College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Hebrews 1:8-12
C.
Superior to angels in universal ruleHebrews 1:8 to Hebrews 2:4.
1.
Because of character and creation.
Text
Hebrews 1:8 but of the Son He saith,
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever;
And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of Thy Kingdom.
Hebrews 1:9 Thou has loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;
Therefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee
With the oil of gladness above Thy fellows,
Hebrews 1:10 And,
Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the works of Thy hands:
Hebrews 1:11 They shall perish; but Thou continuest:
And they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
Hebrews 1:12 And as a mantel shalt Thou roll them up,
As a garment, and they shall be changed:
But Thou art the same,
And Thy years shall not fail.
Paraphrase
Hebrews 1:8 But to show that the Son is Governor of the world, He saith to Him, Psalms 45:6. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. And, Of this government Thou art worthy, because the sceptre of Thy kingdom is a sceptre of rectitude: Thy government is exercised for maintaining truth and righteousness in the world.
Hebrews 1:9 By coming to destroy the devil and his works, Thou hast showed the greatest love of righteousness and hatred of wickedness; therefore, O God, Thy God (John 20:17) hath bestowed on Thee as a king, and a priest, and a prophet, endowments whereby Thou excellest all Thy associates in these offices.
Hebrews 1:10 And, still farther to display the greatness of the Son above all the angels, (see Hebrews 1:14.), it is said, Psalms 102:25-27. Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst firmly build the earth, and the works of Thy power are the heavens.
Hebrews 1:11 They, though firmly founded, shall perish, but Thou, their maker, possessest an endless existence; and they all, as a garment becomes useless by long wearing, shall grow old, unfit for answering the purpose of their creation;
Hebrews 1:12 And then, as a worn-out upper garment, Thou wilt fold them up, and lay them aside as useless, and they shall be changed for the new heavens and the new earth to be substituted in their place: but Thou, their maker, art the same, without any change, and Thy duration shall never have an end.
Comment
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever
This passage has various readings.
a.
The original is found in Psalms 45:6In the footnote of the A.S. version it reads, Thy throne is the throne of God.
b.
In Hebrews the footnote reads, Thy throne is God forever. This is the problem: is Christ addressed here as God?
a.
Calvin says: The Jews, in order to avoid owning Christ, make an evasion by saying that the throne of God is spoken of; whoever will read the verse who is of sound mind and free of the spirit of contention, cannot doubt, but the Messiah is called God. (p. 45)
b.
To back up Calvin's position, note Hebrews 1:9. Therefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee.
1.
The commas could be removed so it would read, God Thy God hath
2.
The Psalm is addressed to Jesus, so the commas are correctly placed.
The main point should not be lost in the above discussion:
a.
The point is the eternality of Jesus.
b.
He is not just a minister of God as are the angels, but He has an eternal throne.
and the sceptre
This is a baton or staff borne by a sovereign as an emblem of authority.
of uprightness
Ina world of corruptness and graft, we need one who rules with uprightness, Psalms 37:18; Isaiah 26:7.
Jesus-' baptism was on the basis of righteousness.
Matthew 3:15to fulfill all righteousness.
is the sceptre of Thy kingdom
Thy kingdom is also translated His kingdom.
Some make a distinction between kingdom of God and kingdom of heaven.
a.
One view: The kingdom of God includes all saints from Adam to the present, and the church is a part of it.
b.
Second view: The kingdom of heaven will be set up by Jesus when He comes, and the church is not a part of it.
SPECIAL OUTLINE
The New Testament Teaching on the Kingdom
I.
The first preaching of the kingdom.
A.
John, in Matthew 3:2: Repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
B.
Jesus in Matthew 4:17: From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven it at hand.
C.
Matthew 10:7 to disciples: As ye go, preach saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
D.
Luke 10:9the seventy: ... and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
E.
Two questions to be asked:
1.
Were the seventy preaching differently than the twelve? No, all eighty-four were preaching the same message.
2.
How near was the kingdom to them?
a.
This is about six months before the death of Christ.
b.
Within their lifetime: Mark 9:1Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
3.
The conclusion is that the kingdom and the church are the same.
II.
The names of the kingdom
A.
His kingdom
Matthew 16:28: Verily I say unto you, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death till they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom.
cf. John 18:36 where Jesus said to Pilate: My kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now is My kingdom not from hence.
The kingdom of God in the same instance:
Mark 9:1 Verily I say unto you that there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
Luke 9:27: But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
We are not discussing two different kingdoms; they are the same:
B.
The kingdom of heaven
Matthew 19:23right after the rich young ruler went away sorrowing: Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 16:19: And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever
C.
The kingdom of God
Mark 10:25The rich young ruler provoked this:
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:5: Except a man be born of the water and the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
D.
My church
Matthew 16:18: I say unto theeupon this rock I will build my church.
E.
The church of the firstborn
Hebrews 12:22-23: But ye are cometo the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.
F.
A kingdom
Hebrews 12:28: Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved,let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
G.
The church of God.
1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.
H.
The churches of Christ.
