The whole application of the discourse is, to confirm the faith of the brethren in Jesus Christ, ch. xiii. 8, 9. Moreover, he confirms it, by demonstrating His glory. He calls this the sum (the principal point), ch. viii. 1. Hence all the divisions of the epistle, abounding in the sharpest admonitions, and the most powerful incitements, are set forth in one and the same form of discourse ; and doctrine and practice are everywhere connected by the word, therefore.
This is the SUM :—
The glory of Jesus Christ shines forth — I. From a PKEVIOUS comparison with the PROPHETS and
ANGELS, i. 1-14; THEREFORE we ought to give heed to what He says, ii. 1—4.
H. [His glory shines forth] PRINCIPALLY from a comparison of His SUFFERING and His CONSUMMATION. We must here observe —
1. The proposition and sum from Ps. viii., 5-9.
2. The discussion : We have the Author of salvation and glory
PERFECTED [consummated] ; who SUFFERED first for OUR sakes, that He might become (1) a MERCIFUL, and (2) FAITHFUL (3) HIGH PRIEST, 10-18. These three things are one by one explained, being most suitably from time to time interwoven with His PASSION and His CONSUMMATION.
A. He has the virtues of the priesthood : — I. He is FAITHFUL :
THEREFORE be ye not UNFAITHFUL, iii. 1, 2,
7-iv. 13. II. He is MERCIFUL :
THEREFORE let us draw near with CONFIDENCE,
14; v. 3.
B. He is called of God a PRIEST. Here —
I. The SUM (of His priesthood) is set forth from Ps. ii. and ex., and from His actual performance of the duties of the office, 4-10 ;