Hebrews 2:1-2 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. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward

‘Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard.’ Because God has spoken unto us by His Son, because He is such a glorious personage, and because what He says is of such infinite importance to our eternal welfare.

There are eighteen safeguards for Christians noted in Hebrews: Hearing (2:1); heeding (3:12); exhorting (3:13); fearing (4:1); labouring (4:11); coming (4:16; 10:19-20); leaving (6:1); showing (6:11-12); drawing (10:22); holding (3:6; 10:23); Laying (12:1); looking (12:2; Hebrews 15); considering (12:3); lifting (12:12); making (12:13); following (12:14); going (13:13); obeying (13:17).

‘Slip’ [Greek: pararrhueo] to flow beside or past; to slip away from one’s memory. Only here and means, lest we should let the truth slip away from us and forget we were purged from our old sins (2Pet. 1:4-10).

‘Word spoken by angels’ – Referring to the law which was given by angels (Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19), and also to special messages from angels, as in the case of Lot’s wife (Gen. 19:17-26); Samson (Jdg. 13:5; with Jdg. 16:19-22), and others.

‘Steadfast’ [Greek: bebaios] steadfast (2:2; 3:14; 6:19; 2Cor. 1:7); firm (3:6); sure (Rom. 4:16; 2Pet. 1:10, 19); and of force (9:17).

‘Transgression’ [Greek: parabasis] Here translated transgression and in Hebrews 9:15; Romans 4:15; 5:14; Galatians 3:19 and 1Timothy 2:14. Translated “breaking the law” in Romans 2:23.

‘Disobedience’ [Greek: parakoe] means an unwillingness to hear (2:2; Rom. 5:19; 2Cor. 10:6).

‘Recompense of reward’ [Greek: misthapodosia] payment of wages; recompense for breaking the law (2:2; 10:35; 11:26).