Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Hebrews 1

Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

at sundry times and in divers manners

in many parts and in many ways.

Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

by his Son

literally in Son.

worlds

ages.

Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

brightness

effulgence. [brilliant radiance or splendor]

the express image of his person

expression of his substance.

sat down

sat himself down.

on the right hand

Eph 1:20-21.

Heb 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

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 (2Sa 14:20; Psa 103:20; 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 (Gen 16:1-13; 21:17-19; 22:11-16; 31:11-13; Exo 3:2-4; Jdg 2:1; 6:12-16; 13:3-22). See Scofield Malachi 3:1, note. The word angel is used of men in Luk 7:24; Jas 2:25; Rev 1:20; 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14. In Rev 8:3-5 Christ is evidently meant. Sometimes angel is used of the spirit of man (Mat 18:10; Act 12:15). Though angels are spirits (Psa 104:4; Heb 1:14), power is given them to become visible in the semblance of human form (Gen 19:1, cf. Gen 19:5; Exo 3:2; Num 22:22-31; Jdg 2:1; 6:11, 22; 13:3, 6; 1Ch 21:16, 20; Mat 1:20; Luk 1:26; Jhn 20:12; Act 7:30; 12:7-8, etc.). The word is always used in the masculine gender, though sex, in the human sense, is never ascribed to angels (Mat 22:30; Mar 12:25). They are exceedingly numerous (Mat 26:53; Heb 12:22; Rev 5:11; Psa 68:17). Their power is inconceivable (2Ki 19:35). Their place is about the throne of God (Rev 5:11; 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 (1Ki 19:5; Psa 34:7; 91:11; Dan 6:22; Mat 2:13, 19; 4:11; Luk 22:43; Act 5:19; 12:7-10). From Heb 1:14, with Mat 18:10; Psa 91:11, it would seem that this care for the heirs of salvation begins in infancy and continues through life. The angels observe us (1Co 4:9; Eph 3:10; Ecc 5:6), a fact which should influence conduct. They receive departing saints (Luk 16:22). Man is made "a little lower than the angels," and in incarnation Christ took "for a little" (time) this lower place (Psa 8:4-5; Heb 2:6, 9) that He might lift the believer into His own sphere above angels (Heb 2:9-10). The angels are to accompany Christ in His second advent (Mat 25:31). To them will be committed the preparation of the judgment of the nations (see Mat 13:30, 39, 41-42; Scofield Matthew 25:32, note). 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 (Heb 2:5). An archangel, Michael, is mentioned as having a particular relation to Israel and to the resurrections (Dan 10:13, 21; 12:1-2; Jde 1:9; 1Th 4:16). The only other angel whose name is revealed, Gabriel, was employed in the most distinguished services (Dan 8:16; 9:21; Luk 1:19, 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 (2Pe 2:4; Jde 1:6; 1Co 6:3; Jhn 5:22). See Scofield Genesis 6:4, note.
2. The angels who have Satan (Gen 3:1; Scofield Rev 20:10, note) as leader. The origin of these is nowhere explicitly revealed. They may be identical with the demons (Scofield Matthew 7:22, note). For Satan and his angels everlasting fire is prepared (Mat 25:41; Rev 20:10).

Heb 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

Thou art my Son

Psa 2:7.

I will be to him a Father

2Sa 7:14.

Heb 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

bringeth

Or, bringeth back.

world

oikoumene = inhabited earth.

worship him

Deu 32:43, Septuagint.

Heb 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

maketh his angels spirits

Psa 104:4.

Heb 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever

Heb 1:8-9; Psa 45:6-7.

righteousness

uprightness.

Heb 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

righteousness

Scofield 1 John 3:7, note.

iniquity

lawlessness. Scofield Romans 3:23, note.

Heb 1:10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

laid the foundation of the earth

Heb 1:10-12; Psa 102:25-27.

Heb 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Sit on my right hand

Psa 110:1.

Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

salvation

Scofield Romans 1:16, note.