Hebrews 2:14 For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same… This God ordered — 1. To accomplish that ancient promise to the seed of the woman, which was Christ; and threatening against the serpent, which was the devil (Genesis 3:15). "It shall bruise thy head," that is, Christ should utterly vanquish the devil. 2. To deliver man by satisfying justice. Had the devil been by an almighty power vanquished, justice had not thereby been satisfied. 3. To magnify the power of the conquest the more; for Divine power is made perfect in weakness (1 Corinthians 12:9). 4. To bring the greater shame upon the devil; for what greater ignominy than for an enemy to be vanquished in his own kingdom, and that with his own weapon. The strongest and sharpest weapon that Satan had was death, and by it he did most hurt. Christ dealt in this case as Benaiah did with an Egyptian; he plucked the spear out of his hand, and slew him with his own spear (2 Samuel 23:21). 5. To take away the ignominy of the Cross of Christ, Jews, Pagans, and all infidels scoff at our crucified God, but this glorious victory which Christ by His death obtained, showeth that it is a matter of much glory and much rejoicing. The apostle apprehended so much hereof, as comparatively he would glory in nothing saving the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14). 6. To put a difference betwixt Christ's death and the dearth of all others, even of the best of men. The death of others is only a freedom from troubles of soul and body, and an attaining unto rest and glory, which is by virtue of Christ's death. Christ's death is a conquering death, a death that tends to the advantage of all that believe in Christ. 7. To take the old wily serpent in his own craft, Satan laboured at nothing more than to bring Christ to death: he used Scribes, Pharisees, priests, rulers, and people of the Jews, yea, Judas, Pilate and his soldiers, as his instruments herein. They thought all sure if Christ might be put to death; but Christ's death proved Satan's destruction. (W. Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; |
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