Lesson Five
An Ancient Bible Study
For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Messiah Yeshua, Who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.”
Hebrews 2:16-3:2
Introduction
- Our historical excursion through the book of Acts has taught us some important things about the recipients of the Epistle to the Hebrew. Although we do not know who wrote the book, we do know that the writer was in the Pauline circle. Our Acts study taught us that Paul was Torah observant to his death helps us know that the writer is not hostile to the Torah, the Temple, the sacrifices, or the Aaronic priesthood.
- So the book was written for a different reason. It is a dramatic explanation of the relationship between the ‘seen’ and ‘unseen’. This explanation is meant to encourage and warn the readers.
The Hebraic Style
- Much has been made about the quality of the Greek in the Epistle. There is very little written about the Hebraic style of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Chapters 1 and 2 are extremely technical in a ‘midrashic’ or ‘rabbinic’ way. Much like the ‘stream of consciousness’ style evident in the Talmud, chapters 1 and 2 quickly leave the somewhat complex writings of Paul in the dust.
- To fully appreciate the style and the thinking in chapters 1 and 2, you need to understand remez. Remez is the recall and the linking together of various Scripture passages by key words and phrases that identify the passage.
- Most people read these first few chapters’ quotes from the TaNaKh and do not understand that they have merely read the Scripture references from a time before there were chapter and verse.
- Chapters 1 and 2 are the not only the declaration of Who Messiah is – they serve as a form of credentials for the writer. In these first 2 chapters, by style and technique, he/she identifies themselves as someone deeply immersed in Hebraic study methods. These two chapters can teach us how the early believers did Bible study.
Chapters One and Two
- Heb 1:1-2: In the past, G-d spoke through intermediaries: prophets (and emissaries). In these last days, we hear by His Son. The next 2 chapters go on to compare Messiah to ‘angels’.
- A play on the word ‘angels’ is being used. Both human and angelic beings. Aggelos merely means ‘messenger’. Prophets are ‘aggelos’. Angelic beings are also referenced. Heb 2:2-3: “…spoken through angels”.
- The argument is established in 1:1-2, described in 2:1-2, and concluded in 3:1-2, where Yeshua is called the Emissary. All that falls in between makes the point that Messiah is not an intermediary – that His Word are the very words of the Almighty.
- Along the way, it makes some profoundly Messianic statements.
Connect the Dots
- Heb 1:4-5: Connects to Ps 2 and links it to 2Sam 7:12-14. Ps 2 is “A Psalm of Messiah” (Mashiach). 2Sam 7 is the Davidic Covenant. The phrase “Son of David” means more with this in mind.
- Heb 1:6: Connects to Deut 32:43 (LXX), which emphasizes the universal worship of G-d – including Gentiles. Note the vengeance and deliverance given to ‘sons’.
- Heb 1:7: Connects to Ps 104:1-4, emphasizing the acts of creation.
- Heb 1:8-9: Connects to Ps 45:6-7, Ps 2:6-9, and 2Sam 7:13. Who’s throne? Who’s scepter? How long?
- Heb 1:10-12: Connects to Ps 102:25-28, Ps 104:1-4, and Deut 32:43. Emphasizes creation and an eternal existence. Ps 102 is called “The Psalm for an Afflicted Man”.
- Heb 1:13-14: Connects to Ps 110. The most quoted passage in the Apostolic Scriptures. It is the premier Messianic Psalm. Connects to Deut 32:43, and through Ps 110 back to Ps 45:6-7. Emphasizes the Kingship of Messiah, the Priesthood of Messiah, and the Judgeship of Messiah.
- Heb 2:6-8: Connects to Ps 8:4-6, and through Ps 8, back to Ps 110. “Son of man”?
- Heb 12:12: Connects to Ps 22:22, which connects back to Ps 102 (“Psalm for an Afflicted Man”) and back to Deut 32:43. Brothers who are defended.
- Heb 2:13; 16: Connects to Is 8:17-18 (LXX) and Is 4:8-10 (LXX), with links to Ps 2:12; Deut 32:43, Ps 102:28, and 2Sam 7:13.
Summary
- Our writer sometimes takes excursions, much like Paul. Don’t confuse this with Paul’s writing style – it is the Hebraic style you are reading (Paul wrote in this same style). The style is more than simply a writing style – it is a way of thinking, and a way of studying Scripture.
- We have looked briefly at the detail in this passage. Next week we will try to sum up what was said along the way to the writer’s main point, which is summed up in Heb 2:2-3:
"For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the L-rd, and was confirmed to us by those who heard."
Hebrews 2:2-3