Overview of Hebrews 2:5–18

The OT texts demonstrating the Son’s superiority to angels introduced “those who are to inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14). This “salvation” reappeared in the first exhortation section (2:1–4). From that exhortation the author now launches a further discussion of the Son’s relationship to angels (2:5–18). The focus turns to his mission on behalf of his human siblings, who inherit salvation because he became “for a little while . . . lower than the angels” in order to suffer and thereby achieve their salvation (2:9–10).

As the OT citations on the Son’s superiority (1:5–14) were “bookended” by the rhetorical question “To which of the angels did he [God] ever say . . .” (1:5, 13), so is this section enveloped by statements that God has extended his grace “not [to] angels” but to humans, whom the Son saves (2:5, 16). Psalm 8:4–6, which anchors this section, is explained in terms of its eschatological, anthropological, and Christological implications. Other OT passages are cited (Ps. 22:22; Isa. 8:17, 18) and alluded to (Isa. 41:8–13) in order to elaborate the Son’s bond with the “many sons” whom God brings to glory through him (Heb. 2:10).