Hebrews 1:2

Berean Standard Bible

But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.

-------------------------

In ages past, God’s voice was heard

Through prophets’ fire and holy word.

But now, in days both dark and bright,

He speaks through Christ, the Son of Light.

The heir of all, the world’s true frame,

By whom all things from nothing came.

The radiance of God’s own face,

He brings us truth, and love, and grace.

Exalted high, yet near to all,

He saves, sustains, and still does call.

In Him, God’s final word is shown—

The Son, enthroned upon His own.

-------------------------------

Hebrews 1:2, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world,” is a cornerstone of the epistle’s opening, encapsulating its central Christological focus and setting the theological trajectory for the entire letter. This verse, following the affirmation in verse 1 that God spoke through the prophets in the past, establishes a contrast between the old covenant’s revelation and the supreme, final revelation in Jesus Christ. To fully grasp its significance, we must explore its theological depth, historical context, and literary function, considering the themes of divine revelation, Christ’s identity, and the eschatological framework that shapes the epistle’s message to its early Christian audience.

The phrase “in these last days” (Greek: ep’ eschatou tōn hēmerōn toutōn) immediately situates the verse within an eschatological framework, a hallmark of Hebrews’ theology. In Jewish thought, the “last days” referred to the messianic age, a time of fulfillment when God would act decisively to redeem and restore his people (Isa. 2:2; Mic. 4:1). By using this phrase, the author signals that the coming of Christ marks the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, fulfilling and surpassing the partial revelations given through the prophets. The term “these” emphasizes the present reality for the letter’s recipients, likely Jewish Christians in the mid-to-late first century, who are living in the era of fulfillment. This temporal marker sets the stage for the epistle’s argument that the new covenant, mediated by Christ, is superior to the old covenant (Heb. 8:6–13). It also carries an urgent tone, as the “last days” imply a decisive moment in history, calling the audience to respond faithfully to God’s revelation in Christ amidst pressures to revert to Judaism or abandon their faith (Heb. 10:25–31).

The statement “he has spoken to us by his Son” (Greek: elalēsen hēmin en huiō) underscores the supremacy of Christ as God’s definitive revelation. The verb “has spoken” (Greek: elalēsen) connects directly to verse 1, where God spoke “at many times and in many ways” through the prophets. The preposition “by” (Greek: en, literally “in” or “through”) highlights the Son as the medium of divine communication, not merely a messenger but the embodiment of God’s word. Unlike the prophets, who conveyed God’s message indirectly, the Son is the ultimate revelation, revealing God’s nature and will in his person (John 1:1, 14). The absence of the definite article before “Son” in Greek emphasizes the qualitative nature of Christ’s sonship, distinguishing him as uniquely divine. This phrase introduces the epistle’s high Christology, portraying Jesus as superior to all previous mediators of God’s revelation, including angels (Heb. 1:5–14) and Moses (Heb. 3:1–6). For the original audience, likely facing pressure to return to the familiar structures of Judaism, this affirmation elevates Christ above the prophets and priests of the old covenant, urging steadfast commitment to him.

The description of the Son as “whom he appointed the heir of all things” further exalts Christ’s status and authority. The term “heir” (Greek: klēronomon) evokes the imagery of inheritance common in Jewish tradition, where the firstborn son received the father’s estate (Deut. 21:17). Here, Christ is appointed by God as the heir of “all things” (Greek: pantōn), signifying his universal sovereignty over creation. This concept resonates with Psalm 2:8, quoted later in Hebrews 1:5, where the messianic king is promised the nations as his inheritance. The appointment reflects Christ’s divine sonship and his role as the exalted Lord, a theme developed throughout the epistle (Heb. 2:8–9, 12:2). For the audience, this declaration would have countered any temptation to view Christ as merely a human figure or a secondary mediator, affirming his cosmic authority and rightful claim over all creation, including the covenant community.

