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This essential relation found expression for us in the Incarnation; and we are led to see that the ‘economic’ Trinity is a true image, under the conditions of earth, of the ‘essential’ Trinity.

Comp. Heb. 1:2 ejn uiJw'/ ; 7:3. John 3:16, 17. It is remarkable that the title ‘Father’ is not applied to God in this Epistle except in the quotation 1:5; yet see 12:9.

See Additional Note on the Divine Names in the Epistle.

I. The superiority of the Son, the Mediator of the New Revelation, to Angels (Heb. 1:5-2:18)

This first main thought of the Epistle, which has been announced in 1:4, is unfolded in three parts. It is established first (i) in regard to the Nature and Work of the Son, as the Mediator of the New Covenant, by detailed references to the testimony of Scripture (1:5-14). It is then (ii) enforced practically by a consideration of the consequences of neglect (2:1-4). And lastly it is shewn (iii) that the glorious destiny of humanity, loftier than that of angels, in spite of the fall, has been fulfilled by the Son of Man (2:5-18).

i. The testimony of Scripture to the preeminence of the Son over angels (1:5-14)

The series of seven quotations which follows the general statement of the subject of the Epistle shews that the truths which have been affirmed are a fulfilment of the teaching of the Old Testament. The quotations illustrate in succession the superiority of the Son, the Mediator of the new Revelation and Covenant, over the angels, and therefore far more over the prophets, (1) as Son, (vv. 5, 6) and then in two main aspects, (2) as ‘heir of all things’ (vv. 7-9), and (3) as ‘creator of the world’ (vv. 10-12).

The last quotation (vv. 13, 14) presents (4) the contrast between the Son and the angels in regard to the present dispensation. The issue of the Son's Incarnation is the welcome to sit at God's right hand ( kreivttwn genovmeno" ) in certain expectation of absolute victory, while the angels are busy with their ministries.

(1) 1:5, 6. The essential dignity of the Son. The dignity of the Son as Son is asserted in three connexions, in its foundation ( shvmeron gegevnnhkav se ); in its continuance ( e[somai aujtw'/ eij" patevra ); and in its final manifestation ( o{tan pavlin eijsagavgh/ ). 5 For to which of the angels said He at any time ,

My Son art Thou: I have today begotten Thee? and again , I will be to Him a Father , And He shall be to Me a Son?

6 And when He again bringeth (or when on the other hand He bringeth ) in the Firstborn into the world He saith ,

And let all the Angels of God worship Him. The first two quotations are taken from Ps. 2:7 and 2 Sam. 7:14 (|| 1 Chron. 17:13). Both quotations verbally agree with the LXX. which agrees with the Heb.

The words of the Psalm are quoted again Heb. 5:5 and by St Paul,


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