Presents
Hebrews chapter 1
pamphlet #2601
Book
of Hebrews is a truly remarkable "transition" book "crossing over" from
the Old Testament to the New Testament.
Presents
Hebrews chapter 1
pamphlet #2601
Book
of Hebrews is a truly remarkable "transition" book "crossing over" from
the Old Testament to the New Testament.
We begin our study of the incredible and most fascinating Book of Hebrews in the context of having completed an in-depth study of the 12 books of the Minor Prophets. This is significant in that the Book of Hebrews is a truly remarkable "transition" book "crossing over" from the Old Testament to the New Testament as we shall even see evidenced by the first two verses. To that end, the very title "Hebrews" comes from the word "eber" which is from the root word "abar" meaning "transition" or to "cross over". The "ebers", or "Hebrews", were the people, the descendants of Noah and Abraham, who "crossed over" the Euphrates river.
eber = øá–òÅ€eòberay'-ber Strong's #H5676
From H5674; properly a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the Jordan; usually meaning the east):— X against, beyond, by, X from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight.abar = øá—òÈ€aòbaraw-bar' Strong's #H5674
A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literally or figuratively; transitively, intransitively, intensively or causatively)...
We also find in Acts chapter 9 that Paul, who was himself an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin (Rom. 11:1)... not a Jew, i.e. not of Judah, had a threefold commission from God and therefore taught on three different levels.
Here is his commission:
Furthermore, Paul not only taught on three levels but it is written that he taught people from different "perspectives" as well. In other words, Paul communicated with people on their level that he might be able to more effectively bring them to Christ and to the knowledge of His Word.Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Here is your documentation:
Paul sought to "gain the more" for Christ, not for himself.1 Cor. 9:19
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
It makes sense too that one would communicate differently to someone who has never read the law (the word of God) than you would to someone who knows the scriptures, doesn't it?[20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;[21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
Paul's wisdom** and gift of communication skills coupled with the fact that he was a well educated Hellenist who spoke many different "tongues" (1 Cor. 14:18), meaning he spoke many different languages and dialects, declares it to be congruent rather than remarkable that Paul would speak or write to one group in a manner different from another. Therefore the argument as to a different style, especially from one so gifted in knowledge, the different languages, and the law and prophets, is totally without foundation, even going contrary to Paul's own admissions written in the scriptures.[22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
With that background in mind, it should also be easy to understand that the Book of Hebrews is written to those who might gain by the way he communicates in his writing of Hebrews, which we find to be filled with many references and quotes from the law and prophets, i.e. the Old Testament! That in itself ought to let one know that those without the knowledge of that which has been written and spoken to our forefathers in the OT will not gain as much as those who have studied His Word.
Paul
even wrote in 1 Cor. 10:11-12 that those things which
happened unto them, i.e. unto our forefathers, happened as ensamples for
us upon whom the ends of this world (age) are come! Therefore you
better "take heed", Paul said, to what was written to them if you want
to "stand" in these last days... lest ye fall!
Does it make sense to you that the
United States of America, the greatest superpower in the history of the
world, would be left out of endtime Biblical prophecy? Of course not! If
you would like to learn more about where the 10 "lost" tribes of the House
of Israel reside today go to Pamphlet
#1064 or Pamphlet
#1020 under Table of Contents "Wisdom" on the this American Wisdom
Series site.
