MAT 11:28JHN 14:18HEB 4:9HEB 4:111JN 2:61JN 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of entering into God's rest, highlighting the need to diligently seek God, learn humility and gentleness from Jesus, and submit to the Holy Spirit daily. It stresses the significance of finding inner rest in Christ, walking in obedience, and experiencing victory over sin and anxiety by abiding in God's will. The message encourages believers to prioritize spiritual growth, seek God's presence, and enter into a life of rest and peace.
Discipleship or Survivalship: Survival for Strugglers
By George Verwer90255:14DiscipleshipMAT 6:33ROM 7:152CO 12:8GAL 5:17PHP 3:14HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of breaking his foot while kicking boxes. He emphasizes the importance of not becoming discouraged when growth in our Christian life is not immediate. The speaker mentions six concepts that are important for believers to understand, including the reality of praise and thanksgiving, living in the rest of faith, and learning how to be hurt. The sermon also includes a discussion about the need for discipline in order to live for God and the challenges of adjusting to a different lifestyle during a storm. The speaker encourages the audience to develop a disciplined life and make necessary changes in order to survive and thrive in their faith.
The Narrow Way and Broad Way
By Zac Poonen8141:01:42EXO 31:15PSA 4:4MAT 7:13MAT 11:28ROM 8:6GAL 5:18HEB 4:9HEB 8:7This sermon delves into the significance of understanding the context of Bible verses, particularly focusing on the narrow way and broad way mentioned in Matthew 7:13-14. It emphasizes the importance of not isolating verses but reading them in the context of the entire message. The speaker highlights the transition from the old covenant of rules and regulations to the new covenant of grace and the divine nature, illustrating the need to be led by the Holy Spirit to experience true Sabbath rest and live in alignment with God's will.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 44
By Zac Poonen60124:29PSA 95:7ISA 57:20MAT 5:28MAT 11:28GAL 5:1PHP 2:51TI 2:5HEB 4:9REV 15:2This sermon focuses on the importance of coming to Jesus to find rest and learn gentleness and humility. It emphasizes the need to seek God first in all situations, to develop a habit of turning to the Father before seeking human help, and to ask Jesus to reveal the Father to us. The message highlights the significance of partnering with Jesus, taking His yoke upon us, and learning from His gentle and humble heart to experience true rest and peace.
When God Is Silent
By Sandeep Poonen56729:37GEN 1:3PSA 46:10ISA 30:15ZEP 3:17MAT 16:24PHP 2:14HEB 3:19HEB 4:9JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as a speaking God and understanding the significance of His silence. It delves into the concept of living in God's love and responding to His words, drawing parallels from Genesis chapter one where God's spoken word brought creation into existence. The message highlights the need to obey God's spoken word, remove pride, and embrace a life of humility and faith, ultimately leading to a deep rest in God's silent love.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
There, remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God - It was not, 1. The rest of the Sabbath; it was not, 2. The rest in the promised land, for the psalmist wrote long after the days of Joshua; therefore there is another rest, a state of blessedness, for the people of God; and this is the Gospel, the blessings it procures and communicates, and the eternal glory which it prepares for, and has promised to, genuine believers. There are two words in this chapter which we indifferently translate rest, καταπαυσις and σαββατισμος· he first signifying a cessation from labor, so that the weary body is rested and refreshed; the second meaning, not only a rest from labor, but a religious rest; sabbatismus, a rest of a sacred kind, of which both soul and body partake. This is true, whether we understand the rest as referring to Gospel blessings, or to eternal felicity, or to both.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
therefore--because God "speaks of another day" (see on Heb 4:8). remaineth--still to be realized hereafter by the "some (who) must enter therein" (Heb 4:6), that is, "the people of God," the true Israel who shall enter into God's rest ("My rest," Heb 4:3). God's rest was a Sabbatism; so also will ours be. a rest--Greek, "Sabbatism." In time there are many Sabbaths, but then there shall be the enjoyment and keeping of a Sabbath-rest: one perfect and eternal. The "rest" in Heb 4:8 is Greek, "catapausis;" Hebrew, "Noah"; rest from weariness, as the ark rested on Ararat after its tossings to and fro; and as Israel, under Joshua, enjoyed at last rest from war in Canaan. But the "rest" in this Heb 4:9 is the nobler and more exalted (Hebrew) "Sabbath" rest; literally, "cessation": rest from work when finished (Heb 4:4), as God rested (Rev 16:17). The two ideas of "rest" combined, give the perfect view of the heavenly Sabbath. Rest from weariness, sorrow, and sin; and rest in the completion of God's new creation (Rev 21:5). The whole renovated creation shall share in it; nothing will there be to break the Sabbath of eternity; and the Triune God shall rejoice in the work of His hands (Zep 3:17). Moses, the representative of the law, could not lead Israel into Canaan: the law leads us to Christ, and there its office ceases, as that of Moses on the borders of Canaan: it is Jesus, the antitype of Joshua, who leads us into the heavenly rest. This verse indirectly establishes the obligation of the Sabbath still; for the type continues until the antitype supersedes it: so legal sacrifices continued till the great antitypical Sacrifice superseded it, As then the antitypical heavenly Sabbath-rest will not be till Christ, our Gospel Joshua, comes, to usher us into it, the typical earthly Sabbath must continue till then. The Jews call the future rest "the day which is all Sabbath."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Tamid, c. 7. sect. 4. T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 97. 1, Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 16. 3. Massecheth Sopherim, c. 18. sect. 1. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 3. 1. (l) Zohar in Gen. fol. 31. 4. Shaare Orn, fol. 17. 1. Caphtor, fol. 64. 1. Tamid, c. 7. sect. 4. T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 97. 1, Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 16. 3. Massecheth Sopherim, c. 18. sect. 1. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 3. 1. (l) Zohar in Gen. fol. 31. 4. Shaare Orn, fol. 17. 1. Caphtor, fol. 64. 1. Hebrews 4:10 heb 4:10 heb 4:10 heb 4:10For he that is entered into his rest, &c. This is to be understood not of believers, nor of their entrance into the Gospel rest, or into eternal rest, but of the Lord Jesus Christ; for a single person is only spoken of, and not many, as in Heb 4:3 and the rest entered into is his own, which cannot be said of any other; and besides, a comparison is run between his entrance into rest, and ceasing from his works, and God's resting the seventh day, and ceasing from his, which can only agree with him; and besides, Christ is immediately spoken of, and at large described in Heb 4:12. Now he entered into his rest, not when he was laid in the grave, but when he rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God, as having done his work; and this is the ground and foundation of the saints' rest under the Gospel dispensation; for these words are a reason of the former, as appears by the causal particle "for": and now being at rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his; Christ had works to do, as preaching the Gospel, performing miracles, and obtaining the redemption and salvation of his people: these were given him to do, and he undertook them, and he has finished them; and so ceases from them, as never to repeat them more; they being done effectually, stand in no need of it; and so as to take delight and complacency in them; the pleasure of the Lord prospering in, his hand, the effects of his labour answering his designs; just as God ceased from the works of creation, when he had finished them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:9 a special rest: Jesus’ sacrifice functioned as a Day of Atonement sacrifice (5:1-3; 9:13-22; see Lev 23:26-28, 32). Through Christ’s sacrifice, God’s promised rest for his people is available.