Let All the Angels Worship Him

Hebrews 1:5–14 – Jesus Is Better
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time  – October 5th, 2025 (am)     

5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” 10 And, You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” 13 And, to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet”? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Our passage today is a stunningly rich text of Scripture. It makes a contribution so grand not only to our understanding of Who Jesus is, but also to our appreciation for all He’s done. And beyond that, few NT texts could do as much as this one to establish our confidence in the Bible as God’s Word. Even so, if someone were preaching just the highlights of Hebrews, they would almost certainly leave it out. Why is that? It’s because it’s just a string of OT quotations which demonstrate that the glorified Jesus is better than angels.

So, why would I say it’s so stunningly rich? Because angels were the most glorious beings one could encounter in this world before Jesus showed up; and even then, His glory was veiled such that He appeared to be a moral man. He was made for a little while lower than the angels (2:7; Psa.8:5), so people wouldn’t have known what they were seeing. But angels, twice in the later stages of John’s vision of heaven he was tempted to worship the angel who was bringing a message, mistaking him for God, but he was corrected (Rev.19:10; 22:8). Angels can be stunning creatures, clothed in light (cf. Rev.10:1). They delivered the law at Mt. Sinai (2:2; Act.7:53; Gal.3:19). But they’re still created beings. And Jesus isn’t just better than angels, He’s 1:4 … as much superior to [them] as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. That name is either Son of God (cf. 5; Hughes 51) or, perhaps even more likely, it’s the honor conferred by God on the Messiah as the [eternal heir of David] at the establishment of his throne (Guthrie 2007 925). The verses that follow would support either of these.

But here’s where it gets stunning. The A/author is affirming and locking down truths about Jesus using only OT passages, and multiple ones at that! The unity of the OT and NT this displays; the authority and reliability of God’s Word it reveals; the argument against Judaism it presents; all of this and more it does with its eyes fixed on Jesus! When I’m asked why I have such unshakable confidence in the truth of God’s Word, I answer with passages much like this one. Let’s look into this text together.

Understanding Today’s Passage

In these ten verses [the A/]author [cites] seven OT passages to [support] his argument that the Son of God is superior to the angels. … The general NT use of the OT is a [very] important and interesting study, but the use of the OT in… Hebrews, while [53] it has its place [in] that more general study, [displays] a number of [unique] features. Among [those] is the prominence given to the [Psalms]; more than once the writer interprets a passage from the other OT books by way of [handling] a passage [in] Psalms. Of the seven quotations here, five are taken from [Psalms]; of the other two, one is… from the… Former Prophets (2Sa.) and one from the [Law] (Deu.) (Bruce 52-3).

Another way to view the structure here is to see three [pairings], each… having [two] OT quotations… that [support] the superiority of the Son over angels. The Son’s unique relationship to the Father, and his enthronement, [are] the focus of [the first pair,] Psa.2:7 and 2Sa.7:14 at 1:5…. The second pair…, Deu.32:43 and Psa.104:4 at 1:6-7, treat the angels, who worship the Son and function as servants…. Then [t]he Son’s eternal reign and role in [creation] is the [focus] of the third pair…, Psa.45:6-7 and Psa.102:25-27 at 1:8-12. … The climax of the chain occurs with the quotation of Psa.110:1 at 1:13 (cf. 3), capping off a chain of OT texts that speak eloquently of the superiority of God’s Son [and] set up the argument… in 2:1-4 (Guthrie 2007 925). Also, don’t miss the intentional repetition of the question from v.5 in v.13, forming an inclusio that brackets [this listing] (Guthrie 2007 925).

Now to the first pairing; we’ll give greater attention to this one, just to demonstrate what we could do with each. But treating each quotation this fully is quite outside the parameters of a Sunday morning sermon. I’m guessing there wouldn’t be many of us left here by the time I finish!

