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Then He would not afterward have spoken of another day...

Text: Hebrews 4:8

POSSIBLE RABBINIC TRAINING BACKGROUND

The author of Hebrews probably had some Jewish theological training. He may well have been trained in a Rabbinic School. The way in which he reasoned is resonant of Rabbinic training.

1. Tenacity in reasoning

a) This is very evident.

b) He would repeat himself.

c) With each repetition he would subtly introduce a new angle or thought.

2. Looking into every detail

a) No stone was left unturned.

b) Every possible nuance was considered.

c) Every thought was put forth as a theological argument.

ARGUMENT FOR A DEEPER THEOLOGICAL APPLICATION

The author gave fair consideration to the viewpoint that the “rest” spoken of was limited to the historical Joshua bringing the Children of Israel into the land of Canaan. Let us consider how he argued this point.

“For if Joshua had given them rest ,then
He would not afterward have spoken of another day.”
Hebrews 4:8

1. Joshua had given them rest

Historically this is a fact. Joshua did lead the children of Israel into the land of Canaan. Through hard work and many war campaigns the children of Israel managed to settle into the land of Canaan and made it theirs. However, was this the only intended meaning? The author of Hebrews did not think so!

2. Then He would not afterward have spoken of another day

a) The fact is that David (among others) had written on the subject of dwelling in God’s house forever (Cf. Psalm 23:6). Reference to an eternal rest is speaking of “another day”.

b) Another vital fact is that God continued to urge people to hearken to His voice speaking to them. They are urged to respond “today” lest they too forgo this “rest”.