Hebrews 2:1-9 - Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

Bible Comments

The Author of Our Salvation

Hebrews 2:1-9

Drifting away, Hebrews 2:1-4. The r.v. gives this solemn rendering. Unless we watch, the strong currents of the world will drift us away from God's great harbor of Salvation; and sins against His offered love are even more to be dreaded than those under the ancient Law. To neglect is the equivalent of to reject. Notice in Hebrews 2:4 how God co-operates with His messengers. See John 15:27; Acts 5:32.

Jesus crowned, Hebrews 2:5-9. How can Jesus be greater than angels? He did for man what they could not do. It is through His death that humanity may be lifted to a supreme position in the universe of being. Man failed to realize his original Magna Charta in Genesis 1:26; but the divine purpose could not be frustrated, and there was a needs-be for the manger, the Cross and the Ascension mount. As we look around, Psalms 8:1-9 seems a mockery; as we look up, we discover in Jesus the psalmist's dream more than realized. They who are one with Him will share His glory and honor.

Hebrews 2:1-9

1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.a

2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and giftsb of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

7 Thou madest him a little lowerc than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.