Hebrews 2:2
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For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment,
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
(Compare Heb 2:3.) Argument a fortiori. spoken by angels--the Mosaic law spoken by the ministration of angels (Deu 33:2; Psa 68:17; Act 7:53; Gal 3:19). When it is said, Exo 20:1, "God spake," it is meant He spake by angels as His mouthpiece, or at least angels repeating in unison with His voice the words of the Decalogue; whereas the Gospel was first spoken by the Lord alone. was steadfast--Greek, "was made steadfast," or "confirmed": was enforced by penalties on those violating it. transgression--by doing evil; literally, overstepping its bounds: a positive violation of it. disobedience--by neglecting to do good: a negative violation of it. recompense-- (Deu 32:35).
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle, I. Makes some application of the doctrine laid down in the chapter foregoing concerning the excellency of the person of Christ, both by way of exhortation and argument (Heb 2:1-4). II. Enlarges further upon the pre-eminence of Christ above the angels (Heb 2:5-9). III. Proceeds to remove the scandal of the cross (Heb 2:10-15). IV. Asserts the incarnation of Christ, taking upon him not the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham, and assigns the reason of his so doing (Heb 2:16 to the end).
Open source ↗2:2 According to Jewish tradition, the message God delivered, the law given on Mount Sinai (see Acts 7:38; Gal 3:19), was delivered through angels. • Violation of the law was punished (see Exod 22:19; Lev 20:10; Num 35:16-21), and punishment was inescapable (Prov 1:24-31; Jer 11:11).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.”
Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator.
Although you are fully aware of this, I want to remind you that after Jesus had delivered His people out of the land of Egypt, He destroyed those who did not believe.
Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
‘Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
you must bring out to your gates the man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you must stone that person to death.
But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.
So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.
He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.
So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died.