Romans 16:16 The churches of Christ salute you.
Ecclesia is the Greek word here translated church, It means called out! Who are its members?
I.
Church His body.
Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church and He is the Saviour of the body.
1 Corinthians 12:13: For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
J.
The regeneration:
Matthew 19:28: And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye shall also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
III.
The purpose of the kingdom
Luke 22:29-30: I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto Me; that ye may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
A.
They would rule while Christ was reigning.
B.
They would be the authoritykeys to the kingdom.
1.
Superior to angels in universal rule because of character and creation
Comment
Thou hast loved righteousness
What is righteousness?
a.
It is in the realm of good beyond that which is demanded, but that which comes with love.
b.
A man is right when he supports his family, but he is in the realm of righteousness when he goes beyond.
What evidence do we have that He loved righteousness?
a.
His teaching emphasized it.
1.
2.
Luke 10: parable of the good Samaritan.
b.
It was proved by His sinless life.
1.
Luke 23:4: Pilate found no fault in Him.
2.
Matthew 4: He insisted on righteousness when the devil tempted Him.
3.
Hebrews 4:15: was without sin.
c.
His obedience to the Father's will proves His love for righteousness.
and hated iniquity
How do we know He did?
a.
By his teaching.
1.
The woes to the sinner. Matthew 11:21; Matthew 23:13-29; Luke 6:24.
2.
His condemnation of hypocrisy. Matthew 6:16; Matthew 15:7.
b.
He proved it by His actions.
Matthew 21:12. The cleansing of the temple.
Jesus hated evil, but not the evildoer.
a.
He looked upon the rich young ruler and loved him. Mark 10:21.
b.
He ate with publicans and sinners. Matthew 9:10.
c.
He forgave the vilest of sinners, those who crucified Him. Luke 23:34.
d.
He came to die for sinners.
We are expected to be like Christ.
a.
Psalms 97:10: Oh ye that love Jehovah, hate evil.
b.
Matthew 6:15; Matthew 18:35: Forgiveness.
therefore God, Thy God hath anointed Thee
Is Christ addressed as God here?
a.
Yes, if the comma is left after God, if read as addressed to Jesus Christ.
b.
No, if the comma should be removed and placed after therefore, for it then reads, God Thy God.
1.
This means then that God is the God of Jesus.
2.
It should be remembered that commas are arbitrarily placed in the scripture by men.
3.
This is a quotation from Psalms 45:6 and appears the same in the Old Testament as in the New Testament.
c.
God is the God of Jesus.
Matthew 27:46: My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me
Anointing was a familiar practice in the scriptures.
a.
There were two kinds, perhaps three.
1.
The ordinary anointing of head and body, cf. Deuteronomy 28:40; Ruth 3:3; Micah 6:15; Psalms 23:5.
2.
The official anointings:
a)
Prophets were anointed at their inauguration to office, 1 Chronicles 16:22; 1 Kings 19:16; Psalms 105:15.
b)
Priests were anointed:
1)
At the institution of the Levitical priesthood, they were anointed to office. Exodus 40:15; Numbers 3:3.
2)
The anointing for the high priesthood, Exodus 29:29; Leviticus 16:32.
a)
Kings were anointed in a divinely appointed ceremony, 1 Samuel 9:16; 1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Kings 1:34; 1 Kings 1:39.
3.
The anointing of inanimate objects, Genesis 31:13Jacob anointed the pillar at Bethel, cf. Exodus 30:26-28.
Jesus was anointed, as other scriptures indicate:
a.
Acts 4:27: Jesus whom Thou didst anoint
Acts 10:37-38: how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit.
b.
Jesus was and is Prophet, Priest and King, so He is deserving of anointment.
1)
ProphetDeuteronomy 18:15-18.
2)
PriestHebrews 4:14.
3)
KingRevelation 17:14.
with the oil of gladness
Jesus was gladHebrews 12:2: who for the joy that was set
God was pleased with him; thus He was glad:
Matthew 3, at His baptism: in whom I am well pleased
Matthew 17, at His transfiguration: well pleased
There are two means or materials used for anointing, one material, and one figurative:
a.
Materialoil. Luke 7:46: respect paid to a friend or guest. Psalms 23:5.
b.
God's anointing for man.
2 Corinthians 1:21: anointed us in God.
1 John 2:27: the anointing which ye received
The oil of gladness is figurative, and we may believe the Holy Spirit is referred to.
Acts 10:37-38: anointed Him with the Holy Spirit.
above Thy fellows
Who are the fellows?
a.
Obviously the Godhead is not referred to.
b.
He is above all others:
1.
He is above man with whom He dwelt, as He took upon Himself the form of a servant, for these men must confess Him. Philippians 2:9-11.
2.
He is above all rulers, for He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16.
3.
He is above all saints, for He is their priest. Hebrews 4:14.
the foundation of the earth
This is a quotation from Psalms 102:25.
a.
It seems not to refer to Christ at the first reading.
b.
Christ's name is not mentioned in the Psalm.
c.
