Hebrews 1:4-7 – In name, Christ is more superior to angels

The concept the Jews had concerning angels is crucial to our understanding of what the author said about angels here. In the Old Covenant, the Jews honored angels as the highest beings next to God.  And to them angels were mediators between men and God. In their thinking, God’s presence was surrounded by angels, to be His instruments to bring His Word to mankind. Angels were there to execute God’s will in the universe and in men. The author quoted numerous Old Testament scriptures to prove that Jesus Christ is more superior to angels.

In verses 4-7, he wanted us to know that Christ is more superior to the angels in name. Jesus Christ has inherited a more excellent name than angels. The name of Christ stands for His very nature. It signifies His rank, status, and standing. The name of angel simply means “messenger” which defines their function. They were created to serve. In verse 5, we are called attention to Christ’s status as a Son in contrast to the created status of the angels. Quoting from Psalm 2:7; II Samuel 7:14, the author tells us that God openly declared that Jesus Christ is His begotten Son. His relationship with God is one of Father-Son relationship, one that the angels do not share. For angels were only collectively known as sons of God (e.g. Job 1:6; 38:7) but never addressed singularly as a son. Whereas the term “Son”, when addressed singularly has a Messianic connotation.

Quoting Psalm 97:7, the author tells us in verse 6 that the angels were instructed to worship the Son (Jesus Christ). Angels were not objects of worship but were commanded to worship the Son. The intention of the author was clearly to set forth the contrast between the Creator and the creatures. Christ alone is worthy of worship. If angels are not meant to be worshiped, what exactly is their function? Verse 7 gives us the answer. They are created to serve. They are servants and their core duty is to serve God, the Father and Son. Their secondary duty is to assist the redeemed. Using poetic description the author quoted Psalm 104:4 to depict the angels as serving the purposes of God.

Consider the words of this hymn and revere the great Name of Jesus Christ:

At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess Him King of glory now;
’Tis the Father’s pleasure we should call Him Lord,
Who from the beginning was the mighty Word.

Mighty and mysterious in the highest height,
God from everlasting, very light of light:
In the Father’s bosom with the spirit blest,
Love, in love eternal, rest, in perfect rest.

In your hearts enthrone Him; there let Him subdue
All that is not holy, all that is not true;
Crown Him as your Captain in temptation’s hour;
Let His will enfold you in its light and power.