The Relationship of Jewish and Gentile Believers to the Law Between A.D. 30 and 70 in the Scripture

11 thought of the royal Son in Psalm 2:8. The affirmation of Jesus as the royal priest draws on Psalm 110, a favorite passage of the author of Hebrews. The final and innermost level of the chiasm identifies Jesus in terms characteristic of Old Testament wisdom, and as the mediator of creation, (e.g., Wisdom 7:21-27; 9:2). 10 The Meaning of the Introduction The verses which are most significant for this study are those which frame the others, 1-2a and 4. 1: 1 In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; 1:2a in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son 1:4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained is more excellent than theirs (RSV). Several features about the first sentence (l-2a) highlight the intended contrast of the author. First, the grammar of the sentence, with 6 8coc; as the grammatical subject and f>.a>.riacv a the main verb, defines the semantic subject: God has spoken. In fact, the author frequently introduces passages from the OT as God's direct speech (e.g., 1:5-13; 5:5-6:7; 7:17, 21). 11 The author's solemn exhortation which conclude his sermon is phra ed in the ame term " ee that you do not refuse him who is speaking ... " (Heb 12:25). Second, word order empha izes the contrast of old and new revelation with the placement of the ad erb m man portions and in many way in the pa t" (rrn>.uµcpwc; Kat noAuTponwc; naAm) fir t in th , H brel , ·, 11.