Calvin says, but it is yet plain that He is so pointed out, that no one can doubt but that His kingdom is there avowedly recommended to us. (p. 47)
New Testament verses that suggest the same idea: John 1:1; Colossians 1:16. The eternality of Christ over the inhabited world is established.
and the heavens are the works of Thy hands
This refers to the creation above the earth.
Heavens is in the plural form. The completeness of His power is established. There is not one God who made heaven, and another God who made earth.
They shall perish
What is meant by they?
a.
Specifically, the foundations of earth and the heavens.
b.
This world will perish. See other verses: Matthew 24:35; 2 Peter 3:7-13; Revelation 21:1: The first heaven and first earth are passed away.
c.
Other things will likewise perish:
1.
Evil angels will perish. 2 Peter 2:4; Matthew 25:41.
2.
Sinful men will perish. John 3:16; Revelation 20:15; 2 Peter 3:7.
but Thou continuest
This is called immutability by the theologians. Christ is not mutablenot changing. Christ is invariableunchangeable, Note His eternality as seen by other verses. Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 13:8; 2 Corinthians 1:19.
they shall wax old as a garment
Scientists agree to the ageing of the world.
They say that the sun is losing its heat, but of course tomorrow they may change their mind. They say the soil is wearing out, so our vegetables need vitamins added.
Obviously man grows old.
James verifies thisHebrews 4:14: Man is as a vapor.
and as a mantle shalt Thou roll them up
The mantle was a loose sleeveless garment worn over other garments. God is powerful enough to roll up the earth as easily as man cares for his coat.
and as a garment they shall be changed
Peter expresses this thought likewise in 2 Peter 3:10.
God is able to make changes quickly. 1 Corinthians 15:52: in a twinkling of an eye
but Thou art the same
In what ways is He the same?
a.
He is the same in dependability, so His words will abide. Matthew 24:35.
b.
He is the same in character, so His love will save us in the end.
c.
He is the same in any age, Hebrews 13:8yesterday, today, yea and forever.
and Thy years shall not fail Thee
Old age is no factor with Jesus.
Time does not enter in for He is eternal, Death could not corrupt Him. Psalms 16:10: Holy One did not see corruption. Acts 2:31: nor did His flesh see corruption.
Study Questions
89.
What is the duration of God's throne?
90.
How does this prove His superiority over angels?
91.
What is a sceptre?
92.
What is its significance?
93.
What is the nature of His reign? cf. Psalms 37:18; Isaiah 26:7.
94.
Does Matthew 3:15 add to the idea of reign of righteousness?
95.
Does Jesus have a kingdom?
96.
What words are connected with the term, kingdom? What is the difference between the terms, kingdom of heaven, and kingdom of God?
97.
Is it possible to have a kingdom without a king?
98.
When was Jesus king?
99.
When is He your king?
100.
How did Christ feel concerning righteousness?
101.
What is righteousness?
102.
What evidence do we have that Christ loved righteousness? By His preaching? By His life?
103.
How strongly was Jesus against iniquity?
104.
Did Jesus hate the sinners?
105.
Name some times that Jesus preached against sin.
106.
Did He ever display wrath against sin?
107.
Is God the God of Christ?
108.
Is Christ spoken of as being God?
109.
Did Jesus ever call God His God? cf. Matthew 27:46.
110.
Describe the various kinds of anointing in the Old Testament.
111.
When was Christ anointed?
112.
What about Jesus caused Him to deserve anointing? (ProphetPriestKing.)
113.
What is the significance of the expression, oil of gladness?
114.
Did Jesus ever hear of an expression of gladness from God?
115.
What other means has God used to anoint people?
116.
In what way have we been anointed? cf. 2 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:27; Acts 10:37-38.
117.
Who are the fellows of Christ?
118.
Could fellows refer to the Godhead?
119.
Is He above man? How do we know this is true?
120.
Is He above rulers? Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16.
121.
Is He above priests? Hebrews 4:14.
122.
And Thou LordTo whom does this refer?
123.
Read Psalms 102:25, which is quoted in Hebrews 1:10.
124.
Did He make the heavens? cf. John 1:1; Colossians 1:16.
125.
What is the main idea established here?
126
What is meant by, they shall perish?
127.
Does the scripture back up this teaching that the worlds and heavens will perish?
128.
Will anything else perish?
1.
Evil angels; 2 Peter 2:4; Matthew 25:41.
2.
Sinful men: John 3:16; Revelation 20:15; 2 Peter 3:7.
129.
But Thou continuest carries what idea?
130.
Do other verses establish His eternality?
131.
What figure of speech is used to describe the aging of the earth in Hebrews 1:11?
132.
Do scientists agree?
133.
Does man grow old? cf. James 4:14.
134.
What figure describes the end of the world in Hebrews 1:12?
135.
What is a mantle?
136.
What other scriptures teach that God is able to change things? 2 Peter 3:10; 1 Corinthians 15:52.
137.
In what ways are God and Christ the same?
138.
Are the Godhead members subject to failing years?
139.
Can the Godhead be corrupted by failing years? cf. Psalms 16:10; Acts 2:31.