In its original context Psa.2 speaks of the rebellion of the nations and their rulers against God and his Anointed One. This rebellion, however, will be smashed by the awesome, overwhelming power of the king whom God has enthroned on Mount Zion (Guthrie 2007 925). It opens asking the question: Psa.2:1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? Then explains: 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord an against his Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” They want to throw off the restraints of their obligation to God. And how does He respond? 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” Then comes our verse, speaking of this One, the same as his Anointed One Who’s stands with Him as the Object of this rebellion (Psa.2:2): 7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. And He continues: 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potters vessel.” Answer, then, to none of the angels did God ever say this (5). This affirmation is reserved exclusively for His unique Son here in Heb.1, and for the promised coming Messiah according to Psa.2, God’s eternal King enthroned on Zion, His holy hill (Psa.2:6).

We can see that Psa.2 actually builds on the 2Sa.7 promise to David regarding the world dominance to be accomplished by his dynasty (Guthrie 2007 927). But by the time Hebrews is being written, it’s been centuries since anyone even occupied David’s throne. And that seems to be the A/author’s key point in using this text: this promise to David hasn’t yet been fulfilled in history. 2Sa.7 opens with an introduction (1-3) and has two main divisions: the Lord’s oracle to David through the prophet Nathan (4-17) and David’s response [in prayer] (18-29). David wanted to build a house for God, since he was living in such a fine one himself, and initially the prophet Nathan told him to do all that [was] in [his] heart (3). But God intervened to change that plan (4-7). Solomon would build God a house (12-13). But God, as He’d been doing all along in David’s life, would build him a house that will stand forever, and his throne shall be established forever (16). Tucked in with all this is the statement that’s quoted here in Heb.1:5, 2Sa.7:14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son…. One challenge, though, is that some parts of God’s word through Nathan apply directly to David’s next heir who would build the Temple, and part of it could apply only to future generations, and parts of that could apply only to the promised Messiah, identifying Him as God’s Son and eternal Heir to the throne of David. What’s interesting, though, is that these unique elements aren’t included in the verse quoted here Heb.1:5. If we don’t pull in the whole of 2Sa.7 with this quote of v.14, we might understand why the A/author chose it (he’s talking about God’s Son and this is the verse that mentions that relationship), but we’d think he’d mis-read 2Sa.7; almost certainly son in v.14 is referring primarily to Solomon. But through that verse we get into the context where we recognize that other parts of this passage couldn’t possibly refer to Solomon. They could only refer to the promised Messiah, Who is now being affirmed in Heb.1 using 2Sa.7 in tandem with Psa.2 to identify Jesus as God’s unique Son, Himself God, Messiah, the One Who [made] purification for our sins (3) thus demonstrating His superiority (4) to angels and His worthiness to sit on David’s throne as eternal Heir to his kingdom and to all the nations that will be included in that heritage (Psa.2:8, cf. 2). He’s the truest, eternal Son of God.

There’s a little taste of how these quotations are used.

Now for the second pairing (6): Deu.32:43 is known as the song of Moses in which he is bearing witness to heaven and earth concerning the people (Guthrie 2007 931) of Israel at the end of his time leading them, just before they enter the land. It’s used here specifically for its reference to the angels’ posture of worship [toward] the Son of God. It is also by virtue of its reference to “angels” that it is paired with Psa.104:4 (7) based on [a Hebrew interpretive] principle [know as] verbal analogy (the use in different passages of the same or similar words). These texts focus on fundamental differences between the Son and the angels (Guthrie 2007 932). And, bottom line, the contrast built into the pairing of these texts has to do with the status of the Son of God, whom the angels worship, and that of the angels themselves (Guthrie 2007 933) as ministers who, although impressive, exist to do God’s bidding. Or, we might note that angels are considered “sons of God” in Deu.32, but not on the level of the unique Son (Chapman).

This actually sets up the third pairing well. It’s almost as though there’s a grander pairing here, like pairing #2 (6-7) is part 1 and paring #3 (8-12) is part 2 of yet another contrast, seeing that the whole of pairing #3 is about the Son. And the subject from Psa.45 (8-9) and Psa.102 (10-12) is the God-like Person and work of the Son: His eternal throne and ruling scepter of uprightness (8), His love of righteousness and hatred of wickedness that places Him above His companions (9) of any and all sorts (cf. Bruce 61). Then His work in creation (10) and His unchanging nature (11-12) as God (9) complete the picture.

