Last week, we began with the theologically-rich first few introductory verses to the book of Hebrews. This next passage continues that theme, with multiple Old Testament quotations to investigate in relation to Jesus.
Hebrews 1:4, directly before today’s passage, states: “So [the Son] became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.” Today’s passage of Hebrews 1:5-14 describes that majesty of the Son Jesus a bit more using the Old Testament.
First, a couple of questions are asked: “For 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’?” (Hebrews 1:5). The first part directly quotes Psalm 2:7. This verse from Psalm 2 was often used for crowning a new king, showing the role that the new king would have. Here, it’s used to refer to Jesus as our ultimate King, who is clearly greater than any of the angels. The second part directly quotes 2 Samuel 7:14 and 1 Chronicles 7:13. These verses emphasize the relationship between the Father God and the Son Jesus.
Verse 6 refers to Jesus’ birth as a human and that all God’s angels will worship Him - which is exactly the scene we see in Luke 2. This was prophesied in some manuscripts of Deuteronomy 32:43. It is significant here that Jesus is referred to as the “firstborn.” This term is used elsewhere in Scripture, but this is the only time it is directly linked to Jesus. This again emphasizes Jesus’ prominent position as the first and only Son of God.
In verse 7, the author moves to speaking about angels by quoting Psalm 104:4. Jesus is the Son, but the angels are only spirits (or winds) and flames of fire. They are nothing more than elemental forces in comparison to Jesus. This may also imply that the angels are more temporary, while the Son is eternal.
Verses 8-9 go back to discussing the Son by quoting Psalm 45:6-7. This links the Son to being God and reigning on the throne. The royal majesty of Jesus is brought out with the images of the throne, scepter, and kingdom. Jesus has been anointed above all others and is the reigning King.
A longer quote from Psalm 102:25-27 is included in verses 10-12. This addresses how Jesus is eternal, His participation in the creation of the world, and how He rules over all of it. We know that Jesus was involved in the creation of the world, as referenced in John 1:3, 1 Corinthians 8:6, and Colossians 1:16. The quotation then moves into metaphors about clothing. This refers to the fact that the creation will wear out (though slowly), and the Son will deal with that by changing the world. He began everything in this world, and He will be the one to finish it. Everything in our world will eventually be replaced by the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21-22). But in spite of everything in this world that changes, Jesus will always remain the same. He has existed since before time, and He will always continue to exist.
The distinction between Jesus and the angels is again brought up in verse 13, quoting Psalm 110:1. As a whole, Psalm 110 is a Messianic psalm that clearly applies to Jesus. The teachers of the law even related it to the Messiah (Mark 12:35-37), though of course they didn’t believe that Jesus was that messiah. Sitting at the right hand of God was the place of superior authority and majesty, and that is exactly where Jesus sits. Making enemies a footstool is an image of utter subjection, that Jesus clearly rules over them all.
Verse 14 wraps up this discussion by saying, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Jesus is ruling in majesty, while the angels are portrayed as servants. Not only that, but they are servants of people (“those who will inherit salvation”), not even servants who directly serve God, though God does direct their roles.
This passage is one that clearly shows how the author of the book of Hebrews knew the Old Testament Scriptures very well. The author is able to relate all of these passages to the person of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. It’s easy for us Christians today to simply look at the New Testament to see who Jesus is, but Jesus is very present in the Old Testament as well. The whole of the Old Testament points to Jesus in some way, and the author of Hebrews is pointing out just a few of those passages for us. The whole Bible is God’s story of creation and redemption, and it all points to Jesus.
I challenge you this week to seek out some additional passages that show Jesus in the Old Testament. Focus on the importance of the life and salvation work of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures, and you’ll see how important that focus is for your daily life as a Christ follower as well.
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