1Let’s fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into his rest. 2For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn’t profit them, because it wasn’t mixed with faith by those who heard. 3For we who have believed do enter into that rest, even as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest;” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4For he has said this somewhere about the seventh day, “God rested on the seventh day from all his works;” 5and in this place again, “They will not enter into my rest.”
6Seeing therefore it remains that some should enter into it, and they to whom the good news was preached before failed to enter in because of disobedience, 7he again defines a certain day, today, saying through David so long a time afterward (just as has been said),
“Today if you will hear his voice,don’t harden your hearts.”
8For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day. 9There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. 11Let’s therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. 12For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
14Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold tightly to our confession. 15For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. 16Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
What’s happening. The writer of Hebrews has been warning readers not to harden their hearts like Israel did in the wilderness.
What it means. God’s word is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It reaches the deepest parts of us and exposes our thoughts and intentions. Nothing is hidden from God. This is a warning, and also a comfort, because the next verses point to a sympathetic high priest.
What’s happening. Hebrews explains Jesus as the great High Priest. In Israel, the high priest represented the people before God.
What it means. Jesus understands our weakness, because he was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin. So we can come to God’s throne with confidence, not fear, and find mercy and grace to help exactly when we need it.