Hebrews 2:5-9
Introduction
In his Epic poem “Paradise Lost” John Milton chronicles the fall of Adam and Eve and its lasting effect on mankind. Milton states that his purpose in “Paradise Lost” is to “justify the ways of God to men and elucidate the conflict between God’s eternal foresight and free-will.”
The author of Hebrews fulfills a similar purpose in verse 5-9 of our text. Indeed not only does he set forth Paradise Lost, but Paradise Defined and Paradise Regained.
1A. Paradise defined (2:5-8)
1B. The destiny of Man (2:5)
Our present world is ruled by Angels
1 John 5:19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
God never intended for Angels to rule over the world to come, they will be servants to the heirs of salvation (1:14).
“Subjected” (hupotasso) system of administration
God will not turn over the administration of the world to angels
2 Corinthians 2:2-3 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!
“the World to come” (oikoumene) the inhabited earth
This verse plainly teaches a literal world to come that will be different from the present world.
Isaiah 65:17 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.
Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
2B. The dignity of Man (2:6-8a)
The lack of a reference would indicate that the author assumed that his audience was familiar with the quoted text.
The question – what is Man? (2:6)
“Mindful” remember, recall, God would remember us in our fallen estate.
“Care” look upon someone with mercy, with a view of benefiting them
The answer – You made him…(2:7-8a)
For a little while lower than the angels (2:7a)
This is a temporary state
Man is an earthy creature and angels are heavenly creatures
Angels were never subjected to death, man is.
You have crowned him with glory and honor (2:7b)
“Crowned” to adorn, decorate, used for a victor in the public games
“Glory” to ascribe honor, dignity, splendor, glory
“Honor” of a state or condition of rank & dignity, to esteem.
Putting everything in subjection under his feet
“Putting… subjection” 2nd person Aorist Active Indicative, Literally You have placed under, in an orderly fashion, in subjection.
“Everything” all things, collective
“Under his feet” to subjugate
2A. Paradise Lost (2:8b)
Because of sin man’s destiny was restricted.
1B. The human family suffered (Genesis 3:16-19)
Pain and suffering became part of life
Man is set at odds with creation
Man is set at odds with God (Genesis 3:22-24)
Man is set at odds with man (Genesis 4:3-8)
2B. All of creation suffered
Romans 8:19-20 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
3B. Mankind is under the curse without hope
Genesis 2:17b for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned
3A. Paradise regained (2:9)
1B. The Incarnation (2:9a; John 1:1, 14)
1 John 1:1-3 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
2B. The propitiation (2:9c)
2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Romans 3:23-25 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
3B. The resurrection and ascension (2:9b)
Ephesians 1:20-21 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
4B. The appropriation (Romans 6:5-11)
In the coming kingdom all things we be made new.
2 Peter 3:13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Application
In Christ we find not only our hope for the future but the fulfillment of our God given purpose. The reign and rule with Him, to the glory of His name!
Next Week Hebrews 2:9-18
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