But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” [and there is an opportunity], so that none of you will be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [its cleverness, delusive glamour, and sophistication].

He again sets a definite day, [a new] “Today,” [providing another opportunity to enter that rest by] saying through David after so long a time, just as has been said before [in the words already quoted],

“Today if you hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts.”

[This mention of a rest was not a reference to their entering into Canaan.] For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak about another day [of opportunity] after that.

just as He also says in another place,

“You are a priest [appointed] forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”

Now if perfection [a perfect fellowship between God and the worshiper] had been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people were given the Law) what further need was there for another and different kind of priest to arise, one in the manner of Melchizedek, rather than one appointed to the order of Aaron?

For the One of whom these things are said belonged [not to the priestly line of Levi but] to another tribe, from which no one has officiated or served at the altar.

And this becomes even more evident if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,

For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second one or an attempt to institute another one [the new covenant].

Behind the second veil there was another tabernacle [the inner one or second section] known as the Holy of Holies,

and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds,

not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.

See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;