Most commentators would not deal with these two verses together. (They are the dividing of sections.) These verses are a sidebar in the chapter. In the connection whereby many in the Old Testament did not enter into the land of Canaan because of the lack of faith (unbelief.) We ought to labor in that faith whereby we believe and take hold of the promised entrance that is ours in Christ!

The Word of God here is the Gospel that is preached since paradise till now. That Gospel is sharp. "A two edged sword!" It divides and is antithetical even pointing out sin, the cross, and ALWAYS having a two fold affect. In this part of scripture this Gospel was NOT mixed with faith among the people that heard it. Moses had to bury a complete generation that was sent back to the wilderness....That is the POWER of the Word. It is quick, powerful, and cuts asunder! It is the power of the living God whereby He shows us sin, our redemption, and it is the sword that God wields in our heart. God can pierce between the bone and the marrow....body and soul. We cannot hide from God!

We have to hold on to our confession. It is Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who has passed into the heavens. Like in the Old Testament, the one who has sacrificed for our sins in perfect form. The Lamb of God who gave Himself for sinners slain. "Our great High Priest!" He died, was risen, and not sits at the right hand of God. God has given us the victory in Christ!

We must hold fast to our confession. He is our High Priest. We are cut to the marrow every time we practice self examination. But then, we may hold to our confession and storm the throne of our High Priest who will tell us: "I know your sins....that's why I died for you. They are forgiven!" Many want to take away this confession and the Gospel's "Blood theology" away, BUT this IS THE WORD OF GOD! Often we want to elevate ourselves and tell ourselves we "aren't all that bad" until the Word of God pierces us.