The phrase “through whom also he created the world” (Greek: di’ hou kai ton aiōna epoiēsen) underscores Christ’s preexistence and divine agency in creation, further establishing his superiority. The Greek term aiōna (often translated “world”) can refer to the physical universe, the ages of time, or both, suggesting Christ’s role in creating and sustaining all reality. This aligns with other New Testament passages that attribute creation to Christ (John 1:3; Col. 1:16–17), rooting Hebrews’ Christology in the Jewish concept of Wisdom as God’s agent in creation (Prov. 8:22–31; Wis. 7:26). By presenting Christ as the one through whom God created, the author affirms his eternal divinity, distinguishing him from created beings like angels, who were sometimes revered in Jewish tradition (Heb. 1:6–7). This also connects to the epistle’s emphasis on Christ’s role as the sustainer of creation (Heb. 1:3), reinforcing his ongoing sovereignty and relevance for the audience’s present challenges.

Historically, Hebrews is traditionally dated to the 60s AD, before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD, given its detailed references to the Levitical priesthood (Heb. 7:11–28). The audience, likely Jewish Christians, may have been tempted to revert to Judaism under social or religious pressure, possibly due to persecution or the appeal of the temple’s sacrificial system. Hebrews 1:2 addresses this context by presenting Christ as the fulfillment of God’s revelation, surpassing the prophets and the old covenant. The emphasis on the “last days” and Christ’s cosmic role would have encouraged the audience to persevere in their faith, recognizing that Christ’s supremacy renders the old system obsolete (Heb. 8:13).

Literarily, Hebrews 1:2 functions as part of the epistle’s majestic prologue (Heb. 1:1–4), which serves as a theological overture, introducing key themes of Christ’s superiority, divine sonship, and redemptive work. The verse’s rhythmic and elevated style, characteristic of Hebrews’ polished Greek, reflects its sermonic quality, often described as a “word of exhortation” (Heb. 13:22). The contrast between the prophets (v. 1) and the Son (v. 2) establishes a rhetorical framework that shapes the entire letter, as the author systematically compares Christ to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood. The verse also sets up the catena of Old Testament quotations in Hebrews 1:5–14, which substantiate Christ’s divine status with scriptural authority.

Theologically, Hebrews 1:2 lays the foundation for the epistle’s Christology and soteriology. By presenting Christ as the Son through whom God speaks, the heir of all things, and the agent of creation, the author affirms his divinity, preexistence, and universal authority. These attributes underpin the argument for Christ’s superior priesthood and sacrifice (Heb. 4:14–5:10, 9:11–14), which fulfill and surpass the old covenant. The phrase “in these last days” also introduces the eschatological tension of Hebrews, where the audience lives in the overlap of the ages, experiencing the fulfillment of God’s promises while awaiting Christ’s return (Heb. 9:28). This tension motivates the epistle’s exhortations to perseverance and faith (Heb. 10:36–39).

In the broader New Testament context, Hebrews 1:2 resonates with passages like John 1:1–14 and Colossians 1:15–20, which portray Christ as the divine Word and Creator. It also echoes the apostolic preaching of Acts, where Jesus is exalted as Lord and Messiah (Acts 2:36). The emphasis on the “last days” aligns with Peter’s sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:17), reflecting a shared early Christian conviction that Christ’s coming inaugurated the messianic age. Hebrews’ unique contribution lies in its sustained argument for Christ’s superiority over the old covenant, tailored to a Jewish-Christian audience navigating their identity in a transitional period.

In conclusion, Hebrews 1:2 is a theologically rich verse that establishes Christ as the supreme revelation of God, the divine Son who surpasses all previous mediators, inherits all creation, and serves as its Creator. Set within the eschatological framework of the “last days,” it calls the audience to recognize the finality and sufficiency of God’s revelation in Christ, urging them to remain faithful amidst pressures to compromise. The verse’s literary elegance and theological depth introduce the epistle’s central themes, inviting readers to contemplate Christ’s cosmic authority and redemptive work as the foundation of their faith.

---------------------------------

To all the saints, beloved of God, scattered across the nations, yet united in the bond of faith through our Lord Jesus Christ, grace to you and peace from God our Father, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. I write to you, not as one who stands above, but as a fellow servant, compelled by the Spirit to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ, revealed to us in these last days through the sacred Scriptures. My heart is stirred to set before you the glory of the Son, as declared in the epistle to the Hebrews, particularly in that profound word which says, “in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world.” Let us ponder this divine utterance together, for it is a wellspring of truth that refreshes the soul and anchors us in the eternal purposes of God.

