We also noted regarding the purpose of the epistle...
To encourage Jewish Christians to remain steadfast in their faith
Accomplished by showing the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant
That superiority is demonstrated through a number of contrasts...
The very first contrast begins in these first three verses
In which Jesus is contrasted with the prophets of the Old Testament
In this lesson, we shall take a close look at the contrast...
Noting how God spoke "in time past", and how He speaks "in these last days"
Observing how Jesus is certainly qualified to be"God's Perfect Spokesman"
[We begin by considering what is said regarding...]
GOD'S SPOKESMEN "IN TIME PAST"(1)
THE EXPRESSION "IN TIME PAST"...
Refers to the period of time prior to the coming of Jesus
I.e., that period of time described in the Old Testament (Genesis-Malachi)
GOD SPOKE "TO THE FATHERS BY THE PROPHETS"...
The "fathers" would be the ancestors of the Israelites
The "prophets" would include great men like Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel
The Hebrew word for "prophet" means "one who boils over"
It refers to one who is inspired by God to speak for Him - cf.2Pe 1:21
At times, the prophets themselves were unsure of what they spoke -1Pe 1:10-12
GOD SPOKE "AT VARIOUS TIMES AND IN DIFFERENT WAYS"...
His revelation did not come all at once, but progressively at different times
His methods varied as well, using visions, dreams, symbols, etc.
[So God has clearly revealed Himself as One who "speaks"; that is, He communicates His will to mankind! What He revealed through His prophets "in time past" is certainly wonderful, but now consider what we learn regarding...]
GOD'S SPOKESMAN "IN THESE LAST DAYS"(2-3)
THE EXPRESSION "IN THESE LAST DAYS"...
Literally,"at the end of these days", which may be understood as referring to either:
The closing period of the Jewish age (cf. Milligan)
The period of the Messiah (most commentators)
The Old Testament often spoke of"the last days"- e.g.,Isa 2:2;Micah 4:1
As such it often had special reference to the age of the Messiah
The apostles spoke of their time as the time of this fulfillment -Ac 2:16-17
Thus it denotes the final phase of history, brought on by the first coming of Christ, continuing until His second coming and the consummation of all things - cf.He 9:26;1Pe 1:20;1Co 10:11
GOD "HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON"...
God has spoken once again, but note the contrast!
"In time past" it was through"prophets"; but "in these last days" it is by"His Son"!
God has sent His own Son to speak for Him!
As wonderful as the prophets were, how can they compare to God's own Son?
-- There is no contrast, especially as we read on and notice...
THE EXCELLENCE OF "GOD'S PERFECT SPOKESMAN"...
Jesus is"the appointed heir of all things"!
The author may have hadPs 2:8in mind, for inverse 5he quotes fromPs 2:7
As the "beloved Son", it is only natural that He would be the appointed heir