The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 41

frequently quoted in the New Testament as applying to our Lord. ., And no pslUill more clearly finds its ultimate reference and completion only in Christ." The quotation teaches that: 1. The Son is exalted to the mediatorial throne. "Sit thou on my right hand." "He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (See our notes on "The exaltation of his position" as stated in ver. 3.) 2. He is exalted by the highest toill. " But to which of the angels said he at any time," etc.? "The Lord said unto ruy Lord, Sit thou at my right hand," etc.; "Him God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour." 3. He is exalted with the sublimest expectation. "Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet." Here are several points. (1) Our Lord has enemies; e.g. ignorance, superstition, unbelief, vice, crime, wicked men, etc. (2) These enemies will certainly be subjugated to him. Their subjugation is guaranteed by the Most High: "Till I make," etc. (3) These enemies will be com- pletely subjugated to him. "Thine enemies the footstool of thy feet." The reference is to the ancient custom of conquerors placing their feet upon the necks of vanquished nobles or princes in token of their complete subjection (cf. Josh. L 24). (4) He ia waiting their subjugation with assured expectation. II. 'l'HE SEBvroE OF THE ANGELS OF Gon. " Are they not all ministering spirits," etc.? Notice: 1. The nature of the angels. "Spirits." We do not enter upon the qnestion whethe, angels are pure spirits or not. It seems to us that they are not without some form or vesture; that they are not "unclothed, but clothed upon." Their bodies are spirituaL "There is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body." Angelic forms are not gross and material, but refined and ethereal. They do not impede their activities or clog their aspirations, but are the exquisite vesture of their being and the suitable vehicle of their power. (On the qualities of these spirits, see introduction of our homily on vers. 3, 4.) 2. The ojfice of the angels. "Ministering spirits." (1) They are servants of God. Alford: "The 3,a,covla. is not a waiting upon men, but a fulfilment of their office as IM,co1101 of God." And Robert Hall: "They are not the servants of the Church, but the servants of Christ for the benefit of the Church." They are II ministers of his that do hie pleasure" (Pe. ciii. 20, 21). (2) They are servants of God on behalf of his people. " Sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation;" or," Sent forth for ministry on accoULt of those who shall be heirs of salvatioi.." Christians are called" heirs of salvation" because they "are children of God ; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (Rom. viii. 14-17). And the salvation which they shall inherit ie not mere deliverance from danger or release from the penalty of sin; but complete and ever- lasting salvation; transformation into the image and participation in the blessednelll of the Lord. Unto these children of God angels minister. The nature of their ministry in ancient times we are able to gather from the Bible; e.g. to Lot (Gen. :rlx.); to Elijah (lJrings xiL 4-8); to ~lisha (21:{ings vi. 16, 17); to Daniel. (Dan. vi. 22 I ix. 20-27; L 10-21); to Zachanas (Luke 1.11-20); to Mary (Luke 1. 26-38); _to the shepherds (Luke ii. 9-14); to Mary Magdalene and other women (Luke xx1v. 4-7; John xx. 11-13); to the apostles immediately after the Asce~~ion (Acts i. 10, 11); to the apostles in prison (Acts v. 19, 20); to St. Peter (Acts xu. 7-10); to St. Paul (Acts xxvii. 23, 24:). They also ministered to our Lord after hie temr.tation in the wilderness (Matt. iv. 11), and in hie agony in Gethsemane (Luke JUUi. 43), And there are statements of Holy Scripture which bear upon their ministry. "'l'ho angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that f8'.1r him," etc. (Ps. x~ir:iv. 7) ; "He shall give his angels charge over thee," et~.. (Ps. x~1. 11, 1~). The_y ~nmster to ns now chiefly by their influence upon our spmts. 'lh~y qmcke~ w1thm us true thoughts and pure feelings; they help us to detect Satamc sugges~1ons and to repel Satanic solicitations; they inspire tho timid with courage, and whisper hope to the de~pondent-- " And the wearied heart grows strong, As an angel strengthened him, Fainting in the garden dim 'Neath the world's vast woo and WJ'ong." (Johann Rist.) They suggest caution and watchfulness to the unwary; by their serene invisible pre6oil.ce they solace the sufferer; and they serve about the dying bed of the Dint, Ui1. I, 1-14:,] THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. Sl