true meaning of the passage. It was the Father's good pleasure to leave the Son exposed to the assaults of His enemies in their hour (Luke 22:53).
Biesenthal most truly points out the fitness of an allusion to the encouragement given to Joshua at such a crisis as the Hebrews were passing through. The position of Jewish Christians corresponded spiritually with that of their fathers on the verge of Canaan.
For ei[rhken see Heb. 10:8 note. Heb. 13:6. w{ste qarr. hJ. l. ] Ps. 118:6 (comp. Ps. 106:12). The LXX. by inserting kaiv has led to an alteration in the original division of the words. There can be no doubt that the last clause should be taken as an independent question.
We Christianssuch is the writer's meaningcan use with confidence the most joyful expression of thanksgiving used in the Church of old times. Ps. 118 formed an important part of the Jewish Festival services, and is quoted several times in the N. T. The key-word given here would call up at once to the mind of the readers the thought of the chief corner-stone (Matt. 21:42) and of Him that came in the name of the Lord (Matt. 21:9). In the triumph of the Lord through suffering they would see the image of the triumph of His people.
The word
qarrei'n
occurs elsewhere in the N. T. only 2 Cor. (2 Cor. 5:6, 8; & c.). The imperative
qavrsei
(
-ei'te
) is found only as a divine voice (Gospp., Acts).
(2)
Personal religious duties
(Heb. 13:7-17)
The mode in which religious duties are presented indicates the presence of a separatist spirit among those who are addressed. They are charged to remember ( a ) the example of their first rulers (13:7); and, following on this, they are ( b ) bidden to render complete devotion to Christ, and to men in and through Him (13:8-16); and practically ( c ) to obey their present rulers (13:17).
7 Remember them that had the rule over you, which spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever. 9 Be not carried away by manifold and strange teachings; for it is good that the heart be stablished by grace, not by meats; for they that occupied themselves therein were not profited. 10 We have an altar whereof they have no right to eat who serve the tabernacle. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the Holy place by the High-priest as an offering for sin, are burned without the camp. 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us therefore go forth unto Him without the camp, carrying His reproach. 14 For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after that which is to come. 15 Through Him let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to His Name. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them, for they watch in behalf of your souls, as men that shall give account, that they may do this with joy and not with grief; for this were unprofitable for you.
( a ) The writer has spoken of the help of God generally. He now