Hebrews 2:13

And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

Hebrews 2:13 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians facing persecution and contemplating a return to Judaism. The author encourages them to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, highlighting His superiority over the old covenant and the importance of faith.

Hebrews 2:13 sits within a passage emphasizing Christ’s solidarity with believers. The verse contains two Old Testament quotations, both spoken by Christ. The first, “I will put my trust in him,” expresses Christ’s dependence on and confidence in God the Father. The second, “Behold I and the children which God hath given me,” is drawn from Isaiah 8:18, where the prophet speaks of himself and his children as signs from the Lord. In Hebrews, this is applied to Christ and believers, who are described as children given to Him by God.

Meaning

This verse highlights Jesus’ trust in God the Father and His identification with His followers as the children which God hath given me. The immediate context shows that Christ sanctifies believers, and both He and they are of one, leading to His identification with them. The children are those whom the Father has given to the Son, indicating divine election and the security of believers in Christ.

The first quotation, while similar to Isaiah 8:17, is often cited from Psalm 18:2, where the psalmist expresses trust in God. The author of Hebrews separates the two quotations with “and again,” applying the words to Christ as the one who perfectly trusted the Father. This demonstrates Christ’s full humanity and His perfect faith, serving as a model for believers.

Biblical connections

Isaiah 8:17-18 is the original passage providing context for the quotation in Hebrews. It emphasizes the prophet’s trust in God amidst challenging circumstances and the connection between the prophet and his disciples. The author of Hebrews uses these Old Testament quotations to demonstrate that the Messiah’s experiences and relationships were prophesied and fulfilled in Christ, affirming the continuity of God’s redemptive plan.

The context of Hebrews 2 emphasizes that Christ partook of flesh and blood to deliver those who were in bondage, and His trust in the Father is exemplary for believers.

Application

Hebrews 2:13 reminds us of the trust Jesus placed in God the Father, even in the midst of trials and difficulties. We, too, are encouraged to trust in God, knowing that He is faithful and will never abandon us. As believers, we are united with Christ, and we share in His sufferings and victories. We can find comfort and encouragement in knowing that Jesus understands our struggles and is with us every step of the way.

Jesus refers to His followers as His children, highlighting the importance of being part of a Christian community where we can support and encourage one another, just as Jesus does for us. This verse encourages believers to trust in God as Christ did and to recognize their identity as members of God’s family, united with Christ in His death and resurrection.

Reflection

Hebrews 2:13 underscores the importance of trusting in God, recognizing our unity with Christ, and valuing the support of a faithful community. Christ is not ashamed to call believers brethren, and His identification with us assures us of His constant presence and intercession. The verse affirms the doctrine of Christ’s humanity and His role as the elder brother of believers, who are brought to glory through Him.