¹⁰  He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands (Hebrews 1:10; read vv. 5-14).

Introduction

While our 21st Century, “postmodern” culture has become increasingly open to transcendence, the biblical worldview remains largely outside our typical paradigm of thought. As the Preacher emphasizes the Son’s nature and purpose vis-à-vis that of angels, we likely still have some barriers to hearing his words completely. Perhaps a quick look into the biblical worldview about angels will help us appreciate more deeply the Preacher’s important opening point.

Several passages mention a “divine council” of “gods” over which Yahweh presided (e.g., Psalm 82; ). Apparently, these “sons of God” (understood as angels) were present at the moment of creation (Job 38:7). Most scholars believe that God was addressing these beings when he said: “Let us make man in our image”, though Yahweh is the only one who actually created human beings (cf. Genesis 1:26-27).

These beings had a role to fulfill in the cosmos. In 2nd century, BCE Judaism, Genesis 6 was interpreted to mean that some angels, who were to watch over humanity (the Watchers), rebelled against their role and copulated with human beings, producing the Nephilim. According to Deuteronomy 32:7-9, God entrusted the governance of the nations to angels, while keeping Israel to himself, at the tower of Babel incident. Rather than caring for the nations under God’s good rule, these “gods” seduced the nations to worship them, turning them into “demons.” The “Prince of Persia” for example, temporarily prevented God’s message of Persia’s destruction, since this “god” had a special interest in censoring a message that foretold that nation’s destruction. It is these same thrones, dominions, and powers against which we wrestle. Now, perhaps we can better hear the Preacher: The Son is superior to the angels, for he is their creator and sovereign. Hear him!

Some Background

Much of Western theology tended to dismiss or downplay the supernatural dimension of the Bible. In some extreme cases, even the resurrection of Jesus was given a “natural” explanation. Christian apologists have marshaled excellent arguments supporting the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection, a dramatic supernatural event. And yet, Western theologians still tend to have an uneasy relationship with certain biblical texts, indicating that God employs a heavenly “council” in his governance of the cosmos.

Jewish believers in the first century AD embraced this idea. They understood that there are unseen, spiritual beings that effect events in the “seen” or natural world. Understanding this worldview will help us appreciate many statements in the Bible.

Discussion Questions

What did you hear in this morning’s message that stood out to you? What was interesting, important, or confusing?

How would this idea affect the way you view the world and our purpose in the world?

How would this understanding inform how we read the Preacher’s emphasis in Hebrews on the superiority of the Son?

Reflections

The idea of a world inhabited by supernatural beings other than God is a bit disconcerting. The world would seem a bit more manageable if we only had to worry about God and us. And yet, we still talk about “forces” that are beyond the ordinary. Economic, political, cultural, military “powers” are fully recognized as obstinate forces beyond our collective abilities to control. The Bible refers to those forces as “thrones, dominions, powers, and authorities” against which we continue to struggle. Among other things, the cross of Christ disarmed these rebellious powers, winning the victory over them. It is to these same powers that the church displays the multi-faceted wisdom of God. Church matters!