How does Hebrews 1:1 connect with God's revelations in the Old Testament? Setting the Stage: The God Who Speaks - Scripture never presents a silent Creator. From Genesis onward, God takes the initiative to reveal Himself. - Hebrews 1:1: “On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.” - This single sentence gathers the entire Old Testament story of revelation into one sweeping summary. Snapshots of Old Testament Revelation - Direct speech: • Genesis 1:3 – “Then God said, ‘Let there be light.’” Creation itself begins with God’s audible word. • Exodus 20:1 – “And God spoke all these words,” introducing the Ten Commandments. - Prophetic visions and dreams: • Numbers 12:6 – “When a prophet is among you, I reveal Myself to him in visions; I speak to him in dreams.” • Isaiah’s throne‐room vision (Isaiah 6:1–8) shows God using imagery to communicate His holiness. - Symbolic acts and object lessons: • Ezekiel lays on his side (Ezekiel 4:4–6) and Jeremiah smashes a clay jar (Jeremiah 19:1–11). God speaks through actions as well as words. - Theophanies (visible appearances): • Burning bush – Exodus 3:2–6. • Pillar of cloud and fire – Exodus 13:21–22. - Written revelation: • God inscribes tablets (Deuteronomy 9:10). • Prophets record messages (Jeremiah 36:2). Patterns and Purposes - “Many past occasions”: progressive, unfolding disclosure—each episode builds on the last. - “Many different ways”: variety underscores God’s accessibility; He adapts method to moment. - All revelation serves two linked purposes: • Reveal God’s character (holy, loving, righteous). • Prepare for the coming Messiah (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53). Bridge to the New Covenant - Hebrews 1:1 sets up Hebrews 1:2: “But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son…” The variety of Old Testament voices converges in one final, climactic Word—Jesus Christ. - Old Testament revelation is accurate, literal truth; yet it is also preparatory. Christ is not a correction but the fulfillment (Matthew 5:17). Key Links Between Hebrews 1:1 and the Old Testament - Continuity: Same God, same purpose, same redemptive storyline (Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19). - Authority: Prophets spoke “the word of the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:9). Hebrews affirms this authority. - Diversity of means: speaking, writing, visions, acts—mirrored in the prophets’ ministries. - Culmination: All prior communication anticipates “the Prophet” like Moses—fulfilled in Jesus (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22). Takeaways for Today - Treasure the entire Old Testament; every page is God’s voice preparing hearts for Christ. - Expect God to communicate faithfully—He has a proven track record. - Read prophetic passages with confidence in their literal accuracy, knowing their ultimate goal is to point to the Son who now speaks the final, definitive Word. |
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