Hebrews 10:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.

NIV: and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool.

NASB: waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES ARE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.

CSB: He is now waiting until his enemies are made his footstool.

NLT: There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet.

KJV: From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

NKJV: from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.

The writer of Hebrews has been very careful to support all of his claims using the Old Testament. The original audience of this letter was persecuted Jewish Christians. These believers needed to be reminded that accepting Christ did not mean rejecting their faith; it meant fulfilling it. One of the highlight Scriptures used earlier in this letter was Psalm 110:1, which not only mentions the "right hand," but also the idea of making Messiah's enemies His footstool.

In the prior verses of Hebrews, the writer reiterated how the sacrifices of the old covenant could not truly cleanse man from sin. They could temporarily delay judgment, but not permanently remove sin (Hebrews 9:6–10). Christ's sacrifice, on the other hand, is the single, once-for-all-time payment which completely saves us from our sins (Hebrews 9:11–12). While priests have to offer an imperfect sacrifice over and over (Hebrews 10:1–2), Christ offered His single sacrifice, and then "sat down," symbolizing His finished work (Hebrews 10:12).

Hebrews 10:1–18 summarizes the writer's argument that the new covenant, in Jesus Christ, is superior to the old covenant, based on animal sacrifices. Using themes developed in earlier passages, this section points out that God's own Word promised to replace the system centered on the priests and the temple. Those flawed earthly components were symbols of the ''real'' remedy for sin, which is the one-time sacrifice of Jesus. Having completed this long, detailed discourse, the writer will move on to practical applications, including a very stern warning.

God's own words, found in the Old Testament Scriptures, declare His intention to replace the old covenant with a new covenant. Jesus fulfills all of these prophecies, and all of the symbolism found in the system of priests, the tabernacle, and animal sacrifices. Knowing that Jesus Christ is, undoubtedly, God's remedy for our sin, we should be encouraged in holding on to our faith in the face of persecution. However, that same confidence means dire spiritual consequences for those who know Christ's salvation, but choose to act in defiance of His will.

Chapter 10 completes the long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. Starting in chapter 7, the writer gave various arguments and Scriptures to support this idea. The theme of these points is that God had always intended to send Jesus, as the real fulfillment of the old covenant's symbolism. The second half of this chapter transitions into more practical ideas, including an extremely dire warning about the dangers of apostasy.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.

Accessed 5/7/2024 1:30:46 PM