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There remains therefore a rest...

Text: Hebrews 4:9

TRADITIONAL JEWISH THEOLOGY

Traditional Jewish theological thought did not devote much to the doctrine of eternal rest in heaven. The main focus was always devoted to the keeping of God’s laws here on earth.

The author of Hebrews however felt that there was some imbalance in the traditional Jewish theological system. Not enough work was devoted to the study of God’s promised rest. Thus he wrote, once again, on the subject of “rest”.

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

AN OVERVIEW OF OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS ON “ETERNAL REST”

The Old Testament may not be teeming with texts that dwell on the subject of “heaven” or the “eternal rest”. However we do have significant writers who mentioned the eternal state.

1. David

“I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23:6

2. Asaph

“You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but You?”
Psalm 73:24-25a

3. Ethan the Ezrahite

“Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens…
And he heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD…
Who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD?”
Psalm 89:2, 5, 6

INSISTENCE ON THE SUBJECT OF AN “ETERNAL REST”

The author of Hebrews felt that he had already argued his case well (Hebrews 4:1-8). What remained now was to make a strong summation.

1. There remains therefore a rest

a) There was the “rest” Joshua brought to Israel when Canaan was conquered.

b) There is another rest- that Joshua could never offer to Israel or anyone else.

2. For the people of God

a) The people who possessed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour.

b) These had genuine faith that assures them of an eternal rest in heaven.