Introduction
Hebrews 1:13 represents a crucial moment in the opening chapter of the epistle, where the author further establishes the supremacy of Christ over all creation, including angels. In the earlier verses, the writer has shown that Jesus is superior to angels, a theme that is continued in this verse. Hebrews 1:13 draws from Psalm 110:1 and presents an important theological truth: Jesus Christ is not just the Son of God, but He is also the exalted King, seated at the right hand of God. The placement of Christ at the right hand of God signifies His divine authority, power, and honor—attributes that surpass even those of the angels.
Hebrews 1:13, in the King James Version (KJV), reads:
“But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?” (Hebrews 1:13, KJV)
This verse emphasizes that Christ alone, and not the angels, has been granted the position of honor and authority at God’s right hand. It underscores Christ’s superiority to the angels by quoting Psalm 110:1, a messianic psalm that speaks of the exaltation of the Messiah to the highest place of honor in heaven. In this study, we will unpack the rich theological meaning of this verse, its Old Testament background, and its implications for understanding the nature of Christ and His relationship to the angels.
Contextual Background: Christ’s Superiority Over Angels
Hebrews 1 is dedicated to explaining the superiority of Christ in comparison to angels, who were highly regarded in Jewish thought. The author begins by demonstrating that Christ is the ultimate revelation of God, far surpassing the prophets (Hebrews 1:1-2). Then, in the following verses, the author shows that Christ is greater than angels in terms of His divinity, role in creation, and His eternal nature (Hebrews 1:4-14). Throughout this section, the author is addressing the Jewish audience’s potential tendency to place angels on a pedestal, which was a significant part of their religious worldview.
By quoting Psalm 110:1, the writer of Hebrews calls attention to the fact that Christ, unlike the angels, has been given the supreme honor of sitting at God’s right hand. This position is symbolic of ultimate authority, power, and the fulfillment of divine promises. In doing so, Hebrews 1:13 reinforces the central theme of the epistle: Jesus Christ is the exalted, sovereign King and eternal Son of God, and His position far surpasses that of any angel.
Exploring Hebrews 1:13: A Close Examination
1. “But to which of the angels said he at any time…”
The opening phrase of Hebrews 1:13 asks a rhetorical question: “But to which of the angels said he at any time…” This question serves to highlight a stark contrast between Christ and angels. The writer is making it clear that no angel has ever been given the divine honor of sitting at God’s right hand. The phrase “at any time” emphasizes the uniqueness of Christ’s position—there has never been a moment when God has granted such a privilege to any angel.
In Jewish tradition, angels were considered powerful, majestic beings who were often seen as messengers of God’s will. However, the author of Hebrews asserts that no matter how exalted angels might be, they do not hold the same place of authority as Christ. This statement is a reminder that, while angels may be messengers or servants, they are not objects of worship or supreme authority. That honor is reserved exclusively for Christ, who is the Son of God.
2. “…Sit on my right hand…”
The phrase “Sit on my right hand” is a reference to the position of honor and authority that Christ occupies in heaven. In ancient times, the right hand was considered the most honored position, symbolizing power, privilege, and preeminence. To “sit at the right hand” of a king was to share in that king’s authority and to have the right to rule on his behalf.
In the context of Hebrews 1:13, this phrase speaks to Christ’s exaltation and sovereign rule. After His death and resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven and took His rightful place at the right hand of God, signaling His completion of the work of salvation and His ongoing rule over creation. This is not a position granted to angels but to Christ alone, emphasizing His unique role in God’s redemptive plan.
The right hand of God is also a symbol of divine approval and favor. By placing Christ at His right hand, God is publicly declaring His Son’s authority, power, and divinity. Christ’s seat at the right hand of God is the fulfillment of prophecies in the Old Testament, and it marks the ultimate elevation of the Son over all other beings, including angels.
3. “…until I make thine enemies thy footstool?”
The second part of Hebrews 1:13 quotes Psalm 110:1, which speaks of God’s promise to His Messiah that He will eventually subdue all of His enemies. The phrase “until I make thine enemies thy footstool” reflects the certainty that, at the appointed time, God will defeat all opposing forces, and Christ will reign victorious over them. This is a reference to the ultimate triumph of Christ, when He will fully establish His kingdom and bring an end to all rebellion against God.
In the ancient world, it was a common practice for a king to place his feet upon the necks of his defeated enemies as a sign of complete domination and victory. The image of making enemies a “footstool” conveys the idea that Christ’s enemies will be utterly defeated and placed under His authority. This refers not only to spiritual forces of evil but to all who oppose God’s rule, including human kingdoms and systems that rebel against Christ’s authority.
The phrase “until” also suggests that this victory is still in progress. Christ has already triumphed over sin and death through His death and resurrection, but the complete subjugation of His enemies will take place at the end of time, when He returns to establish His eternal kingdom. Until then, He reigns as King, even though all of His enemies have not yet been fully subdued. This future victory over all enemies serves as a powerful hope for believers, encouraging them to persevere in faith and trust in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.
Old Testament Context: Psalm 110:1
Hebrews 1:13 is a direct reference to Psalm 110:1, one of the most significant messianic psalms in the Old Testament. Psalm 110:1 reads:
“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” (Psalm 110:1, KJV)
This psalm is understood to be a prophetic declaration regarding the Messiah, and it is one of the most quoted psalms in the New Testament. The psalm speaks of the exaltation of the Messiah to a position of power and authority at the right hand of God. Jesus Himself frequently quoted this psalm, particularly in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 22:44), to demonstrate His identity as the Messiah and to affirm His divine authority.
Psalm 110:1 is significant because it links the idea of Christ’s exaltation with His ultimate victory over His enemies. The phrase “until I make thine enemies thy footstool” anticipates the final judgment, when Christ will fully establish His reign and bring an end to all opposition. For the readers of Hebrews, quoting Psalm 110:1 served to reinforce the truth that Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy, and that His reign is certain and eternal.
Theological Implications of Hebrews 1:13
Hebrews 1:13 has profound theological significance for understanding the identity and authority of Jesus Christ:
1. The Exaltation of Christ
This verse emphasizes the exalted position of Christ at the right hand of God. Christ is not only the Creator and Sustainer of the universe but also the supreme ruler, who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. His position at God’s right hand signifies His unique role in God’s redemptive plan and affirms His divinity. While angels are messengers and servants, Christ is the Son, worthy of honor and worship.
2. Christ’s Sovereign Rule
By quoting Psalm 110:1, the author of Hebrews underscores Christ’s sovereign rule over all creation. Christ’s enemies will ultimately be defeated, and He will establish His kingdom in full. This reassures believers that, despite present struggles and opposition, Christ is reigning now and will one day bring complete victory over all forces of evil. His reign is not temporary but eternal, and He will ultimately triumph over all enemies.
3. The Certainty of Christ’s Victory
The phrase “until I make thine enemies thy footstool” speaks to the certainty of Christ’s victory. While there may be opposition to His reign in the present, the final outcome is certain: Christ will defeat His enemies, and all will be subject to His rule. This serves as both a warning to those who oppose Christ and an encouragement to believers, who can trust in His ultimate triumph.
Conclusion
Hebrews 1:13 continues the author’s argument that Christ is far superior to angels. By quoting Psalm 110:1, the verse underscores Christ’s exaltation to the right hand of God, where He reigns with supreme authority. This position signifies His divine status and His ultimate victory over all enemies. The message of Hebrews 1:13 is one of hope and encouragement for believers: