Study

a Bible passage

Click a verse to see commentary

Select a resource above

1. The Son Superior to Angels

¹ In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ² but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. ³ The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. ⁴ So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

The Son Superior to Angels

⁵ For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father” Psalm 2:7?

Or again,

“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son” 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chron. 17:13?

⁶ And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.” Deut. 32:43 (see Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint)

⁷ In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels spirits,
and his servants flames of fire.” Psalm 104:4

⁸ But about the Son he says,

   “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
   a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
⁹ You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
   therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
   by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Psalm 45:6,7

¹⁰ He also says,

   “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
   and the heavens are the work of your hands.
¹¹ They will perish, but you remain;
   they will all wear out like a garment.
¹² You will roll them up like a robe;
   like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
   and your years will never end.” Psalm 102:25-27

¹³ To which of the angels did God ever say,

   “Sit at my right hand
   until I make your enemies
   a footstool for your feet” Psalm 110:1?

¹⁴ Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

9. Wherefore God has appointed him, etc. This was indeed truly said of Solomon, who was made a king, because God had preferred him to his brethren, who were otherwise his equals, being the sons of the king. But this applies more suitably to Christ, who has adopted us as his joint heirs, though not so in our own right. But he was anointed above us all, as it was beyond measure, while we, each of us, according to a limited portion, as he has divided to each of us. Besides, he was anointed for our sake, in order that we may all draw out of his fatness. Hence he is the Christ, we are Christians proceeding from him, as rivulet from a fountain. But as Christ received this unction when in the flesh, he is said to have been anointed by his God; for it would be inconsistent to suppose him inferior to God, except in his human nature. ²⁵²⁵ He is evidently throughout spoken of in his mediatorial character. To keep this in view will enable us more fully to understand the chapter. It is more agreeable to this passage, to regard “the anointing,” not that of consecration, but that of refreshment to guests according to a prevailing custom, see Luke 7:46. The word “gladness” favors this, and also the previous words of the passage; Christ is addressed as already on his throne, and his administration is referred to; and it is on account of his just administration, that he is said to have been anointed with the perfuming oil of gladness, see Acts 10:38.
The words, “above thy fellows,” are rendered by Calvin, “above thy partners,” and by Doddridge and Macknight, “above thine associates.” Christ is spoken of as king, and his associates are those in the same office; but he is so much above them that he is the “king of kings;” and yet his superior excellencies are here represented as entitling him to higher honors. — Ed.