Hebrews 4

The Sabbath Keeper is promised to "feed on the heritage of Jacob your father" (Isaiah 58:14). What is the "heritage of Jacob" and what is the relationship to Sabbath keeping? This teaching, a discussion of Isaiah 58:13-14 from Shabbat Vayeitzei 5777, wanders like a strange dream in many directions.

The Sabbath represents the Messianic Era and the menuchah of the world to come. In Hebrews 3:7-4:11, the writer of the holy Epistle to the Hebrews compares this present world to the work week of preparation, and he warns us to prepare ourselves now for the Kingdom and the World to Come. This important message demonstrates that Hebrews 4 should not be used to justify a spiritual interpretation of the Sabbath that makes actual Sabbath observance obsolete. 

Three possible interpretations of Psalm 95:11 prepare us for understanding the discussion in Hebrews 3:7ff regarding the generation in the wilderness that did not enter into God's rest. An important preface to the Sabbath discussion of Hebrews 4.

Psalm 95:11 says, "Therefore I swore in my wrath, 'They shall not enter my rest.'" The Book of Hebrews quotes this verse and interprets it in three possible directions:

Psalm 110 is the most frequently quoted text in the New Testament. Why? And what did Yeshua mean when he quoted it to challenge the concept of a Davidic Messiah?

David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, 'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.' David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son? (Mar 12:36-37)

Does it ever seem like God is far away, distant, doesn’t hear your prayers; you don’t feel his presence; you can’t see him, and you don’t experience him? That's because we are on the wrong side of the sword that closes the way to Eden. Hebrews 4:11-16 speaks of a fearsome sword that divides soul and spirit, joint and marrow, and reveals the inner intentions of the heart. Discover the edenic background to the double-edged sword of the book of Hebrews and the Way to the tree of life.