Category: Hebrews

Proverbs

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Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel

‘Proverbs’ [Hebrew: mashal] from a related word meaning “to rule,” in the sense of mental superiority. It is not a collection of human wisdom, but of divine rules to govern all of man’s conduct – his civil, religious, and business life. It is used for an allegory (Ezek. 17:2); a discourse (Num. 23:7-8); a taunt or triumph song (Isa. 14:4); an argument (Job 29:1); a byword (Ps. 44:14); a lament (Mic. 2:4); a proverb (Pro. 1:1; 1Kin. 4:32; 2Chr. 7:20; Ps. 69:11; Jer. 24:9); and a parable (Ezek. 20:49; cp. [Greek: parabole] as a type or figure in Heb. 9:9; 11:19). Proverbs is quoted nine times in the N.T. (1:16; 3:7, 11, 34; 11:31; 25:21; 26:11).

Date and place written: Except for Proverbs 30-31, the proverbs were spoken by Solomon about 1,000 B.C. Proverbs 1-24 were perhaps written by him in a book. Proverbs 25-29 were Solomon’s proverbs added to the first part of the book by Hezekiah about 730 B.C. The last 2 chapters were added at an unknown time.

Author: Solomon is the first sacred writer whose name is at the head of his work. “The Proverbs of Solomon” is the entire title (1:1; 10:1; 25:1; cp. 30:1; 31:1). He wrote the first 29 chapters. They are the only proverbs in existence of 3,000 uttered by him (1Kin. 4:32). He could not have borrowed much, if any, from men before him, as all uninspired ethical writers lived after his day. He could have quoted what he heard from his father David, for many of the same wisdom is mentioned in his writings in Psalms . The last 2 chapters were spoken by an unknown man and woman, and who added them to the proverbs of Solomon is not known unless it was Hezekiah (Pro. 25:1).

‘Solomon the son of David.’ He was the fourth son of David and Bathsheba (2Sam. 5:14).

Theme: Practical moral and spiritual truth in proverbial form for people of God (2Tim. 3:15-17).

Statistics: 20th book of the Bible; 31 chapters; 915 verses; 15,043 words; 49 questions; 27 verses of unfulfilled prophecy; 67 sins; 66 things about fools; 28 things about sluggards; 22 things about kings; 25 abominations; 215 commands; 120 promises; 27 blessings; 24 secrets of life; 17 “better” things; 560 proverbs.

The God of Peace

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Hebrews 13:20-25 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Know you that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen. Written to the Hebrews from Italy, by Timothy. 

‘God of peace’ – God is called: The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (2Cor. 1:3; 11:31; Eph. 1:3; 3:14; Col. 1:3). The Father of Mercies (2Cor. 1:3). The God of all Comfort (2Cor. 1:3). The Father of Glory (Eph. 1:17). The Father of All (Eph. 4:6). The Father of Spirits (Heb. 12:9). The Father of Lights [sun, moon and stars] (Jas. 1:17). The God of Peace (Php. 4:9).

‘Great shepherd’ – Ten titles of Christ: The shepherd (Gen. 49:24; Zech. 13:7; Matt. 26:31; Mark 14:27). My shepherd (man’s, Ps. 23:1). O shepherd of Israel (Ps. 80:1; Isa. 40:11; 63:11). One shepherd (Ezek. 34:23; 37:24). My shepherd (God’s, Zech. 13:7). The shepherd of the sheep (John 10:2). The good shepherd (John 10:11, 14). Great shepherd of the sheep (Heb. 13:20). The Shepherd and Bishop of your souls (1Pet. 2:25). The Chief Shepherd (1Pet. 5:4).

‘The everlasting covenant.’The new covenant is thus called to contrast it with the temporary covenant of Moses.

‘Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ.’ Two blessings for Christians.

‘Set at liberty’ – Not released from prison but sent on a special mission (cp. 1Cor. 4:17).

‘By Timothy’ The last part of the salutation was written by Timothy, not the epistle of Hebrews – that was written by Paul (2Pet. 3:15-16).

Well Pleased

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Hebrews 13:16-19 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. 

‘Communicate’ [Greek: koinonia] fellowship (2Cor 1:7; 13:14).