** The apostle Peter spoke of the "wisdom" Paul had in communicating with people.
Peter also documents that those who are unlearned and unstable (without foundation in the Word) will "wrest" (twist and misconstrue) what is said to their own downfall.2 Peter 3:15-16
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the
wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Let's jump ahead a little in this our introductory, to Hebrews chapter 5 and "see" the skilful manner in which Paul communicated this of which Peter speaks. Paul had been teaching Christ and had just made reference to His being called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec (Hebrews 5:10).[16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Here is what he had to say next:
Paul was saying that he could not effectively "relate" (i.e. it was hard to "utter" and have a discourse about) Christ to Melchisedec in his teaching because it falls on deaf ears. In other words, the people are not familiar with that which is written even after many, many years of being Christians, by which time they should be knowledgeable of the scriptures. But you see, because of their "dullness" they are still Biblically illiterate. Here is the definition of "dull" from Strong's #3576: nothros (no-thros') From a derivative of G3541; sluggish, that is, (literally) lazy, or (figuratively) stupid:—dull, slothful.Hebrews 5:11-14
Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
Paul continues:
Paul makes the simple analogy that babies who have not grown up can only handle milk and are not able to eat and digest steak dinners. Of course it is ok to be a babe in Christ, for we all start out that way. However, after 20 or 30 years of going to church one should be able to eat some meat from the Word of God instead of saying "Melchisedec who?"[12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach
you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Characteristically in a spiritual sense, it seems rather fitting that those of this final generation of the fig tree (which began May 15, 1948) are called "Baby Boomers"! Nevertheless, Paul said that if you are still on the milk of His Word and are "unskilful" (Strong's #552: apeiros; From G1 (as a negative particle) and G3984; inexperienced, that is, ignorant:—unskilful.) then you've got trouble with discernment indeed! And it is evident that the majority of our Christian brothers and sisters fall into this category, else how is it that a predominantly Christian nation with the power to vote can allow such liberalism and "evil ways" to flow through our house? It is because they cannot discern between "good" and "evil" (which is so often disguised as "feel good"). Therefore, grow up and mature in His Word and become STRONG in Christ and learn to kick some dragon![13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Again, the reality is that babies are unskillful (unknowledgeable) and cannot relate to the deeper truths and ensamples of God's Word and since they have immature minds they therefore cannot "discern" between good and evil.[14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Let us now begin our study of the great "transition" book, the Book of Hebrews
We hope and pray that you can "relate to" and partake of the incredible dinner Paul has prepared for us.
Paul will document with certitude to those who know the Old Testament that Jesus Christ was indeed the Messiah. We hope and pray that you can "relate to" and partake of the incredible dinner he has prepared for us. We thank our Father and ask for His spirit of wisdom to guide us, in Yeshua's name.
Our Father has recorded for us in His Word, for our admonition and edification, the many times (sundry times) and the many ways (divers manners) throughout history that He has spoken unto the "fathers", our forefathers, by the prophets! If we have been diligent and taken the time, or will begin today to take the time, from our busy schedules to study and understand what was said by those prophets, then we can come to better know and understand and yes, love the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, Anointed One, Emmanuel, the Son of God, who came to dwell in the flesh and pay the price on the cross for us. So consider the question,"Have you read with understanding what God said to our fathers by the prophets?"Hebrews 1:1
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
And so it is that we have made the transition from hearing the words of the prophets to "hearing" the very Son of God, the Spirit that moved upon the waters and rejuvenated this earth following the destruction of the first earth age. He is the Word, the Logos, the very One who created the heavens and the earth and the "worlds", which are the "aeons", even the three earth ages. He made all things and came into this world of darkness and has shed His light upon our hearts and minds.[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Col. 1:16-17 " For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: [17] And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist."John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God.[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.
Do you know why He created all things? The answer is found in Rev. 4:11 "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." You see, His pleasure, His delight (Prov. 8:31), is the love of His children and to give them of His inheritance.
Genesis 1:2 "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."[4] In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
We shall "see" how that One, the express image of God, the one by whom all things consist, became flesh and by himself purged our sins, and now sits on the right hand of the Majesty on high. How exciting and how precious is the Word of God.
Hang with us through this great Book of Hebrews and you will be blessed and filled with meat and made stronger indeed!
If we cannot see the things which are unseen, i.e. which are invisible to the naked eye, how can we learn and know about the things of the spirit?
In preface to this study, let us attempt to lay a foundation by trying to understand a basic difference between the dimension of the physical and the dimension of the spiritual, i.e. between flesh and spirit.
For example, one cannot see an attitude, which is a spiritual thing, nor can one take a lie or joy as in "good" or "evil" and place either of them on a slide and look at them under a microscope.
These are things that one comes to "know" or "see" (understand) only by discernment, in one's mind, which discernment can be aided by seeing spiritual things manifested (shown, acted out) in a physical way.
You see, the physical universe the flesh man dwells in "under the (physical) sun", is made up of only three dimensions, length, height, and width.
But spiritual things are not bound by those lower dimensions, nor can they be measured or quantified by them.
In other words, one cannot take a ruler or a yardstick or a set of balances and measure or weigh the amount of love he or she has for someone else because love is spiritual, without length or breadth or weight.
Hopefully one can understand that concept, because without that understanding one will have much difficulty even understanding Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the spiritual relationship of the Father to the Son.