Consider, dear brethren, the weight of these words: “in these last days.” They are not a mere marker of time, but a proclamation of the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. The ages past, with their prophets and promises, their shadows and types, were but a preparation for this moment when God Himself would speak through His Son. The patriarchs heard His voice in fragments, through visions and dreams; the prophets bore His word with courage, yet saw only in part. But now, in these final days, the fullness of revelation has come. God has not sent another servant, nor entrusted His message to angels, but has spoken through His only begotten Son, the very Word made flesh. This is no small thing, beloved! It is the unveiling of the heart of God, the opening of heaven’s treasury, that we might know Him who is the source of all life and light.

Who is this Son through whom God speaks? He is not merely a messenger, nor even the greatest among prophets. He is the heir of all things, appointed by the Father as the possessor of every dominion, every glory, every created thing. All that exists—seen and unseen, thrones and powers, heavens and earth—finds its purpose and destiny in Him. The Father has decreed that the Son should reign over all, and none can contest His right, for He is the eternal heir, begotten before the ages, equal with the Father in majesty and might. When we behold the Son, we see not a temporary ruler, but the One to whom all creation bows, the One in whom all things hold together. What comfort this brings to us, who are frail and fleeting, for we are united to this heir, and in Him we too are made heirs of the promises, adopted into the household of God.

Yet the Scripture reveals even more, for it declares that through the Son, God created the world. Pause and marvel at this truth, my brothers and sisters. The Son is not a latecomer to the divine plan, nor a mere instrument in the hands of the Father. He is the eternal Word through whom all things came into being. The heavens, with their countless stars; the earth, with its mountains and seas; the unseen realms, with their hosts of angels—all were fashioned through Him. John, the beloved apostle, echoes this truth, saying, “All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” The Son is the divine architect, the creative power by whom the Father brought forth the ages. Every moment of time, every cycle of history, every unfolding of God’s purpose, bears the imprint of His hand. He is before all things, above all things, and in Him all things consist.

What then does it mean that God has spoken to us by this Son? It is a call to listen, to heed, to bow before the One who is both Creator and King. The voice of the Son is not one among many, to be weighed or debated. It is the voice of ultimate authority, the voice that spoke light into darkness, that calmed the stormy sea, that called Lazarus from the tomb. When He speaks, the heavens tremble, and the hearts of men are laid bare. His words are life, His commands are eternal, and His promises are sure. In times past, God spoke through the law, through the sacrifices, through the voices of those who pointed to the coming redemption. But now, in the Son, the final word has been spoken. There is no further revelation to seek, no other mediator to await. All that God desires to say to us is found in Christ, who is the radiance of the Father’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature.

Beloved, this truth demands our response. If God has spoken through His Son, dare we turn aside to lesser voices? The world clamors for our attention, with its philosophies and distractions, its fleeting pleasures and empty promises. Even within the church, some are swayed by novelties or return to the shadows of the old covenant, as if the Son were not sufficient. But let us hold fast to this confession: Christ is all in all. He is the prophet who reveals God’s will, the priest who offers the perfect sacrifice, the king who rules with justice and mercy. To hear Him is to hear the Father; to follow Him is to walk in the way of life. Let us then fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and let us run the race with endurance, knowing that He who created the ages will bring us to the consummation of His kingdom.

I exhort you, therefore, to live as those who have heard the voice of the Son. Let your lives reflect the glory of the One who is heir of all things. Be steadfast in prayer, fervent in love, and bold in proclaiming the gospel, for you are ambassadors of the King. Encourage one another daily, that none may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Share with the poor, comfort the afflicted, and bear one another’s burdens, for in these things you show the world the character of the Son, who gave Himself for us. And above all, worship Him. Lift your voices in psalms and hymns, offer the sacrifice of praise, and bow before the One through whom the worlds were made. For He is worthy, not only of our obedience, but of our adoration, now and forever.