‘Well pleased’ – Twelve things are noted in Scripture that pleased God: Blessing Israel (Num. 24:1); Israel being His people (1Sam. 12:22); Unselfish praying (1Kin. 3:10); Christ suffering for people (Isa. 53:10); Christ as His servant (Matt. 3:17; 12:18); People saved by the foolishness of preaching (2Cor. 1:18-24); Setting of members in the body of Christ (2Cor. 12:18); His plan of resurrection (2Cor. 15:38); Christ being the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Col. 1:19); Preachers [meaning the apostles that were commanded to write the gospels and epistles] being separated to the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:15); People having faith (Heb. 11:5-6); Sacrifices of praise continually (Heb. 13:15-16).

‘For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account.’ No man was fit to rule who was not capable of guiding men safely to heaven and setting the same example as Christ demonstrated while on earth (1Pet. 2:21-23).

‘Pray for us’ – Paul was the only writer of the New Testament who requested prayer for himself (cp. Heb. 13:18 cp. with 2Thess. 3:1).

Sanctify the People

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Hebrews 13:10-15 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 

‘Altar’ – An altar stood for the benefit of the sacrifices. In Christianity, it stands for the benefits of the death of Christ as well as symbolically being a place to meet God.

‘For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.’ Here a comparison is made of the sacrifice of beasts and that of Christ: the animals being burned outside the camp and Christ being crucified outside the gates of Jerusalem.

‘Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.’ As Christ bore reproach by being led as a criminal outside of Jerusalem to die, let us be willing to bear persecution for Him (2Tim. 3:12).

‘For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.’ The 3rd and last New Testament prophecy in Hebrews (13:14; 11:10, 16; Rev. 21:1-27).

‘By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.’ By Christ let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name, and not daily sacrifices of animals which could never take away sins (10:1-18).

Your Conversation

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Hebrews 13:5-9 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he had said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. 

‘Conversation’ [Greek: tropos] manner of life (Jude 1:7; Acts 1:11).

‘Covetousness’ Covetousness is forbidden (Ex. 20:17; Matt. 6:19-21; Rom. 13:9; Eph. 5:3; Heb. 13:5; 1Jn. 2:15-17). It must be removed from our lives entirely (Col. 3:2-6).

‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’ This promise was first made to Jacob (Gen. 28:15; Deut. 34:6) and then repeated as a promise to Joshua (Jos. 1:5) and David blessed Solomon with these same words (1Chr. 28:20). When Solomon sinned, he forsaken God and the promise didn’t apply to him anymore as it is for anyone else.

‘The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.’ Quoted from Psalms 118:6. In Matthew 10:28 we are commanded not to fear men who cannot hurt the soul when they kill the body (Luke 12:4-12).

‘Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.’ He is immutable – unchanging – He cannot break His laws (Ps. 119:89). He cannot lie (Heb. 6:17-19). He cannot deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13). He cannot have respect of persons (Rom. 2:11; Jas. 2:9-10). He cannot save one soul apart from grace and faith in Christ (Rom. 3:26; John 3:16). He cannot be unrighteous (Rom. 9:14). He cannot bless men apart from faith (Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). He cannot curse men when they meet His terms (1Jn. 1:9). He cannot do away with or change His eternal plan (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:11). This is to name but a few of the things in which God (thus Christ) is unchangeable. He does not adapt to suit us or change His ways to fit our way of thinking (Isa. 55:8-9). He is trustworthy in everything and worth following and serving! ‘Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines.’ We are warned not to heed to doctrines of devils (1Tim. 4:1). To urge departure from the faith is the first work of demons. This results in departure from holy living, and acceptance of doctrines that will damn the soul. Men who pretend inspiration and revelation and false teachers of all kinds are the agents of demons (2Cor. 11:14-15). Every religion that denies the reality of God; Christ; the Holy Spirit; the atonement; the death and the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ; sin; the rapture; judgments of God; sickness; satan; demons; hell; heaven; and the other fundamental doctrines of Scripture are as much of satan and demons as the Bible and Christianity are of God.