So the question is, "If we cannot see the things which are unseen, i.e. which are invisible to the naked eye, how can we learn and know about the things of the spirit?
Better yet, if God is a Spirit as is written in John 4:24, how can we come to know and understand Him and relate to Him because we cannot see Him in that dimension?
The apostle Paul explains that to us in very simple terms:
Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
The Plan of God was set in motion from the beginning when the Spirit, the Word, Truth and Wisdom (Prov. 8:22) was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." You see, that is the nature of God. He is a God of truth and wisdom which are spiritual characteristics of Him which again, one cannot see under a microscope, i.e. with flesh eyes. Deut. 32:4 "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." The manifestation, the works of God and His judgments, could be nothing but perfect since He is a God of pure truth!Flesh man cannot see God who is in the spiritual, and therefore invisible, dimension. So Jesus Christ came to this earth and by Him and through Him hath declared the Father.
God is also love! 1 John 4:16 "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." Again, love is a spiritual thing. And you know what? A person's love for someone, like his mate or his child or his God, etc., is understood by how he (or she) shows that love, i.e. by his or her actions, works (John 14:15)!
Consider now the Plan of Salvation and the immense love of God who first loved us (1 Jn. 4:19). It would come to pass according to the Plan of God from the beginning that the Word would come forth of woman and be made flesh, and dwell among us, which is what the word Emmanuel means in Hebrew, "God with us"! And we would be able to behold (see, perceive) His glory, as the glory of the only one brought forth of the Father, of Himself, from the sack of water (begotten, Gr. monogenes) and then glorified as His Son. (More on this later.)
Again, flesh man cannot see God who is in the spiritual, and therefore invisible, dimension. So Jesus Christ came to this earth and by Him and through Him hath declared the Father. And since JESUS, BEING GOD, CAME TO EARTH AS A FLESH AND BLOOD MAN WE CAN SEE GOD BY HAVING SEEN JESUS!John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Therefore as Christ would say to Philip in John 14:9 "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?"[18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared him.
So far we have learned that in the past God communicated with our fathers many times and in many ways by the prophets, but now, in these last days, He speaks to us through His Son whom He has appointed heir of all things and by whom also He made the "worlds" (Heb. 1:1-2).
The "brightness of His glory" is the effulgence or "radiant splendor" of God. Jesus Christ was the only begotten Son, the only "flesh born" of God and He was the "express image" (like an exact metal cast die) of God, of His "person"... in appearance, yes, but He was also the express image of truth and wisdom and justice, God's nature, His character, which as we read is without iniquity (Deut. 32:4)! When you think about it, don't most children resemble their parents... like father, like son? Nevertheless, it was because God loves us so, that He willingly came to this earth and was crucified on the cross to "purge" our sins and pay the price as our "kinsman redeemer"... if you can relate and are not dull of hearing. (We shall learn more of why Christ came in our study of chapter 2.)Hebrews 1:3
Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Let's consider our forefather Abraham for a moment knowing that Paul will speak of him and relate to him in this Book of Hebrews. The name "Abraham", changed by God from the name "Abram" (meaning "high father"), means "father of a multitude" or the "father of many nations". You see, Abraham was the "father of the covenant", the one to whom God made His covenant, His promise that Abraham's "seed" would become as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is upon the seashore (Gen. 22:17). Understand that the "father", Abraham along with his wife Sarai, were a barren couple, without sons (Gen. 11:30). (Are you seeing the Plan of God in this type?) And it would be through Abraham's only begotten son (of Sarah his wife) that the "promised seed" would come. (Note: If you are familiar with the whole story then you know that Abraham would end up having other seed present on earth before the promised seed of Isaac came forth, i.e. referring to his sons through Hagar and Keturah.)
Again, understand that Isaac was Abraham's only begotten son of the promise, and it is written that Abraham loved him, and certainly very dearly so (Gen. 22:2). But the father (Abraham) would be asked by God to take his only begotten son and heir of the promise, the son whom he loved, and go the land of Moriah ("Seen of Yah") and place that child he loved more than anything in the world upon the altar as a burnt offering. "Oh my!", we all say, when we hear what we perceive to be an awful thing God asked the "father" to do, especially we who have children of our own!