I close this letter with a prayer, that the God who spoke through His Son may grant you wisdom to understand, courage to obey, and joy to abound in His presence. May the Spirit of Christ dwell in you richly, and may you grow in the knowledge of Him who is the heir of all things. To Him be glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

-----------------------------

O Eternal Father, Creator of heaven and earth, who in Your boundless wisdom and infinite love has spoken to us in these last days through Your Son, we come before Your throne with hearts bowed in reverence and awe. You are the God of all glory, the fountain of all life, whose voice thunders through the ages, yet whispers grace to the humble. We lift our voices in unison, from every tribe and tongue, as Your redeemed people, to magnify Your name and to seek Your face, trusting in the One whom You have appointed heir of all things, through whom You created the world. Hear, O Lord, the cry of Your servants, and let Your Spirit move among us as we meditate on the majesty of Your Son, revealed in Your holy Word.

We praise You, O God, for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the eternal Word through whom You have spoken. In times past, You revealed Your will through prophets and seers, through signs and shadows, but now You have unveiled the fullness of Your heart in Him. He is the radiance of Your glory, the exact imprint of Your nature, and in Him we behold Your face. We stand in wonder that You, the Almighty, would stoop to speak to us, not through intermediaries alone, but through Your only begotten Son, who is above all angels, above all powers, and above all creation. Blessed be Your name, for You have not left us in darkness, but have given us the light of His truth, which shines as a beacon to guide us home.

O Father, we confess that Your Son is the heir of all things, the rightful Lord of every dominion, every star, every soul. All that exists belongs to Him, for You have decreed it so, and none can challenge His sovereign right. We pray that our hearts may be aligned with Your divine purpose, that we may honor Him as the King of kings, submitting every thought, every desire, every ambition to His rule. Grant us grace to live as those who belong to His kingdom, not clinging to the fleeting treasures of this world, but seeking the eternal inheritance that is ours in Him. May we, as co-heirs with Christ, walk in humility and boldness, knowing that the One who possesses all things has called us His own.

We marvel, O Lord, that through Your Son You created the world—the vast expanse of the heavens, the depths of the seas, the intricacies of every living thing. By His word, the ages were framed, and by His power, all things are sustained. We lift our voices in gratitude for the beauty and order of Your creation, which testifies to the glory of Your Son. Yet we confess that we often forget His preeminence, turning to lesser things, as if the Creator could be replaced by the created. Forgive us, O God, and renew our minds, that we may see Christ in all things—above all things, before all things, and holding all things together. Let this truth anchor us in times of trial, that the One who made the world is the One who redeems it, and He will bring all things to their appointed end.

Pour out Your Spirit, we pray, upon Your church, that we may hear the voice of Your Son with clarity and obedience. His words are life, His commands are perfect, and His promises are sure. Guard us from the clamor of this age, from voices that distract or deceive, and tune our ears to the gentle yet mighty call of our Savior. May we treasure His teachings, abide in His love, and follow His example, that the world may see His light in us. Empower us to proclaim His name, to declare that God has spoken through His Son, and that in Him alone is salvation found. Let our lives be a living testimony to the One who is both Creator and Redeemer, that many may come to know Him and bow before His throne.

O merciful Father, we intercede for those who have not yet heard or heeded the voice of Your Son. Break through the hardness of hearts, dispel the shadows of unbelief, and draw the weary and the lost to the One who is the way, the truth, and the life. Use Your church, imperfect though we are, as vessels of Your grace, carrying the message of Christ to the ends of the earth. Strengthen those who labor in distant lands, comfort those who suffer for His name, and provide for those in need, that all may see the love of the Son who gave Himself for us. Unite Your people, O God, that we may stand as one body, one bride, adorned for the Bridegroom who is heir of all things.

We ask, O Lord, that You would kindle in us a fire of worship for Your Son. May our lips never cease to sing His praises, our hands never tire of serving Him, our hearts never grow cold toward His love. Teach us to adore Him as the One through whom the worlds were made, to trust Him as the One who upholds all things by the word of His power, and to follow Him as the One who leads us to Your eternal kingdom. Fill us with the joy of His presence, the peace of His promises, and the hope of His return, when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Now to You, O God, who has spoken through Your Son, be all honor, glory, and dominion, forever and ever. Uphold us by Your Spirit, guide us by Your Word, and bring us at last to the fullness of Your presence, where we shall see the face of Your Son and dwell in Your house forever. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Savior, and our King. Amen.