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Hebrews 1:8-9
In Hebrews 1:8-9, the author quotes Psalm 45:6-7 of what God speaks about His Son in contrast to that of what God speaks of the angels in the previous statement in Hebrews 1:7. The passage quoted from Psalm 45:6-7 is a wedding song given to the king (presumably king David) in praise to the king and his anointing from God in the rule over God’s chosen people Israel. But the author of Hebrews clearly puts the focus on the eternal King Jesus. In what is praise and celebration for the earthly king and blessing for his long extended reign, can also be seen as the eternal reign of King Jesus as He will rule not as the earthly king with God’s blessing of righteousness, but in righteousness. Matthew 3:13-17 (ESV) states, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” Jesus tells the chief priests and the elders in Matthew 21:32a (NKJV), “For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him;” Jesus is righteousness; He is the essence of righteousness and our source of righteousness.
This is a promise of the eternal reign of King Jesus in righteousness above all who are blessed by His righteousness.
As the author of Hebrews continues to show us why Jesus is above the angels, he does so for our gain of a better understanding of God’s Word and the importance of putting Jesus first in our lives. It is He who provides the way to salvation and eternal life. It is He who paid our price for sin. It is He who invites us to live free from sin by putting our faith in Him as our Savior. Jesus tells us in John 8:31-32 (NIV), “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Dear LORD,
Please help us to see that Jesus is righteousness; that we are sinful but can obtain the righteousness of Christ by believing in Him, that He paid our price for sin when He died on the cross without sin or of deserving the punishment for it, but He willingly took our place and paid that price for us that we may live through Him and be coated with His righteousness for all eternity – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.