It pains our hearts to even imagine Abraham going through with it! Of course God spared Isaac but as it is written in this book of Hebrews, written to our people, by faith Abraham was willing to trust God and offer up his only begotten son.Genesis 22:1
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.[2] And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
Our heavenly Father DID offer up His only begotten Son as a sacrifice that we might have life everlasting. And as we read in Heb. 1:3, after paying the price Jesus ascended and "sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." Here is a second and even a third witness to that:Hebrews 11:17
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Notice that Peter declares that the angels and authorities and powers have all been made subject to Him. Let us continue with Hebrews 1:4 concerning Christ who paid the price and now sits at the right hand of the Father.Col. 3:1-3
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.1 Peter 3:22
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
"Being made" means "having become" so much better [nobler, as in nobility] than the angels. In other words, because he was the Son of God, he inherited the kingship, a more excellent [surpassing] name [authority] than [para = above] they [them, i.e. the angels]. In other words, Jesus Christ become so much nobler than the angels, because as the heir to the throne He has inherited all things, all power, and all authority in both heaven and earth. Remember Hebrews 1:2 "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds." So the Word of God, Jesus Christ, the One who made all things, has through the relationship of being the only begotten Son, been appointed by the Father to become the heir of all things. Remember, the Godhead is understood by the things which are seen, even His eternal power (by inheritance) and Godhead, i.e. the Father and Son.Hebrews 1:4
Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name* than they.
Do you know what that more "excellent name", which means "far surpassing name" (i.e. authority) is?
This next verse should help us in our understanding.Rev. 19:16
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
We see the spiritual "relationship", the two "offices", established here of the Father and the Son. The Son of the Father is the inheritor of all things! We understand that relationship by that which is seen among men. You see, there is a reason why we have families with a father and a mother and a firstborn and children who are brothers and sisters. Paul is saying "Who else have you ever heard God call His Son whom He has "begotten" this day?"That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit.
Hebrews 1:5 For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
You will find however that the word "begotten" in this verse is not the same word translated "begotten" in John 3:16, which is "monogenes" meaning only [born] child. The Greek word "begotten" used here in Hebrews 1:5 is "gennao" which in this case means "brought Thee to the birth!" This is a quote from Psalm 2:7 which with Acts 13:33 documents that this is speaking of the first advent and the day of His resurrection when the Son "became the glorified Son, the Head of the body, the Firstborn of many brethren".
You see, that which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Christ explained all this in John chapter 3 concerning being born of the flesh and of the spirit. Jesus Christ was willing to come down from above and be born of water (in the sac of water) and then be raised in the spirit. To learn more on this subject go to Pamphlets #1507, #1508, & #1509. Paul also speaks of that which is natural and that which is spiritual.Psalm 2:7
I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.Acts 13:33
God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
And so it was that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is both Lord and King over all and now sits at the right hand of God awaiting His second advent which is spoken of in the next verse.1 Cor. 15:45
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
When Yeshua returns at the second advent every knee (all the angels) shall bow to His name (and authority)! By the way, the word firstborn is "prototokos" which means just that... the first-born. Christ was the firstborn among many brethren who have been predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son and then resurrected (glorified, raised in status) to eternal life at His second coming, which is the first resurrection:Hebrew 1:6
And again, when He bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship Him.
Christ is returning as the King of kings and Lord of lords whereby He has not only been appointed heir of all things because He is the Son of God, but He has also been appointed high priest after the order of Melchi-Zedek, which means "king of the just"! Those just ones are His ministers of "fire"!Romans 8:29
For whom He did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.Rev. 1:5
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
This is a quote from Psalm 104:Hebrews 1:7
And of the angels He saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29) and the brightness of His coming shall consume all that is wicked.Psalm 104:1-5
Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. [2] Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: [3] Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: [4] Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: [5] Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.
The Prince of Peace, the inheritor of all things, will soon come as King of kings to sit on the throne and rule this earth with a rod of iron, even with the rod and the sceptre of righteousness for He is also our Shepherd, the Lord of lords. Of course if you are one of His, a just one, then His rod and His staff are a comfort of peace and protection, even now as we "walk through the valley of the shadow of death" wherein we also "see" the (spiritually) dry bones spoken of in Ezek. 37.Hebrews 1:8
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
The majority of our people have not ears to hear (understand) nor eyes to see (spiritually perceive).
