Hebrews 2

Though it is not recorded in the Old Testament, Jewish tradition stated that Angels had played a role in giving the law to Moses. This tradition is stated by Stephen & Paul.

Acts 7:53
you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it

Galatians 3:19
The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator

The author of Hebrews, here, states the same in the opening verses of chapter 2

Hebrews 2:2
For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment

His point being...

IF the Old Covenant, spoken by MERE ANGELS was binding
THEN the New Covenant, spoken by JESUS CHRIST is even greater

Why we should NOT IGNORE such a great covenant/salvation
1. It was given by the Lord (3)
2. It was confirmed by eye-witnesses (3, also see Luke 1:1-4, 1 Cor. 15:3-8)
3. It was accompanied by signs, wonders, miracles & gifts (4)

Next, he states that if we're still living under the law (begun by angels), then we should expect the 'end' to be via angels as well. But since such will not be the case, we must be under a new covenant. For, 'It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come' (5).

He then quotes Psalm 8 as he builds his case AGAINST angels and FOR Christ

Psalm 8
what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet

Psalm 8
1. Establishes the greatness of God (1-3)
2. Questions His mindfulness of man (4-8)
3. Praises Him for such mindfulness (9)

Hebrews quotes section 2 of this Psalm, stating that mankind was made to reign over all of creation (Genesis 1:28).

The History of Reigning
1. God reigns (Psalm 8:1-3)
2. Man was made to reign (Psalm 8:4-8, Hebrews 2:6-8)
3. Man does NOT reign (Hebrews 2:8b)
4. Jesus is NOW reigning (Hebrews 2:9)
---Even though He was made a little lower than the angels
---Because He suffered death
5. In Christ, then, mankind can reign again

The rest of chapter 2 explains the necessity of the Incarnation
1. The incarnation made Christ PERFECT for His role as Savior to mankind (10)
2. The incarnation made Christ and mankind of the same family (11-13)*
3. The incarnation made Christ's victory over death transferable to men (14)
4. The incarnation made Christ able to free us from the slavery to fear of death (15)
5. The incarnation made Christ a merciful and faithful High Priest (17)
6. The incarnation made Christ able to help those who are tempted

*In making point #2, the author makes interesting use of 3 Old Testament verses
1. Psalm 22:22- It was David saying this of Israel
2. Isaiah 8:17- It was Isaiah saying this of himself
3. Isaiah 8:18- It was Isaiah saying this of himself

But the author of Hebrews is using these texts as proof that Jesus calls 'those who are made holy' His family. How is this writer justified in doing this? 1 particular verse helps us to understand:

2 Peter 1:21
For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.