HEBREWS 1:5-14
1. THE SON IS GREATER THAN THE ANGELS
As we continue in chapter one, the Author of Hebrews moves quickly from his introduction and into his first argument. The Son is greater than the angels. He makes this point by stringing together a chain of quotations which include Psalm 2:7, 2 Sam 7:14, Psalm 104:4, Psalm 45:6,7 Psalm 102:25 and Psalm 110:1.
By including such a vast amount of quotations, the author is using a form of argument that was popular in his day. The idea was for a teacher to build support for a theological position by stringing together various Old Testament texts in a “Chain of quotations.” The thought being that such chains offered defense of a position through the sheer quantity of support given. The desired effect was to offer so much evidence that a listener would nod their head in agreement by the end of the quotations.*
In this instance, our author provides clear evidence of the Son’s superiority of the angels. Hebrews 1:6,7 present the angels in activities that imply their subordination to the Son. Their role is that of a servant of God (Psalm 104:4, Hebrews 1:14) and they are called on to worship the Son, exemplifying his deity and position.
The Son sits at the preeminent position in the universe, with angels in an inferior position as the servants who worship him. The Son has an eternal throne, from which the angels are sent out to minister.
2. THE OLD TESTAMENT POINTS TO THE MESSIAH
The book of Hebrews provides us with a clear example of early Christian exegesis. Here, the author does not refer to each passage as having been written by King David, or the Prophet Nathan (though we know this to be the case); instead he refers to passages as having come directly from God. The author understands the Old Testament text to have come from God. This assumption and three others are very helpful for us today as we seek to understand and interpret the Old Testament texts.
i). The Old Testament presents truth. The author assumes the words of God in the Old Testament are true, and he presents them as such. He makes no attempt to justify or explain the texts he simply states them as offering facts about the Son and angels.
NOTE: I am not suggesting here that Christians today are obligated to obey the Old Testament law. The apostle Paul clearly portrays our freedom in Christ from the law in Romans 3:21-31 as well as Galatians (2:15 3:11,17-18, 5:4). The point here is simply that God worked through the writers of the Old Testament to bring about his words, and they can be understood and trusted by Christians today who would do the good work of careful exegesis, guided by the Holy Spirit.
ii). The Old Testament presents a unified revelation. Just as the author of Hebrews sees the fulfillment of the Old Testament writings in Christ, we can trust that God speaks consistently and systematically through scripture. His message is not disjointed, nor is the Old Testament irrelevant.
iii). The Old Testament bears witness to Christ. In fact, George Guthrie argues in his commentary on Hebrews that “Christologial interpretation could not be more forcefully illustrated than it is in the chain quotation of Hebrews 1.”
The author of Hebrews is reading the Old Testament through the lens of Christianity, with Christ Jesus at the centre of the interpretation.
3. THE SON IS THE MESSIAH, GOD'S ANOINTED
Both Psalm 110 and 2 Samuel 7:14 can be understood as pointing towards a future Messiah. One who would come to rule and to whom everyone and everything would be subject. The Prophet Nathan declares to King David that the LORD will raise up David’s offspring and establish his kingdom in 2 Samuel 7. He states, “He is the one who will build a house for my Name and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father and he will be my son” (2 Sam 7:13,14a).
The author of Hebrews is clearly identifying Jesus as the Messiah. He is God’s anointed one. The now and future king, who will rule forever.
Jesus is the Son. He is greater than the angels. In fact, he is the Messiah who sits at the right hand of God, whose throne and kingdom are established forever.
NEXT WEEK:
Have you ever read Hebrews and wondered why the author has gone to such great lengths to establish that the Son is greater than the angels?
We get to dig into that next week! But if you’re a keener you can always read ahead to find the answer in Hebrews 2:1-4.
PRAYER
Father,
I have no words to describe the wonder of your ways.
Forgive me for failing to exalt Jesus as king of my life.
For, I am prone to wander.
Prone to short-sightedness and the pursuit of material blessings, instead of your glory.
Prone to pride and laziness and lack of zeal for your word.
Help me to turn towards you again with renewed passion.
Empower me through your Holy Spirit to live for you today.
For your throne will last forever. And, though I don’t see it fully now; I know you will return to make all things new.
I love you Lord.
Amen
*Guthrie, George H.. Hebrews (The NIV Application Commentary Book 15) (p. 67). Zondervan Academic. Kindle Edition.