Hebrews 5
DOYLY— Thou art my Son, &c.] In Acts xiii. 33, this passage is cited by St. Paul to prove our Saviour’s resurrection; and here to prove His Melchizedecal priesthood, as what He was to enter upon after His resurrection. Dr. Wells. See notes at Heb. i. 5.
Hebrews 5:3
- — as for the people, so also for himself, &c.] It is to be observed, that this is a description of the high priest under the law, not of our Lord Jesus Christ, our great High Priest under the Gospel, because Christ had actually no sin of His own to answer for, being holy, harmless, and undefiled, separate from sinners. This expression therefore, of offering for his own sins, belongs to the weakness and imperfection of the Jewish high priest. Compare chap. vii. 27; iv. 15; ix. 14. Burkitt, Dr. Whitby.
Hebrews 5:5
- So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; &c.] Hence we learn, that the office of the High-priesthood over the church of God was an honour and glory to Jesus Christ: it was so to His human nature, even as it was united to His Divine nature. The verse implies, that it was a glory and honour, though not assumed, but conferred; and that as Aaron was called of God, so was Christ, but in a more glorious and excellent manner. By this we perceive the pride and presumption of those, who take upon them to officiate in matters of religion, though not duly called to the work. Burkitt.
AUTO DOMINI 64. Or, one reasonably bear with. The perfect obedience of Christ. Negligence reproved. Anno DOMINI 64. he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
Hebrews 5:6
- — after the order of Melchisedec.] That is, after his similitude; see chap. vii. 15. Bp. Fell. According to his likeness or resemblance. Pyle. Such a priest as Melchizedek was. Dr. Hammond.
Melchizedek having neither predecessor nor successor in his office, his priesthood could not be called an “order,” if by that phrase is understood a succession of persons, executing that priesthood. Wherefore the phrase must mean, “after the similitude of Melchizedek,” as it is expressed chap. vii. 15; and according to the rendering of the Syriack version. Dr. Macknight, Parkhurst.
Hebrews 5:7
- — was heard in that he feared;] “Heard,” and so delivered ‘from his fear,’ namely, that horrid fear, which is so affectingly described, Matt. xxvi. 37, 38; Mark xiv. 33; and under which “an angel appeared from heaven strengthening Him,” Luke xxii. 43. Or, ‘heard from, or on account of, His religious reverence,’ namely to God. Our translators, in rendering the passage “and was heard, in that He feared,” seem to have aimed at preserving the ambiguity of the original: for “in that” may here mean, either as to that which, or in as much as. The marginal translation is agreeable to the latter sense, “for His piety.” Parkhurst.
Hebrews 5:8
- — learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;] Though, being the natural and eternal Son of God, He was replenished with all perfection of graces and virtues, yet, that He might be a merciful High Priest to us, He was willing, by the experience of His sufferings, to be tutored to an exact obedience. Bp. Hall. As Christ’s human soul advanced gradually in
Hebrews 5:9
- And being made perfect, he became &c.] In this verse three things are clearly stated. 1st, That Christ was made perfect as an high priest by offering Himself a sacrifice for sin, chap. viii. 3. 2dly, That by the merit of that sacrifice He hath obtained pardon and eternal life for them who obey Him. 3dly, That obedience to Christ is equally necessary to salvation with believing on Him. Dr. Macknight.
Hebrews 5:10
- — an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.] Christ’s Melchizedecal or eternal priesthood, joined with kingship, was consummated in His resurrection, and is now continued in His service in the heavenly sanctuary; see ver. 5, here compared with Acts xiii. 33, and Ps. ii. 7, 8; chap. vi. 20; viii. 1, 2, 4; vii. 26; Ps. cx. 4; compared with chap. i. 2. (His kingship and priesthood being always joined.) In which heavenly sanctuary He perpetually offers His blood and passion to God; and as man makes perpetual prayers and intercessions for us, Rom. viii. 34; Heb. vii. 25; ix. 24; 1 John ii. 1. Bp. Fell.
Hebrews 5:11
- Of whom we have many things to say,] Of which resemblance between Christ and Melchizedek. Dr. Hammond. A digression commences here, which is prosecuted to the beginning of the 7th chapter. Bp. Fell.
— hard to be uttered,] Or explained, not from the nature of the things themselves, but because ye are dull of hearing. Dr. Whitby.
Hebrews 5:13
- — for he is a babe.] The Apostle compares the Hebrews to babes, not on account of their innocence, simplicity, and teachableness, qualities which Christ recommended to all His disciples; but on account of their weakness and ignorance, for which, considering the advantages which they had so long enjoyed, they were much to blame. Dr. Macknight.
Hebrews 5:14
- But strong meat belongeth to them &c.] Those more difficult and profound mysteries of Christianity belong to them, which are of more growth and strength of knowledge, and spiritual understanding; who have had their minds enured unto, and exercised in, these heavenly speculations, so as they are able to discern between the good of truth, and the evil of error. Bp. Hall.
This is premised by the Apostle, not as if he thought them utterly unfit for, or incapable of, the sublime doc-