Paul, the great teacher and Hebrew scholar, is giving an "utterly" awesome Bible lesson to the Hebrews, those lost (dispersed) tribes of the House of Israel in this final generation (Do you know who and where they are?). He is actually bringing forth and expounding the kingdom of God and the glory of Jesus Christ from the Old Testament... as was his manner of teaching. Of course there was no canon of writings called the New Testament at that time and it would come to pass that Paul himself would actually end up writing the majority of it. However, the fascinating truth of the matter is and the part that the "dull of hearing" do not "see" and understand, is that most of Paul's teachings simply expound and testify to that which is already written in the Old Testament. You see, Paul knew and taught that "Jesus Christ came in the volume of the Book", ALL of it, for it is "written of Him"!
As if to further illustrate the point, even this New Testament scripture in not "new"! Paul quoted it from the Book of Psalms:Hebrews 10:7
Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Let us document how Paul teaches about the kingdom of God and persuades us concerning Jesus Christ. It is written in the book of Acts concerning his methodology:Psalm 40:7
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
It should not be surprising to know that one who is knowledgeable of the law and the prophets can easily "preach Christ" and testify to the kingdom of God.Acts 28:23-27
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
Some of God's elect become a little bewildered or even discouraged at times when folks (especially loved ones) are not receptive to hearing the truth of God's Word after the manner of "thus saith the Lord" and "it is written". Hey, not even the apostle Paul, one of the greatest teachers of all time next to Jesus Christ, could "persuade" them. It just further documents that God's Word through the mouths of the prophets are RIGHT ON![24] And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
Yes, "well spake" the Holy Spirit by Isaiah, i.e. how true it is both then and now, that the majority of our people have not ears to hear (understand) nor eyes to see (spiritually perceive).[25] And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
The reason for the spiritual "blindness" and "dullness of hearing" is that so many of our brothers and sisters are so indoctrinated with the traditions of men (churchianity) that they have become "hardened" (hard headed would be more like it) and consequently they see no need to be converted, which means "to turn" to Him, to His Word, wherein He dwells.[26] Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye s hall see, and not perceive:
And so behold, here Paul is in this great Book of Hebrews expounding and testifying the kingdom of God and teaching and persuading us concerning Jesus out of both the law and the prophets. (the Old Testament)[27] For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Let's make a structural picture of Hebrews 1:5 through
1:14
to illustrate that so much of what we are reading from
the lips of Paul
is taken directly from the Old Testament.
Pay close attention to Hebrews 1:5 & 1:6 and you will
"see" both the First Advent (vs. 5)
and Second Advent (vs. 6) of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.
(Note: If you are "sharp" minded and not "dull minded" then Deut. 32:43 should immediately "utter" to your mind the second half of Ps. 61:2 concerning the second advent.
A word to the wise.
Also, in verse 6, the fact that the Septuagint, the Greek version of the OT translated by 70 (hence "septuagint") scholars at Alexandria, Egypt, during the reign of Ptolemy Philadephus (285-247 BC), attests to the scholarship of Paul who would have been well familiar with it.
Here then is Paul's teaching in Hebrews 1:5-14 in parallel, in perfect harmony, with the law and the prophets.
Hebrews 1:5 For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?Psalm 2:7Hebrews 1:6
I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Deut. 32:43Hebrews 1:7
Rejoice, ye heavens, with him, and let all the angels of God worship him; rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people, and let all the sons of God strengthen themselves in him; for he will avenge the blood of his sons, and he will render vengence, and recompense justice to his enemies, and will reward them that hate him; and the Lord shall the land of his people. (Septuagint) (See also footnote in NIV)
And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.Psalm 104:4Hebrews 1:8
Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.Psalm 45:6
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
Hebrews 1:9
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.Psalm 45:7
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Hebrews 1:10
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:Psalm 102:25
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
Hebrews 1:11
They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;Psalm 102:26
They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
Hebrews 1:12
And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.Psalm 102:27
But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Hebrews 1:13
But to which of the angels said he at any times, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?Psalm 110:1
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Psalm 103:20-22
Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.[21] Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
[22] Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
The point is that if one truly wants to come to KNOW Jesus Christ, He is FOUND in the volume of the Book, ALL of it!
So never let the "ignorant" milk bottle suckers give you this "All you need is salvation and baptism" stuff!
Salvation and Baptism are beautiful and they are necessary, but as Paul explains in Hebrews 5, they are for babes, new Christians!
Once you have "been there and done that" (ONE TIME) then grow up and mature in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God!
