V. 3.— For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
For we who have believed do enter into rest; this is apparent from the oath already adverted to declaring that the unbelievers should not enter into his rest. We have already mentioned that chap. 3:11, which is rendered in our version “They shall not enter into my rest,” is in the original an elliptical expression, if they shall enter into my rest. Our translators would have done well to have retained the same rendering when the expression recurs, but they have here rendered it literally, If they shall enter, which introduces confusion.
The Apostle, however, was proving that Israel was excluded from God’ s rest; but it might be objected that they did enter into God's rest, for the work in which God was engaged as Creator was finished from the foundation of the world.