Useful Bible Studies > Hebrews Commentary > chapter 3

As the Holy Spirit says

Hebrews 3:7

In Hebrews 3:7-11 the author of Hebrews repeats 5 verses from Psalm 95. Then he will explain the passage; it is the main subject for Hebrews chapters 3 and 4.

He introduces the passage with these words: ‘as the Holy Spirit says’. That could have two meanings:

(1) Although David wrote that Psalm (Hebrews 4:7), the Holy Spirit showed him what to write. The Bible’s origin is not human, and its authors did not just write from their own intelligence. So the Bible is the word of God.

(2) The Holy Spirit is saying these things now. These are not just some words that God spoke long ago. God’s word is active and alive (Hebrews 4:12). And its message is for us, today.

It is clear that the author of Hebrews believes both of these. They are both true. And so he uses the message of the Psalm to warn people. God is still speaking to people. And they must obey his message.

· God spoke to his people by means of Moses. He did that at the time when the events in the Psalm happened.

· God spoke to his people by means of David. He did that at the time when David wrote the Psalm.

· God spoke to his people when Christ came. He came to tell them God’s message. And he came to save them.

· And now God speaks again, by his Holy Spirit. He warns his people by means of these words in the Book of Hebrews. They have heard Christ’s message and God has changed their lives. But they must not neglect what God has told them. They must not lose their faith (their active belief and trust in God’s promises).

They must continue to trust God.

Next part: Lack of faith (Hebrews 3:8)

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