Hebrews 1:1-2 (Observe)
OK, we are starting our journey through the book of Hebrews. My desire is to direct you through a process of self discovery as you learn a method of bible study that will help you process the intent of the writer. We are going to keep it simple, so each passage will take three days to process. The first day (Observe) I will walk you through a process of Making Observations and Asking Interpretive Questions. The second day (Examine) we will look at the questions, provide answers, and include my thoughts. The third day (Relate) we will determine the Big Idea of the passage and how it applies to life. Let's begin...
God, we come to You knowing that we cannot understand and experience the transforming power of Your word without Your Spirit opening up our eyes and heart to see truth revealed. So we simply ask that Your Spirit would lead our spirit as we seek to know You through Your Word.
"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe."
Observations:
Good Bible Study always starts with making observations about what you just read. These are statements that are obvious from the reading of the passage. We have to be careful not to interpret during this process, but simply make observations based on what seems obvious. I would invite you to make some observations with me. I will make a few and then you can make some more. I would invite you to share your observations either on the comments section in this blog or in the Journey Through Hebrews Facebook group.
1. The author is comparing the past to his present time.
2. The author explains that God spoke through the prophets in the past.
3. The author uses the word "forefathers" indicating a Jewish audience.
4. The prophets spoke at many times and in various ways.
5. The author uses the phrase "in these last days".
6. There seems to be a change in how God is speaking to the people.
7. In the author's present situation, God has spoken to them through His Son.
OK... You continue to make observations...
Interpretive Questions:
Interpretive questions are simply questions that you feel will help you understand what is going on in the passage. Perhaps you're confused by a word or a phrase that the author uses. Maybe there is a seeming contradiction with another passage of Scripture or you are just not sure what the author is saying. Write down those questions... We will seek answers to those questions later, but for now lets just jot them down.
1. Who is the author writing to?
2. Why does the author compare "in the past" to "in these last days"?
3. What does the author mean by "in these last days"?
4. Is what is spoken by the Son a replacement of what was spoken by the prophets?
Write down any other questions that you might have about this passage...
God, we come to You knowing that we cannot understand and experience the transforming power of Your word without Your Spirit opening up our eyes and heart to see truth revealed. So we simply ask that Your Spirit would lead our spirit as we seek to know You through Your Word.
"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe."
Hebrews 1:1-2
Observations:
Good Bible Study always starts with making observations about what you just read. These are statements that are obvious from the reading of the passage. We have to be careful not to interpret during this process, but simply make observations based on what seems obvious. I would invite you to make some observations with me. I will make a few and then you can make some more. I would invite you to share your observations either on the comments section in this blog or in the Journey Through Hebrews Facebook group.
1. The author is comparing the past to his present time.
2. The author explains that God spoke through the prophets in the past.
3. The author uses the word "forefathers" indicating a Jewish audience.
4. The prophets spoke at many times and in various ways.
5. The author uses the phrase "in these last days".
6. There seems to be a change in how God is speaking to the people.
7. In the author's present situation, God has spoken to them through His Son.
OK... You continue to make observations...
Interpretive Questions:
Interpretive questions are simply questions that you feel will help you understand what is going on in the passage. Perhaps you're confused by a word or a phrase that the author uses. Maybe there is a seeming contradiction with another passage of Scripture or you are just not sure what the author is saying. Write down those questions... We will seek answers to those questions later, but for now lets just jot them down.
1. Who is the author writing to?
2. Why does the author compare "in the past" to "in these last days"?
3. What does the author mean by "in these last days"?
4. Is what is spoken by the Son a replacement of what was spoken by the prophets?
Write down any other questions that you might have about this passage...
Comments
- I'm using N.A.S.B
- "In the past" isn't the opening phrase, God is.
- There is no mention of "forefathers" in N.A.S.B Bible.
- N.A.S.B says "in many portions, in many ways, and in the prophets" God spoke.
- Verse one is indicating these circumstances are the past bye contrasting the word "after".
- The word "many" is used twice.
- The Greek indicates θεός (uncertain affinity)which I like to compare to אָב (fore-father).
- "(God,) in these last days (has spoken)" Has is third person singular present tense.
- "Spoken" is past tense verbal form of to speak.
- "Has Spoken" is an auxiliary verb in perfect tense. (now, is considered present perfect tense)
- There is no conjunction "but" in N.A.S.B
-God spoke to us "in" his son even upon the cross (Heb. 1:5 and Psalm 2:7-9) "in" is significant of a dwelling or rather influence, an inside possession. "by" just don't have the same impact on my spirit.
The heading of the chapter is "The Son Superior to Angels."
The author emphasizes the Son at the end of verse 2, saying "...by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe."
The author says that God spoke "through the prophets" but "by his Son."
Interpretive Questions:
How does the way God had spoken by his Son compare to the way he spoke through the prophets (at many times and in various ways)?