Hebrews 4:12-16

Unbelief in the Wilderness

The author of Hebrews concludes chapter 3 with the history of Israel’s unbelief in the wilderness which kept the unfaithful among them from entering into the rest of His promised land (3:1-19). The tone of the passage is stern, serving as a warning to those who would desire peace with God to repent of “a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God” (3:12). Some still remain who are outside of God’s promises because of their unbelief, still waiting to be brought into full fellowship with God (4:1-10). While much of Hebrews 3:1-4:10 is a warning that the good news of God’s promises of Sabbath and other blessings are reserved for those who believe His Word, the passage hinges on 4:11, with the hope that those…