The Supremacy of the Son
On many past occasions … but in these...
On many past occasions … but in these last days: These verses compare two time periods when God spoke. Comparing the two periods side by side shows the differences between them.
Ancient sermons often began with an introduction. This...
Ancient sermons often began with an introduction. This introduction served two purposes:
to capture the listener's attention, and
to present the main topics.
In Hebrews, the first four verses are a single, elegant Greek sentence. The introduction presents the main idea: God has spoken. Most English translations break these verses into smaller sentences to make them easier to read.
to capture the listener's attention, and
to present the main topics.
1On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. 2But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son,† whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.†
3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs.
In these ten verses, the writer uses many...
In these ten verses, the writer uses many Old Testament passages to prove that Jesus is greater than the angels. In ancient Jewish and Christian teaching, people often placed several Old Testament passages together in a row. This practice was called “chain quotations” or “pearl stringing.” The goal was to convince the listeners or readers of a truth by giving a strong group of scriptural proofs at once.
5For to which of the angels did God ever say:
“You are My Son;today I have become Your Father”?†Or again:
“I will be His Father,and He will be My Son”?†6And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says:
“Let all God’s angels worship Him.”†7Now about the angels He says:
“He makes His angels winds,His servants flames of fire.”†
These verses, quoting Psalm 45:6–7, declare the Son...
These verses, quoting Psalm 45:6–7, declare the Son as the divine, just, eternal, anointed King of the universe.
But about the Son He says: Jesus is called God. In Hebrews 1:9, "your God" refers to God the Father.
has anointed you … with the oil of joy: Olive oil was used to anoint Israel's kings when they began their rule (1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Kings 19:15–16). To anoint someone was to pour oil on that person’s head as a public sign that God had chosen them for a special role. God has anointed his Son, Jesus Christ, as King.
These verses, quoting Psalm 45:6–7, declare the Son as the divine, just, eternal, anointed King of the universe.
But about the Son He says: Jesus is called God. In Hebrews 1:9, "your God" refers to God the Father.
has anointed you … with the oil of joy: Olive oil was used to anoint Israel's kings when they began their rule (1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Kings 19:15–16). To anoint someone was to pour oil on that person’s head as a public sign that God had chosen them for a special role. God has anointed his Son, Jesus Christ, as King.
8But about the Son He says:
“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever,and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.9You have loved righteousnessand hated wickedness;therefore God, Your God, has anointed Youabove Your companions with the oil of joy.”†
These verses, quoting Psalm 102:25–27, celebrate the Son...
These verses, quoting Psalm 102:25–27, celebrate the Son as both the creator and the one who ends creation. All created things will wear out like old clothing, and the Son will discard them (compare Hebrews 2:5; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). In contrast, the Son of God will live forever.
10And:
“In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth,and the heavens are the work of Your hands.11They will perish, but You remain;they will all wear out like a garment.12You will roll them up like a robe;like a garment† they will be changed;but You remain the same,and Your years will never end.”†13Yet to which of the angels did God ever say:
“Sit at My right handuntil I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet”?†14Are not the angels† ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?