Tyndale Open Study NotesHebrews 1

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 introduction served two purposes:

1. to capture the listener's attention, and

2. 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.

On many past occasions means the time before the Messiah's arrival. For the author of Hebrews, this mainly meant the Old Testament era. During that time, God spoke often and in various ways through:

• dreams,

• visions,

• powerful acts,

• stories,

• commands,

• encouragements,

• angelic appearances, and

• appearances of God himself.

The prophets were all those people through whom God shared his message (see 2 Peter 1:19–21).

• These last days refers to the historical period that began with Christ’s arrival (see Isaiah 2:2; Acts 2:17). In the Old Testament era, revelations came in many forms over time. However, God’s ultimate revelation came through his Son, Jesus (see Hebrews 2:3–4).

• heir of all things: Christ is God’s royal heir. This is likely a reference to Psalm 2:8.

• The Greek word translated radiance is found only here in the New Testament. It means intense brightness. God's glory shows his presence (Exodus 16:7; 33:18; Isaiah 40:5). The Son's glory reflects God's glory, showing God's presence (Luke 9:32; John 1:14; 2:11; 17:5; Romans 8:17).

• The Greek word translated exact representation is also unique in the New Testament. It refers to a mark like one on a coin. The Son clearly shows God's character (John 1:18; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 1:15).

• His powerful word: This phrase means God's word is a strong and active force that created and controls the world (Hebrews 11:3; Psalm 33:6–11). The Son is also called "the Word of God" (Revelation 19:13; see also John 1:1–18).

• He cleansed us from our sins (see Hebrews 9:11–10:18).

• He sat down: This refers to Psalm 110:1 (see also Hebrews 1:13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2). The Psalm predicted Christ's honor after his suffering (see Matthew 22:44; Acts 2:33; 1 Corinthians 15:25). The right hand of God shows high honor and position (see 1 Kings 2:19; Psalms 16:11; 45:4, 9; 80:17).

• The Son's high position shows that the Son is much greater than the angels in status or rank. First-century Jews admired angels and respected them greatly. By comparing him to the angels, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the Son's superiority over them.

• as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs: Compare 2 Samuel 7:8–14. Some commentators believe that the title "Son" is the name implied here. Others think the name is Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14–15; compare Philippians 2:9–11).

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.

• did God ever say: This verse quotes Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14. By raising Jesus to his right hand, the Father declared his special relationship with the Son (see Acts 1:9–11; 2:32–36; 7:55–56).

• Today I have become your Father (literally Today I have begotten You): Jesus did not become the Son at the exaltation (when God raised Jesus to heaven and gave him the highest honor). He had been involved in creation (Hebrews 1:2). The exaltation confirmed his identity to everyone.

• The supreme (or firstborn) Son was understood to have certain rights. The firstborn son shared the father's authority. A firstborn also inherited most of the father's property and was especially favored. In the New Testament, "firstborn" often refers to Christ's supreme status in both the church and the world. His resurrection is often cited as proof of this status (Acts 13:33; Romans 1:4; 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18; Revelation 1:5; compare Hebrews 12:23, where believers are called firstborn children).

• "Let all God's angels worship him.": This quotation from Deuteronomy 32:43 shows that angels are of lower status because they worship the Son (see also Psalm 97:7).

• This verse quotes Psalm 104:4 to show that angels are messengers or servants. They have a lower rank than the Son, whom they serve.

• In the Old Testament, angels are sometimes associated with winds and fire (see Exodus 3:2; Judges 6:21; 13:16, 20; 2 Samuel 22:11; Psalms 18:10; 35:5). This shows the angels’ connection with God’s rule over nature.

• 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 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.

• The author ends this series of Old Testament quotes by citing Psalm 110:1. This verse celebrates Christ's exaltation (see also study notes on Luke 20:42–43; 22:69; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Ephesians 1:19–22).

• The image of the Son's enemies as a footstool under his feet shows their complete defeat (see Hebrews 2:8). In ancient times, a victorious king would place his foot on an enemy's neck or back as a sign of control.

Are not the angels ministering spirits: The author repeats his conclusion. God sends angels to help his people, who will receive salvation at the end of time (see Hebrews 9:28).