Christ the True Human Bringing His Brothers to True Humanity: An Exegesis of Hebrews 2:5–9

Abstract

Reading Hebrews 2:5–9 prompts the interpreter to ask two critical questions: to whom does the author apply the quotation of Psalm 8, and—if the answer is Christ—why does he consider it appropriate to apply this Psalm to Christ? Arguably, applying the quotation directly to Christ emanates from a faithful exegesis of Psalm 8. Thus providing indirect support that the New Testament rightly interprets Old Testament texts. This further implies that the author of Hebrews finds in Christ a second Adam figure, which has implications for both his own person and ministry and for the mode by which he ‘brings many sons to glory.’ He is the eschatological ruler, humbled, exalted, obeyed, and pioneering ruler over all things. The original hearers were to entrust themselves to God, despite the world’s chaotic appearance, and to listen closely to the voice of God speaking in Jesus. As such, this section forms just one peg in the larger argument of Hebrews, which urges all listeners not to depart from Jesus for any reason.