2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
Earlier we left off where Paul was teaching us from Psalm 45 that the Son of God would sit on the Throne of His kingdom for ever and ever, ruling with truth and justice.
Hebrews 1:8
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.Psalm 45:6
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
So Paul has just taught us from the Psalms about the fairness and justice of the everlasting kingdom ruled by Jesus Christ. Let us now continue our study with Hebrews 1:9 concerning our LORD.
To "anoint" in Hebrews 1:9 means to "consecrate", as to an office. In other words, Jesus Christ, the "Anointed One" (Messiah) has been consecrated with the "oil* of gladness" or "oil of exultation" to the highest office, above His fellows, i.e. to that of King of kings and Lord of lords.Hebrews 1:9
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.Psalm 45:7
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Note: The word "oil" in Greek means "olive oil" from Strong's #G1637, "elaion" the neuter of Strong's #1636 "elaia" or "el-ah'-yah"! Those who are familiar with the Hebrew names of God will immediately see His names, the Creator and the Father, contained in the anointing "olive oil", "El" and "Yah".
It should be noted from Strong's Concordance that the word "Lord" in Heb. 1:10 is "kurios" which means kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller; by implication Mr. (as a respectful title):—God, Lord, master, Sir. You see, the Plan of God was laid out from the beginning when the Word was with God. He was in charge (supreme in authority) then and He is in charge (with supreme authority) now! Only the heavens and the earth had a beginning because it was at that time (in the beginning) when they became the works of His hands. However, God existed before the beginning... "ere the earth ever was" as it is written in Proverbs 8:23, "I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was." And though the "heaven and earth (age)" shall pass away, He shall eternally remain after they have perished. Thus we come to a richer understanding of the "Alpha and Omega", from before (ere) the beginning of the Plan of God to after it is finished, i.e. has ended.Hebrews 1:10
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:Psalm 102:25
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
The corruptible (flesh, earthly body) putting on the incorruptible (spiritual, heavenly body) is NOT THE SAME thing as the "mortal" putting on "immortality".
All that is "temporal" and of this flesh age shall perish, which includes these tabernacles we dwell in "under the sun", i.e. our flesh bodies! Paul writes of this "mystery" in 1 Cor. 15 which is worth a little side trip to "see" what he says... especially if you like to see mysteries solved.Hebrews 1:11
They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;Psalm 102:26
They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
If you think there will be "flesh" people in the Millennium, you are wrong. Does that mean we are all going to die when Christ returns? Well, in a sense, for Paul will teach us how that all the sons of God must first pass through the womb before judgment. Hebrews 9:27 "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment". However, we are not all going to be "killed" or "die" after the manners we naturally think of concerning death. You see, we just read that the "old garment" shall be changed. Open your ears and hear what Paul has to say concerning this mystery:1 Cor. 15:50
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Something has to happen because we just read, "flesh and blood cannot enter the kingdom of God" which occurs at the sound of the 7th Trump, at the sound of the last trump (not when Satan, the false-christ, comes at the 6th Trump)! In other words, the flesh age is over when Jesus Christ returns as King of kings and Lord of lords to usher in His kingdom. So goodbye flesh... somehow, right? Here's how...[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
If you have read all of 1 Cor. 15 concerning the "two bodies" which every one has, and what actually happens when a person dies and is "sown in the ground", then this becomes much less a mystery. You see, both the (spiritually) dead shall be "raised incorruptible", i.e. changed into their spiritual incorruptible (not immortal) bodies, and we too shall all be changed into our spiritual (incorruptible) bodies! Hey, sounds like "Beam me up, Scotty!" (Actually, if you understand 1 Thes. 4:13-18 and how we "meet the Lord along with our returning loved ones" in our "aer" bodies, the "transporter" concept is a pretty good pictorial analogy for we shall literally "step out of these flesh shells" into our "aer" (breath of life) bodies. Just like that! In an eyewink's time!)[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
The corruptible (flesh, earthly body) putting on the incorruptible (spiritual, heavenly body) is NOT THE SAME thing as the "mortal" putting on "immortality". The former is simply the raising of the body (from flesh to spirit) while the latter is the raising of the person, the soul, to the status of eternal life, which is called the "First Resurrection (first raising to eternal life)".[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
NOT until you have done BOTH have you defeated death, i.e. defeated the second death and put on immortality by being raised (resurrected) to eternal life! That is why the people who are not part of the first resurrection (raising to eternal life) when Christ returns are called "dead" in the Millennium.Though they shall have put on incorruptible bodies (that don't get sick, etc.), they shall not have put on immortality and therefore are still liable to die in the lake of fire if they don't get their act together before then.