In the Body

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Hebrews 13:3-4 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 

‘Body’ – The body of Christ (1Cor. 12:13-30). 1Corinthians 12:13 states: “…by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.” This shows how the body of Christ is constituted. The Spirit is the agent that brings one into the body of Christ by the new birth. This is not a baptism into the Spirit, but into the body of Christ. The body here is the element one is baptized into. The Spirit is the agent that does the baptizing into the body. The believer is the candidate. If it were the Spirit baptism, Christ would be the agent and the Holy Spirit would be the element baptized into.

‘In all’ – Including priests and all people.

‘But whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.’ Five classes not to inherit God’s Kingdom: [1] Whoremongers [Greek: pornos] a male prostitute; a sexually immoral man. Translated as “fornicator” (1Cor. 5:9-11; 6:9; Heb. 12:16) and “whoremonger” (Eph. 5:5; 1Tim. 1:10; Heb. 13:4; Rev. 21:8; 22:15). [2] Unclean persons [Greek: akathartos] impure, lewd, or foul, whatever is opposite of purity; including sodomy, homosexuality, lesbianism, pederasty, bestiality, and all other forms of sexual perversion (Gal. 5:19; Matt. 23:27; Rom. 1:21-32; 6:19; 2Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1Thess. 2:3; 4:7; 2Pet. 2:1-22). [3] Covetous men – covetousness is forbidden (Ex. 20:17; Matt. 6:19-21; Rom. 13:9; Eph. 5:3; Heb. 13:5; 1Jn. 2:15-17). Hatred of it is one qualification of leaders, civil and religious (Ex. 18:21; 1Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 5:2). It will damn the soul (1Cor. 5:11; Eph. 5:3-5; 1Tim. 6:9-11; 2Pet. 2:3, 2:14). It must be removed out entirely (Col. 3:2-6). [4] Deceivers (Eph. 5:6; 2Tim. 3:13; Tit. 1:10; 3:3; Rev. 12:9; 20:3, 8). [5] Children of disobedience (Eph. 2:2; 5:6; Col. 3:6).

Sacrifices Pleasing to God

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Hebrews 13:1-2 Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 

‘Let brotherly love continue.’ Thirteen commands for Christians: Let brotherly love continue (13:1). Remember those in bonds (13:3). Remember the suffering. Be without covetousness. Be content in life. Remember your leaders (13:7). Be not changeable from sound doctrine (13:9). Follow Christ’s example (13:13). Offer a sacrifice of praise (13:15). Forget not to do good (13:16). Forget not to communicate. Yield to your leaders (13:17). Greet [be friendly] your leaders (13:24).

‘Some have entertained angels unawares.’ Appearances of angels to men: Scripture records at least 104 appearances of angels to human beings. They have appeared to: Hagar (2 times, Gen. 16:7-11; 21:17) and Abraham (3 times, Gen. 18:2; 22:11, 15). Lot and Sodomites (Gen. 19:1-22). Jacob (3 times, Gen. 28:12; 31:11; 32:1). Moses (Ex. 3:2). Balaam (Num. 22:22-35). Joshua (Heb. 5:1-14; Ex. 23:20-23; 32:34). Israel (Jdg. 2:1-5). Gideon (Jdg. 6:11-22). Manoah’s wife (Jdg. 13:3-5). Manoah and his wife (Jdg. 13:9-21). David (2Sam. 24:1-25; 1Chron. 21:1-30). Elijah (4 times, 1Kin. 19:5-7; 2Kin. 1:3, 15). Elisha and servant (2Kin. 6:16-17). Assyrians (2Kin. 19:35; Isa. 37:36). Hebrew children (Dan. 3:25-28). Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 3:24-25). Daniel (5 times, Heb. 6:1-20; Dan. 8:16; 9:21; 10:5-21; 12:5-7). Zechariah (7 times, Heb. 1:8-19; Zech. 2:3; 3:1-6; 4:1-5; 5:5-10; 6:4-5; 12:8). Joseph (3 times, Matt. 1:20; 2:13, 19). Mary (Luke 1:26-38). Zacharias (Luke 1:20-38). Shepherds (Luke 2:9-14). Jesus (2 times, Matt. 4:11; Luke 22:43). Some women (Matt. 28:1-5). The disciples (Acts 1:11). Peter and John (Acts 5:19). Philip (Acts 8:26). Cornelius (Acts 10:3, 30-32). Peter (Acts 12:7-11). Paul (Acts 27:23). John (52 angels in Revelation).

