Bible Commentaries
Hebrews 1

Verse 4

angels

Angel, Summary: Angel, "messenger," is used of God, of men, and of an order of created spiritual beings whose chief attributes are strength and wisdom. 2 Samuel 14:20; Psalms 103:20; Psalms 104:4. In the O.T. the expression "the angel of the Lord" (sometimes "of God") usually implies the presence of Deity in angelic form. ; Genesis 16:1-13; Genesis 21:17-19; Genesis 22:11-16; Genesis 31:11-13; Exodus 3:2-4; Judges 2:1; Judges 6:12-16; Judges 13:3-22 (See Scofield "Judges 13:3-7.13.22- :") . The word "angel" is used of men in ; Luke 7:24; James 2:25; Revelation 1:20; Revelation 2:1; Revelation 2:8; Revelation 2:12; Revelation 2:18; Revelation 3:1; Revelation 3:7; Revelation 3:14 In Revelation 8:3-5. Christ is evidently meant. Sometimes angel is used of the spirit of man. ; Matthew 18:10; Acts 12:15. Though angels are spirits ; Psalms 104:4; Hebrews 1:14 power is given them to become visible in the semblance of human form. Genesis 19:1 cf ; Genesis 19:5; Exodus 3:2; Numbers 22:22-31; Judges 2:1; Judges 6:11; Judges 6:22; Judges 13:3; Judges 13:6; 1 Chronicles 21:16; 1 Chronicles 21:20; Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:26; John 20:12; Acts 7:30; Acts 12:7; Acts 12:8 etc.). The word is always used in the masculine gender, though sex, in the human sense, is never ascribed to angels. ; Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25. They are exceedingly numerous. ; Matthew 26:53; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 5:11; Psalms 68:17. The power is inconceivable. 2 Kings 19:35. Their place is about the throne of God. ; Revelation 5:11; Revelation 7:11. Their relation to the believer is that of "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation," and this ministry has reference largely to the physical safety and well-being of believers. ; 1 Kings 19:5; Psalms 34:7; Psalms 91:11; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 2:13; Matthew 2:19; Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43; Acts 5:19; Acts 12:7-10. From ; Hebrews 1:14; Matthew 18:10; Psalms 91:11 it would seem that this care for the heirs of salvation begins in infancy and continues through life. The angels observe us ; 1 Corinthians 4:9; Ephesians 3:10; Ecclesiastes 5:6 a fact which should influence conduct. They receive departing saints. Luke 16:22. Man is made "a little lower than the angels," and in incarnation Christ took "for a little "time" this lower place. ; Psalms 8:4; Psalms 8:5; Hebrews 2:6; Hebrews 2:9 that He might lift the believer into His own sphere above angels. Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 2:10. The angels are to accompany Christ in His second advent. Matthew 25:31. To them will be committed the preparation of the judgment of the nations. Matthew 13:30; Matthew 13:39; Matthew 13:41; Matthew 13:42. See Scofield "Matthew 13:42- :". The kingdom-age is not to be subject to angels, but to Christ and those for whom He was made a little lower than the angels. Hebrews 2:5 An archangel, Michael, is mentioned as having a particular relation to Israel and to the resurrections. ; Daniel 10:13; Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:1; Daniel 12:2; Jude 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:16. The only other angel whose name is revealed Gabriel, was employed in the most distinguished services. ; Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26.

Fallen angels. Two classes of these are mentioned:

(1) "The angels which kept not their first estate place, but left their own habitation," are "chained under darkness," awaiting judgment. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6; 1 Corinthians 6:3; John 5:22.

(See Scofield "John 5:22- :")

(2) The angels who have Satan Genesis 3:1 as leader.

(See Scofield "Genesis 3:1- :") .

The origin of these is nowhere explicitly revealed. They may be identical with the demons.

(See Scofield "Genesis 3:1- :") . For Satan and his angels everlasting fire is prepared. Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10.

Verse 6

world

"oikoumene" = inhabited earth. (See Scofield " :-") .

Verse 9

righteousness (See Scofield " :-") .

iniquity lawlessness. (See Scofield " :-") .

Verse 14

salvation

(See Scofield " :-") .