Daily Thought

‘Better’ is a characteristic word of this Epistle. It occurs thirteen times and has the idea of superiority in dignity and worth. The old dispensation, the law, was given by the mediation of angels. If Christ is greater than angels, then His dispensation of the new covenant has to be higher than that of the law. How was He greater than angels? Because there are predicated of him things which could be said of only God Himself. Consider the name given to Him, the Son, v. 5. The writer quotes Psalm 2 first. Though views differ here as to whether the reference is to the incarnation, or the resurrection, let us not miss the point being made that no angel was ever addressed thus. Then the writer quotes from the covenant made with David, 1 Chr. 17. 13; 2 Sam. 7. 14. The promise was made to David of a son whose kingdom God would establish for ever. Son of David, He would be as man, Matt. 1. 1, but as God He was eternally in the relationship of Son. The Son is described as ‘the first begotten’, Heb. 1. 6. The reference is to the second coming of the Lord, ‘when He again bringeth’ RV. As Firstborn He has priority to, and sovereignty over, all creation, Col. 1. 18, precedence of those who rise from the dead, and supremacy over His brethren, Rom. 8. 29. His return is accompanied by a host of angels, 2 Thess. 1. 7; Rev. 19. 11-16 who are enjoined to worship Him. If He were not the Son it would be idolatry and blasphemy to worship Him. Angels are ‘ministering spirits’ but He is addressed by the Father as ‘O God’, Heb. 1. 7, 8. To Him the Father has given a throne and a sceptre for ever, and speaks to Him as His equal from all eternity to all ages. On the fact of His essential nature as God, the Father bases the eternal character of His government. He is the Lord who carried out the original work of creation, bringing it into being. He is the unchangeable Lord amid the changing universe, for it shall perish, but He remains, v. 11. He not only laid the foundations of the earth, but He is sovereign over the changes of the universe, for ‘as a vesture [He shall] fold them up’, v. 12. No angel was ever invited as He has been to sit on God’s throne. Service, not dominion, is the function of angels, v. 14.