Hebrews 1:4-14 Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.… Though all these three phrases in general intend one and the same thing, namely, immutability, yet to show that there is no vain repetition, they may be distinguished one from another. 1. "Thou remainest," pointeth at Christ's eternity before all times; for it implieth His being before, in which He still abides. 2. "Thou art the same," declares Christ's constancy. There is no variableness with Him; thus therefore He saith of Himself, "I am the Lord, I change not" (Malachi 3:6). 3. "Thy years shall not fail," intendeth Christ's everlastingness; that He who was before all times, and continueth in all ages, will beyond all times so continue. Thus these three phrases do distinctly prove the three branch, as of this description of Christ, "which is, and which was, and which is to come" (Revelation1:4). This name that Christ assumeth to Himself, "I AM," and this, "I AM THAT I AM" (Exodus 3:14), and this also, "JEHOVAH" (Exodus 6:3), do demonstrate a perpetual continuing to be the same. In this respect He thus saith, "I the Lord, the first, and with the last, I am He" (Isaiah 41:4). This immutable constancy of the Lord is confirmed by this testimony, ,' with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning" (James 3:17), no show or appearance of alteration. This may be exemplified in all the things that are Christ's. 1. His essence and being. This is especially here intended. So also Exodus 3:14. 2. His counsel. Immutability is expressly attributed thereunto (Hebrews 6:17). "It shall stand" (Psalm 33:11; Proverbs 19:21; Isaiah 48:10). It shall stand immutably, inviolably. 3. His attributes. Sundry attributes for teaching sake, by way of resemblance, are ascribed to the Lord. In this respect it is said, "His compassions fail not" (Lamentations 3:22). "His mercy endureth for ever" (Psalm 118:1). "His love is everlasting" (Jeremiah 31:3). "His righteousness endureth for ever" (Psalm 111:8). So His "truth" (Psalm 117:2). So His "judgments" (Psalm 119:160). 4. His "Word" endureth for ever (1 Peter 1:25). This is manifested in the Law, whereof "not one tittle shall fail" (Luke 16:17), and in the gospel, which is an everlasting gospel. 5. His "bonds" whereby He binds Himself to us are unalterable as "promises" and "oaths." These are the two immutable things intended (Hebrews 6:18), and His covenant also (Jeremiah 32:20, 21). (W. Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. |
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