PERSUASION TO STEADFASTNESS _CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ It is necessary to the understanding of this chapter that we keep in mind the persecutions and sufferings which were straining the allegiance of the Christian Jews. These were peculiarly distressing at a time when they were also exposed t... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Hebrews 12:3. CONSIDER.—Place your sufferings in comparison with His. AGAINST HIMSELF.—R.V. renders “against themselves,” which is a well-supported reading. WEARIED.—R.V. renders “that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.” _Stuart_ renders, “lest, becoming disco... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Hebrews 12:9. FATHER OF SPIRITS.—See Numbers 16:22; Numbers 27:16; Zechariah 12:1. “The Creator of all spirits, who is the Giver of life to all, who knows the spirit which He has made, and can discipline it by chastening.” Hebrews 12:12. LIFT UP THE HANDS.—Lit. “str... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Hebrews 12:18. MIGHT BE TOUCHED.—A figure of speech for a “material” thing. “A palpable and enkindled fire.” For the terrors accompanying the giving of the law on Sinai, see Exodus 19:20. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Hebrews 12:18_ Emblems of the Older Revela... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Hebrews 12:22. MOUNT SION.—The spiritual or heavenly mount. Not Jerusalem, but what is represented by Jerusalem. “The mountain and city of a living God.” INNUMERABLE COMPANY.—Lit. “myriads, the joyful company of angels.” Hebrews 12:23. CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN.—The s... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Hebrews 12:29. CONSUMING FIRE.— Deuteronomy 4:24. Not intended as in any sense a description of God, but “an anthropomorphic way of expressing His hatred of apostasy and idolatry. The reference is made in order to show why we ought to serve God with holy reverence an... [ Continue Reading ]