ANSWER: In the latter part of the preceding chapter, the apostle Paul discusses the fact that, because of the hardness of their hearts in unbelief, many of the Israelites who left Egypt did not enter into God’s promised “rest,” i.e., the land of Canaan . In verse one of the chapter in question, he shows that for Christians the promise of a rest (heaven) still remains, but that we should fear lest any of us come short of it, as the Israelites did Canaan. In verse two, he says that they had heard the will of God preached, but they did not believe it! We need to be careful that we do not do the same and miss our promised rest! In verses three through six, Paul proves that there is a “rest” for the faithful Christian. He argues that, from the creation, a rest had always been available to the faithful of God and, that even He, on the seventh day, rested from His labors. Paul also shows from Psalms 95:7-8 that David also warned against not being able to enter the “rest” of God because of a hardened heart (vs.7). In verse eight, the name Jesus is a mistranslation in the King James Version. It should correctly be translated as Joshua! Paul is saying here that Joshua had not satisfied and finalized God’s promise of a “rest” by entrance of Israel into Canaan. The promise was much more than this, otherwise David would not have mentioned it years later. The writer makes a concluding statement in verse nine, based on the above, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” Verse ten shows that the person who heaven will rest from his or her labors much as God rested from His labors. Therefore (vs.11), we should “strive” to enter in lest we fall in disobedience as did the Israelites in the wilderness. Verses twelve and thirteen speak of the power of God’s word in revealing the inner man, and that God knows everything that we do, even the thought and intents of the heart. If our actions, thoughts and intents in this life are guided by God’s Word, we will be permitted to enter into the “rest” He has provided for His people. If God’s Word does not guide us, we cannot enter in, but will be lost eternally! Certainly, the above is not an exhaustive study of this passage, but it is hoped that a basis for further study and understanding as been provided.