Ver. 4. For he spake in a certain place , etc..] ( Genesis 2:2) that is, Moses, the penman of that book spoke, or God by him: of the seventh day on this wise ; of the seventh day of the world, or from the creation of the heavens and the earth: and God did rest the seventh day from all his works : of creation, but not of providence; for in them he works hitherto; nor does this rest suppose labour with fatigue and weariness, and ease and refreshment from it; only cessation from working in a creative way, and the utmost delight, complacency and satisfaction in what he had done. The Alexandrian copy leaves out the phrase, the seventh day.
Verses 1-10 - The privileges we have under the gospel, are greater than any had unde the law of Moses, though the same gospel for substance was preache under both Testaments. There have been in all ages many unprofitabl hearers; and unbelief is at the root of all unfruitfulness under the word. Faith in the hearer is the life of the word. But it is a painfu consequence of partial neglect, and of a loose and wavering profession that they often cause men to seem to come short. Let us then giv diligence, that we may have a clear entrance into the kingdom of God As Godfinished his work, and then rested from it, so he will caus those who believe, to finish their work, and then to enjoy their rest It is evident, that there is a more spiritual and excellent sabbat remaining for the people of God, than that of the seventh day, or tha into which Joshua led the Jews. This rest is, a rest of grace, an comfort, and holiness, in the gospel state. And a rest in glory, wher the people of God shall enjoy the end of their faith, and the object of all their desires. The rest, or sabbatism, which is the subject of the apostle's reasoning, and as to which he concludes that it remains to be enjoyed, is undoubtedly the heavenly rest, which remains to the people of God, and is opposed to a state of labour and trouble in this world It is the rest they shall obtain when the LordJesus shall appear from heaven. But those who do not believe, shall never enter into thi spiritualrest, either of grace here or glory hereafter. God has alway declared man's rest to be in him, and his love to be the only rea happiness of the soul; and faith in his promises, through his Son, to be the only way of entering that rest.
Did rest from all his works (katepausenapo pantwn twn ergwn autou). The verb only in Hebrews and Acts xiv. 18. Works, plural, following LXX. The Hebrew has work.
