Hebrews 3:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.

NIV: He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house.

NASB: He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house.

CSB: He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was in all God's household.

NLT: For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house.

KJV: Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.

NKJV: who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.

The Jewish people revere Moses above all others, since he was the one who led the people out of Egypt and brought them God's law. This passage is meant to show how Jesus Christ is superior to Moses. This begins by pointing out that, just as Moses was faithful to God, so too is Jesus faithful to the Father. Moses was faithful to God's house—a reference to the tabernacle—because he followed the exact instructions given to him by God. However, as a person, Jesus is far superior to Moses.

Later verses will explain that Moses functioned in the "house of God" as a faithful servant. This is honorable, and admirable, but Jesus functions as the "son" of the household and the builder of the house! Moses is a created servant; Jesus is the Creator and Master (Hebrews 3:3, 6).

This passage comes with two important contexts. The first is that, if we ought to follow the example of Moses, we ought even more to follow the example of Jesus. Second, as later verses will explain, faithfulness is a requirement for victory. Those who fail to emulate faithfulness—meaning obedience, trust, and belief in God—will forfeit their inheritance. This does not result in damnation, but it does result in discipline.

Hebrews 3:1–6 explains how Moses, while a powerful and faithful servant of God, is not the ultimate example for us to follow. Jesus is not a servant, but the Son of God. He is not the created thing, He is the Creator. He did not come to predict God's plan, He came to fulfill it. For these reasons, the Jewish Christians reading this letter should have every confidence in following Christ. This passage ends with a condition: that believers ''hold fast.'' This is not a reference to losing salvation; however, it does introduce the warning beginning in verse 7, which discusses what happens when a believer fails to trust in God.

Hebrews chapter 3 uses a reference to Israel's wandering in the desert from the story of the Exodus. In this incident, the nation of Israel came to the border of the Promised Land and then lost confidence in God. Rather than trusting Him, most of the people gave up hope. As a result, only a tiny remnant of the nation was allowed to enter into Canaan. This chapter explains that Jesus Christ is superior to Moses and all of Moses' accomplishments. Christians, therefore, need to encourage each other to fully trust in God, in order to see fulfillment of His promises.

In chapters 1 and 2, the author of Hebrews showed that Jesus was not an angel. In fact, Jesus' role as Messiah required Him to be fully human. Starting in chapter 3, the author will explain how Jesus is also superior to various Old Testament characters such as Moses. This will help to set the stage for later references to Christ's superiority. Part of the warning in this chapter extends into chapter 4. Namely, that Christians who doubt God's promises risk missing out on the victories He has in store for us.

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.