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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - Hebrews 12:22 - 12:22
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Heb 12:22. Ἀλλὰ, but) A sevenfold opposition. Let us see the several points:
I. The mountain which was touched: Mount Zion.
II. The fire that burned: The city of the living GOD.
III. Blackness or mist: Ten thousands (an innumerable company) of angels and of the first-born.
IV. Darkness: GOD, the Judge of all.
V. Tempest: The spirits of just men made perfect.
VI. The sound of a trumpet: Jesus, the Mediator of the New Testament
VII. The voice of words: The blood of sprinkling speaking what is very good.
In Articles I. and VII. there is an obvious opposition; there is no doubt but that there is an opposition also in the intermediate points, the number of which also the apostle adapts to one another. Access, in the Old Testament, was of that kind, that the people was kept back; in the access of the New Testament, all things are laid open [to all, people and ministers alike].-προσεληλύθατε, ye have come, ye have access to) having received the faith of the New Testament. And from this beginning, they who partake of Christ more and more reap the benefit of this access, till their perfection at death, and till the judgment, and unto eternal life. For this is not spoken of the coming (access) to the church militant, since others came (added themselves) rather to Israel, than the Israelites to others; but there is described here the highly exalted state of believers under the New Testament, in consequence of communion with the Church made perfect, and with Christ and GOD Himself. This access, too, not less than the former, Heb 12:18-19, was joined with the faculty of hearing, and that too in this life, Heb 12:24, etc., although our approach is much more obvious to heavenly eyes than to ours, that are still veiled; and brings along with it the best hopes for the future. The apostle here brings forward an excellent knowledge of the heavenly economy, worthy of what Paul heard and saw, when he was blessed by being caught up into the third heaven; 2Co 12:2; 2Co 12:4.-Σιὼν ὄρει, Mount Zion) This is the seat of the dispensation of Christ; [and therefore comprehends the spirits of just men made perfect.-V. g.] Rev 14:1; Joh 12:15; 1Pe 2:6.-καὶ πόλει Θεοῦ ζῶντος, and to the city of the living GOD) The seat of the dispensation of GOD, Heb 12:23, [comprehending ten thousands of angels and of the first-born.-V. g.] For it is a Chiasmus: 1. Zion. 2. The city of God. 3. God the Judges 4. Jesus the Mediator. The first and fourth, the second and third agree.-Ἱερουσαλὴμ ἐπουρανίῳ, the heavenly Jerusalem) Rev 21:2.-Μυριάσιν, ten thousands) These are spoken of absolutely, as in the prophecy of Enoch, Jud 1:14 : comp. Deu 33:2; Dan 7:10.-ἀγγέλων, of angels) We cannot construe καὶ μυριάσιν ἀγγέλων, πανηγύρει καὶ ἐκκλησίᾳ, κ.τ.λ.: for both the polysyndeton must be retained, and the general assembly no doubt belongs to one party; the church to another; for who would join the synonyms, general assembly and Church? The church consists of the first-born; the general assembly, therefore, of angels. But the ten thousands consist not only of the general assembly of angels, but also of the church of the first-born. For the expression, ten thousands, is applicable to both, and the dative μυριάσιν is suited to both. The things which are presently about to be mentioned, may be added. In the meantime we must here observe the Chiasmus of the genitive and dative [the genitives being first and fourth; the datives, second and third], ἀγγέλων πανηγύρει and ἐκκλησίᾳ πρωτοτόκων.-πανηγύρει, general assembly) This word, and presently afterwards, church and Judge, indicate solemnity; which is even now in heaven, and will be at its height at the revelation of Jesus from heaven. Consider the expression-all angels, all nations, Mat 25:31-32.