Hebrews 3:7-8 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost said, To day if you will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness
‘Wherefore’ – For this reason – because there is a danger of failing to hold fast the hope of eternal life unto the end (3:6), the Holy Spirit here warns Christians – not sinners – to take heed, seeing to it that they do not fail God as many in Israel did and were cut off (3:7-14).
‘To day if you will hear his voice …’ This is the 11th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (3:7-8; Ps. 95:7-11) and it is fulfilled. These words were originally a warning to Israel not to provoke God, lest they be excluded from the rest He had promised them. Paul quoted the words as a warning to Christians who could, through temptation and sin, fail to receive the eternal rest promised to them.
Twenty-two warnings to Christians: We ought to give the more earnest heed lest we slip away from the truth (2:1). How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? (2:3). Whose house are we, if we hold fast the hope firm unto the end (3:6). Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the Living God (3:12). Exhort one another daily … lest any of you be hardened through sin (3:13). We are made partakers of Christ if we hold steadfast unto the end (3:14). Let us, therefore, fear, lest you come short of the promised rest (4:1-2).
To be continued…
Living the Word 