What is the meaning of Hebrews 1:1-9?

Hebrews 1:1-9 is a profound passage that introduces the Epistle to the Hebrews and sets the tone for its theological depth and Christological focus. This passage serves as an introduction to the supremacy of Christ, emphasizing His divine nature, His role in creation, and His exalted position above all, including the angels. As we delve into these verses, we uncover rich insights into who Jesus is and why He is central to the Christian faith.

Hebrews 1:1-2 - God’s Final Revelation

The opening verses of Hebrews establish a contrast between the ways God communicated in the past and His ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ:

"In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe." (Hebrews 1:1-2, NIV)

Here, the author acknowledges that God has always been active in revealing Himself to humanity. The reference to the prophets encompasses the entire Old Testament, where God communicated His will and purpose through various means—visions, dreams, and direct messages. This progressive revelation was essential, but it was incomplete and anticipatory, pointing forward to something greater.

The phrase "in these last days" signifies a pivotal moment in redemptive history. The coming of Jesus marks the culmination of God's revelation. Unlike the fragmented and partial messages of the prophets, Jesus embodies the full and final revelation of God. He is not just another messenger; He is the Son. This distinction is crucial, as it underscores the unique and superior nature of Christ's revelation.

Hebrews 1:3-4 - The Supremacy of the Son

The text continues to describe the Son’s divine attributes and His redemptive work:

"The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs." (Hebrews 1:3-4, NIV)

These verses are rich with theological significance. First, Jesus is described as "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being." This language conveys the idea that Jesus perfectly reflects and reveals the nature of God. The term "radiance" suggests that just as light emanates from the sun, Jesus emanates from the Father, making the invisible God visible to us.

The phrase "exact representation" (Greek: χαρακτὴρ, charaktēr) implies that Jesus is the precise imprint of God’s essence. This means that in knowing Jesus, we truly know God. This is consistent with Jesus’ own words in John 14:9, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father."

Furthermore, Jesus is said to sustain "all things by his powerful word." This echoes the creation narrative in Genesis and the prologue of John’s Gospel, where the Word (Logos) is instrumental in creation. Jesus is not only the agent of creation but also the sustainer of the universe. His word upholds the cosmos, indicating His omnipotence and divine authority.

The passage then transitions to Jesus' redemptive work: "After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." The purification for sins refers to Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, which atoned for humanity's sins. His sitting down at the right hand of God signifies the completion of His redemptive work and His exalted status. In ancient times, sitting at the right hand of a king was a position of honor and authority. This imagery reinforces Jesus' divine kingship and His superiority over all.

Hebrews 1:5-9 - The Superiority of the Son to Angels

The author then supports the claim of Jesus’ superiority by citing several Old Testament passages:

"For to which of the angels did God ever say, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father'? Or again, 'I will be his Father, and he will be my Son'? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, 'Let all God’s angels worship him.' In speaking of the angels he says, 'He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.' But about the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.'" (Hebrews 1:5-9, NIV)

These verses draw from Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, Deuteronomy 32:43 (in the Septuagint), Psalm 104:4, and Psalm 45:6-7. Each citation serves to highlight the unique status of the Son in contrast to the angels.

Psalm 2:7 ("You are my Son; today I have become your Father") is a royal psalm that originally referred to the Davidic king but finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the true Son of God. This verse emphasizes the unique relationship between the Father and the Son, a relationship not shared by any angel.

2 Samuel 7:14 ("I will be his Father, and he will be my Son") is part of God’s covenant promise to David, foretelling a descendant whose kingdom would be established forever. This promise is realized in Jesus, the eternal King.

Deuteronomy 32:43, as rendered in the Septuagint, includes a call for the angels to worship the Son. This underscores the Son's superiority, as angels, who are themselves majestic beings, are commanded to worship Him.

Psalm 104:4 ("He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire") describes the nature of angels as ministering spirits. This highlights the functional role of angels in contrast to the Son’s sovereign kingship.

Finally, Psalm 45:6-7 ("Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom...") is a messianic psalm that celebrates the eternal reign of the anointed king. The author of Hebrews applies this directly to Jesus, affirming His divine nature ("Your throne, O God") and His righteous rule. The anointing with the oil of joy signifies Jesus’ exaltation and the joy that accompanies His righteous reign.

Theological Implications

The passage of Hebrews 1:1-9 is foundational for understanding the identity and work of Jesus Christ. It affirms His divinity, His role in creation, His sustaining power, His redemptive work, and His exalted position. By contrasting Jesus with the prophets and the angels, the author of Hebrews underscores the unparalleled nature of Jesus' revelation and His supreme authority.

For believers, this passage calls for a response of worship, reverence, and trust in Jesus. It challenges us to recognize the fullness of God’s revelation in Christ and to align our lives with His righteous reign. The superiority of Jesus over all creation, including the angels, invites us to place our faith in Him as the ultimate source of truth and salvation.

In summary, Hebrews 1:1-9 presents a majestic vision of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is the final and complete revelation of God, the sustainer of the universe, the purifier of sins, and the exalted King. This passage invites us to behold the glory of Christ and to respond with worship and obedience, acknowledging Him as the supreme and sovereign Lord.