Our God is a Consuming Fire

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Hebrews 12:28-29 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. 

‘We receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved.’ We receive the kingdom; that is, we shall be kings and priests of the eternal earthly kingdom (Dan. 7:18, 27; Zech. 14:5; Rom. 8:17-18; 1Cor. 6:2-3; 2Tim. 2:12; Jude 1:14; Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 22:5).

‘Reverence’ [Greek: aidos] sense of honour; regard for others; respect; reverence; self-restraint, modesty or bashfulness toward men; not being bold or forward. Translated as “reverence” in Hebrews 12:28.

‘Godly fear’ [Greek: eulabeia] fear of the gods; piety; caution; discretion (5:7).

‘For our God is a consuming fire.’ Quoted from Deuteronomy 4:24. God is provoked to jealousy by sins such as murmuring (Ex. 17:2; 1Cor. 10:10), unbelief (Ex. 17:7; Heb. 4:1-11), rebellion (Num. 14:22; 21:1-9), provoking God (Ps. 78:17-18, 56), backsliding (Ps. 78:41, 56), hardening the heart (Ps. 95:8-9), lust and sin (Ps. 106:14; Ex. 32:1-35), idolatry (1Cor. 10:18-22). When His people, whom He commands to have no other gods, insist on mixing idolatry and demon worship with true worship, as some of the Corinthians did, then God is under obligation to judge them (1Cor. 8:4-13; 10:1-22).

Him That Spoke On Earth – Part 2

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Hebrews 12:25-27 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he had promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signified the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Jesus predicted many earthquakes for the last days as a sign of His second coming (Matt. 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11). Several are mentioned in Biblical history (Amos 1:1; Zech. 14:5; Matt. 8:24; 27:51; 28:2; Acts 16:25). The greatest earthquake of all will take place at the end of the Millennium (Hag. 2:6-7, 21-22; Heb. 12:25-29; 2Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 20:11). This will result in the renovation of the heavens and earth, making the third perfect earth, and the end of the earth’s second sinful career (Rev. 21-22; Isa. 66:22-24).

‘Yet once more, signified the removing of those things that are shaken …’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in Hebrews (12:27-29) and is unfulfilled This refers to the renovation of the heavens and the earth by fire, as in 2Peter 3:10-13.

‘Removing of those things that are shaken.’ The renovation of the heavens and earth at the end of the Millennium will remove all things of the curse and those that are man-made which need to be taken away, so that the things of God may remain eternally (Heb. 12:27-29).

‘Cannot be shaken may remain.’ Some things cannot be shaken. They will remain eternally. One is the earthly kingdom which cannot be moved (Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-27; Zech. 14:1-21; Luke 1:32-33; Rev. 22:5).

Him That Spoke On Earth – Part 1

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Hebrews 12:25-27 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he had promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signified the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 

‘See’ [Greek: blepo] take heed; beware that you refuse not Christ who speaks from heaven (12:24-25; 1:1-2).

‘Turn away’ [Greek: apostrepho] means to turn back; to turn oneself away. Translated as “turn away from” (12:25; Matt. 5:42; Acts 3:26; Rom. 11:26; 2Tim. 1:15; 4:4; Tit. 1:14); “pervert” (Luke 23:14); “put up again” (Matt. 26:52); and “bring again” (Matt. 27:3). If there is no escape when one does this, then how could such a person be saved?

‘Whose voice then shook the earth.’ This indicates that it was the voice of God that spoke the law on Sinai (1:1-2).

‘Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.’ This is the 27th and last Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (12:26; Hag. 2:6) and it is unfulfilled. Four earthquakes will happen during the future 7-year tribulation: Under the 6th seal in the first 3½ years of the 70th week (Rev. 6:12). Between the 7th seal and the first trumpet in the first 3½ years (Rev. 8:5). Under the 7th trumpet in the middle of the week (Rev. 11:19). Under the 7th vial at the end of the week (Rev. 11:13; 16:19; Zech. 14:4-8).

To be continued…