A Study of Hebrews

In our study of Hebrews chapter three, we are seeing not only a contrast between Jesus & Moses, but also a contrast between the House of Israel & the House of Christ.

Moses was faithful in all [God’s] house as a servant. Moses was also a part of God’s house, the House of Israel.

Jesus is faithful as a Son over God’s house, the House of Christ, the house he built.

The writer of Hebrews then cites Psalm 95:7-11, showing the frailty of the House of Israel. Paul tells us in 1 Cor 10:6,11, that the things that happened to the House of Israel were examples, (types – greek: tupos), for our learning. Paul also tells us in Col 2:17, that these things were a shadow… the substance belongs to Christ.

We are being told that the House of Israel is a shadow (a type) of the House of Christ, which is the substance (the anti-type).

The examples (types) that are brought to our attention in chapter three of Hebrews are directed by the Psalmist of the 95^th Psalm. The Psalmist references through citations two events that involve the first generation of Israelites who were brought out of Egyptian slavery by the Angel of the Lord (Judges 2:1).

The first event (occurs twice) concerns Israel’s grumbling due to thirst at Meribah & Massah.

The second event is Israel sending out 12 spies to report on the "promised land," Canaan and their failure to act on God’s command to take the land. This 2nd event evokes God’s wrath and He swears an oath to that generation (whom He brought out of slavery) that they shall not enter His rest due to their disobedience.

These two events are types. How are they examples to us, Christ’s house today? Come study with us as we work out the examples.