All that brings us to the climactic v.13, quoting Psa.110:1 again (cf. 3): 13 And, to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet”? This is a key passage in Hebrews, used in v.3, here (13) in c.1, then again in 8:1; 10:12; and 12:2, all with the emphasis being on the Son sitting down at the right hand of God, His work finished, which moves us on to…

Appreciating Today’s Passage

What is it that matters to us about this passage today. Yes, it shows us the amazing unity of the Word of God and how Jesus is the Messiah Israel had been waiting for. Yes, it also affirms the exaltation of the Son far above other created beings that are themselves so glorious we’d be tempted to worship them if we saw them.

But there’s something else present in this passage that draws us in as key players within it. It was the Son 3 … making purification for sins [that entitled Him to sit] down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he… inherited is more excellent than theirs. And as for those angels, whose greatness in God’s economy has them in a place where such a list of Scripture as this is warranted in order to establish the superiority (4) of the Son, their role is summarized here as 14 … ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.

There it is. There’s the great salvation (2:3) that will carry over into the next section of this brief exhortation (13:22). That’s our salvation. The eternal Son of God took on flesh to accomplish it. Then He was exalted by the Father for having done so. And as for the glorious angels of heaven, their service is performed for the benefit of a favored class of human beings, the heirs of salvation (Bruce 65). That’s each of us!

Conclusion

There is our place in this passage. Salvation is a glorious gift from God. Believer, treasure it; rejoice in it; live it out to its fullest degree. Unbeliever, receive it; embrace it; entrust yourself to the Son. He’s always been superior (4) to angels, but it was demonstrated, even affirmed and celebrated by the Father, in all new ways as He [made] purification for our sins (3).

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Resources

Anders, Max, gen. ed. 1999. Holman New Testament Commentary. Hebrews & James, by Thomas D. Lea. Nashville: Broadman & Holman.

Arnold, Clinton E., gen. ed. 2002. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary. Vol. 4, Hebrews to Revelation. Hebrews, by George H. Guthrie, 2-82. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Barclay, William. 1976. The Daily Study Bible Series. The Letter to the Hebrews, Revised Edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox.

Beale, G. K., & D. A. Carson, eds. 2007. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Hebrews, by George H. Guthrie, 919-995. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.

Bruce, F. F. 1990. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Hebrews. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Calvin, John. 1553. Commentary on the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews, trans. by, John Owen. Logos.

Carson, D. A., R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham, eds. 1994. New Bible Commentary 21st Century Edition. Hebrews, by David Peterson, 1321-1353. Leicester, Eng.: InterVarsity.

Clendenen, Ray E., gen. ed., David S. Dockery, NT ed. 2010. The New American Commentary. Vol. 35, Hebrews, by David L. Allen. Nashville: Broadman & Holman.

Dever, Mark. 2005. The Message of the New Testament. Ch. 19, The Message of Hebrews: Sticking with the Best, 413-425. Wheaton: Crossway.

Fee, Gordon D., gen. ed. 1990. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. The Epistle to the Hebrews, Revised Edition, by F. F. Bruce. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Grudem, Wayne, ed. 2008. ESV Study Bible. Study notes on Hebrews, by David W. Chapman. Wheaton: Crossway.

Guthrie, George. 1998. The NIV Application Commentary. Hebrews. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Hubbard, David A., & Glenn W. Barker, gen. eds. Ralph P. Martin, NT ed. 1991. Word Biblical Commentary. Vols. 47a, Hebrews 1-8; Vol.47b, Hebrews 9-13, by William L. Lane. Dallas: Word.

Hughes, Philip Edgcumbe. 1979. A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Longman III, Tremper, & David E. Garland, eds. 2006. Revised Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Vol. 13, Hebrews-Revelation. Hebrews, by R. T. France, 17-195. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Morris, Leon, gen. ed. 1983. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Vol. 15, Hebrews, by Donald Guthrie. Downers Grove: InterVarsity.

NEXT SUNDAY: We Must Pay Closer Attention, Hebrews 2:1–4