There he goes again, that rascally Paul, quoting from the Old Testament (Isa. 25:8, Hos. 13:14)![54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
If you decide to study the 102nd Psalm to read in context what Paul is teaching here, you will find that the next verse, Ps. 102:28, speaks of those servants of His who shall be made like Him! That would be the "sons and daughters" (seed) of this final generation that Christ spoke of while hanging on the cross. They are that "seed" who would come serve Him in the final generation and declare His righteousness (Ps. 22:31)!Hebrews 1:12
And as a vesture [mantle] shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.Psalm 102:27
But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
His servants, shall come forth, even they have, and "finish the work" and then the Son who sits on the throne on the right hand of His Majesty on High, shall grant His servants to sit on His throne (i.e. to rule with Him) when He returns to this earth. Until then, as His servants, we still have some "dragon" kicking to do. Rev. 3:21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."Psalm 102:28
The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
He has given us His Word, His Spirit, His "Fire", His "Power" to tread down that which is evil! In fact, He has given us "power" over ALL the power of the enemy. So let's stomp those snakes and vipers under His footstool!Hebrews 1:13
But to which of the angels said He at any times, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?Psalm 110:1
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Do you serve and minister to Christ? Are you made strong by His power (Ezek-i-el, "God is my strength"), through eating "the meat" of His Word and growing tough, impenetrable skin, called the Gospel Armor by this one Paul in the 6th chapter of his letter to the Ephesians. That gospel armor is a "spiritual garment" which cannot be pierced by the "fiery darts" of the Wicked one (Eph. 6:16). Nor shall that spiritual righteousness, that "garment" also known as fine white linen, perish (Rev. 19:8)!Luke 10:18-19
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.[19] Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
The word "sent forth" is "apostello" which is where the word "apostle" (one sent forth) comes from. It is a title of service, not a title of elevation or high ranking. Even the apostle John who says in Rev. 1:9 "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ..." considered himself "one of the boys", i.e. one of the brethren (no gender intended) who serve Him. So here is a question you might ask yourself, "Do you have a purpose and a destiny to serve Him as one of the brothers and sisters and companions in tribulation in these last days?" God is calling forth His sons and daughters in this final generation to minister unto Him and to declare His righteousness, His Word, unto His children.Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
In conclusion to this study, let us visit the 110th Psalm which Paul quoted from in Heb. 1:13 and see what we might learn concerning the Anointed One in the Old Testament!
Psalm 110:1-7
A Psalm of David.
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
As it is written in the Old and confirmed in the New, Christ now sits at the right hand of the Father, but He shall be sent forth to rule all nations with a rod of iron. Rev. 12:5 "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne."[2] The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
Melchizedek means "king" (melchi) of the "just" (zadok). Are you one His "zadok", one of God's elect? Paul will be teaching us much about Christ and the kingdom of God as we continue in the Book of Hebrews by referring often to Melchizedek. If you are not "dull of hearing" concerning this one, then you will be fed much meat through his teaching.[3] Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.[4] The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Hint: "Are you one of His "right hand" servants?"[5] The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
He is coming to the Valley of Jeho-shaphat (Yahveh Judges, see Joel 3) to judge the heathen, i.e. the nations. And when He comes, He shall destroy the "fallen angels" according to Rev. 11 and shall wound (to death) the "heads" of the one world beast system, the New World Order, which even now controls the nations. In other words, Satan, the false-christ and Babylon the Great are coming down... hard and fast![6] He shall judge among the heathen, He shall fill the places with the dead bodies; He shall wound the heads over many countries .
The brook is the "living water" from which one who drinks shall never thirst![7] He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall He lift up the head.
In chapter 2 we shall be fed so much understanding about why Jesus Christ came to this earth that we will all feel like it is Thanksgiving Day... and you know what... it will be... because every day is a day of thanksgiving when you eat from the table of the Lord.
To study the Bible is the noblest of all pursuits;
to understand it, the highest of all goals.
We pray that with the guidance of the Holy
Spirit, you accomplish both.
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