Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Quote

Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament

The reasoning of the previous paragraph continues here into chapter five.

The author builds on the theme of Jesus’ priesthood, expanding particularly on 4:15 and the notion that Jesus is a priest who is like us and can sympathize with us in our humanity.

This discussion includes an explanation of the priestly office.

High priests were appointed by God from among the men and women for whom he would offer sacrifices.

This lays additional groundwork for the extensive christological material that follows in the next division.

Scripture

Outline

Hebrews 1-2 - Jesus is Greater Than the Angels

Hebrews 1:1-4 - God has Spoken

Hebrews 1:5-14 - The Son is Superior to the Angels

Hebrews 2:1-4 - A Warning

Hebrews 2:5-9 - Lowliness to Crowning Glory

Hebrews 2:10-18 - Jesus has Delivered His Brothers

Hebrews 3:1-4:13 - Jesus is a Greater Rest

Hebrews 3:1-6 - Jesus is Worthy of More Glory Than Moses

Hebrews 3:7-19 - Disobedience After the Exodus

Hebrews 4:1-13 - A Sabbath Rest for God’s People

Hebrews 4:14-7:26 - Jesus is Greater than Melchizedek

Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus is the Great High Priest

Hebrews 5:1-10 - Jesus is the High Priest After the Order of Melchizedek

Hebrews 5:1-4 - Humans as High Priests

Hebrews 5:5-6 - Christ as High Priest

Hebrews 5:7-10 - Jesus the Source of Salvation

Purpose of Book

Christ, who has accomplished salvation through His atoning sacrifice, is greater than all things; therefore, persevere in true faith and encourage others to do likewise

Main Point

Christ, the God-appointed high priest after the order of Melchizedek, became the source of salvation for those who obey Him

Hebrews 5:1-4 - Humans as High Priests

Evangelical Biblical Theological Commentary

What is the logical relationship between 4:14–16 and 5:1–10?

The main point in 4:14–16 is that believers should hold fast their confession and draw near to God to receive grace and mercy.

In 5:1–10 we discover why believers should hold fast the confession.

They have a better high priest, one who is appointed by God and is a Melchizedekian priest.

Turning away from such a priesthood, as 5:11–6:8 explains, is disastrous.

For every high priest chose from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God,

High priest

The high priest acted as the representative and mediator between Yahweh and His people.

He was to direct the hearts of Yahweh’s people toward Yahweh and call them to be faithful to the covenant

Lexham Bible Dictionary

In the Old Testament, the primary purpose of the high priest was to serve as a representative and mediator between the people and Yahweh.

The office was established with Aaron, the brother of Moses, and high priests were the head priest first at the tabernacle and then later at the temple.

Zadok served as high priest in the temple during the reign of Solomon.

The high priest served several purposes that were crucial to Israelite worship.

It was the high priest’s responsibility to see that the covenant was enforced, and to direct people to complete the duties of the temple and the law of Moses.

As the representative for the nation of Israel, the high priest had a tremendous responsibility to direct the hearts of the people toward God and the fulfillment of the covenant.

Some of the primary responsibilities of the high priest were the regular handling of sacrifices and offerings, the blessing of people, and the annual entrance into the most holy place within the tabernacle/temple during the Day of Atonement.

Many of the duties, actions, and even the unique style of dress that was required of the high priest were symbolic.

Chose

Selected from a number of alternatives

Appointed to act on behalf of men

Appointed

② to assign someone a position of authority, appoint, put in charge

In relation to God

To offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

Offer

1. to offer (present) — to present for acceptance or rejection; often used of sacrifices.

Gifts and sacrifices

Gifts

2. offering — something presented (to a deity) for acceptance or rejection; often referring to sacrifices.

Sacrifices

1. sacrifice — the act of killing an animal as an act of worship, restitution, or atonement in regards to a deity.

Leviticus 1-7

Burnt Offerings - Leviticus 1

Grain Offerings - Leviticus 2

Peace Offerings - Leviticus 3

Sin Offerings - Leviticus 4-5

Guilt Offerings - Leviticus 5-6

Laws of the Offerings for Priests - Leviticus 6-7

For sins

① a departure fr.

either human or divine standards of uprightness

5. sin (guilt) — estrangement from god.

Day of Atonement

The Day of Atonement (Lev 16) was a more complex ceremony involving special priestly garments, five sacrificial animals (one bull, two goats, and two rams), incense, and the purification of the holy place.

After the bull had been killed to atone for the sins of the priest, lots were cast over the two goats.

One of the goats was killed and its blood used to purify the holy place; the people’s sins would be confessed over the other—the scapegoat—which was then released into the wilderness to carry away that sin.

The two rams were then presented as a guilt offering for the priest and the people, and the fat of the bull and the slain goat was burned on the altar to conclude the ceremony.

The elaborate nature and blood sacrifice of these ceremonies attest the gravity with which the Old Testament views sin.

The people’s participation in the ceremonies speaks to the dynamic, covenantal relationship between God and Israel.

He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward

Deal gently

1. to moderate one’s passions — to lessen or keep in measure the intensity or harshness of one’s emotions (especially anger).

Ignorant

④ to be unaware about one’s wrongdoing

Wayward

4. to mislead (deceive) — to cause someone to wander from a proper belief or course of action.

Since he himself is beset with weaknesses.

Beset

The word here means to be clothed with

Weaknesses

As a result of his humanity

Due to his own sinful heart, the high priest would have compassion on those who were ignorant and wayward

Because of this

He is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins

Obligated

Or required

Just as he does for those of the people.