BibleThinker – Jesus is YHWH: The Hebrews Series Part 5 (Heb 1:6–2:1)

Date: February 11, 2025
Host: Mike Winger

Overview of the Episode's Theme

In this deep-dive, verse-by-verse Bible study, Mike Winger explores Hebrews 1:6–2:1, focusing on the explicit biblical teaching that Jesus is identified as Yahweh (YHWH) – the personal name of God in the Old Testament. Winger tackles the profound implications of this identity for Christian theology, addresses common objections and heresies, examines how Hebrews demonstrates Christ's superiority over angels, and unpacks how Old Testament passages quoted in Hebrews affirm Jesus's deity and authority. Throughout, Winger encourages listeners to approach the Bible with wonder, discipline, and deep reverence for Christ.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

I. The Significance of God's Name "Yahweh" (00:00–04:40)

• Main point: God has a specific name in the Old Testament: Yahweh (YHWH). Some traditions avoid using this name out of reverence, but Winger argues Christians need not avoid it.
• Key takeaway: If the New Testament directly applies "Yahweh" to Jesus, this is deeply significant — it means Jesus is the very God of the Old Testament, not a lesser deity or existential force.
• Quote:

  “If the Bible in the New Testament…calls Jesus Yahweh, then that's really significant. Theologically, it means like a whole bunch of dominoes fall into place about who Jesus is.” (02:12, Mike Winger)

II. The Purpose and Method for This Study (04:41–09:24)

• Winger sets up a “two-for-one” approach:
  1. A concise overview of Hebrews 1:6–2:1
  2. A slow, deeper Old Testament exegesis regarding the passages Hebrews quotes
• Emphasizes the importance of asking questions and studying deeply for true, rewarding biblical understanding.

III. Overview Study of Hebrews 1:6–2:1 (09:25–46:52)

A. Jesus and the Worship of Angels (09:56–17:00)

• Verse 6 ("let all God's angels worship Him"):

  • Worship belongs to God alone, especially for angels.
  • The fact that angels worship Jesus means He is understood as God.
  • Firstborn is about preeminence, not creation – Jesus is not a created being.
  • Jesus is the uncreated creator who entered His own creation.

• Quote:

  “The idea that angels would worship Jesus then is very powerful in showing you who Jesus is…He is the object of their worship.” (11:25)

B. Comparison Between Jesus and Angels (17:01–25:20)

• Angels are described as winds and flames — ministers, servants (v.7).

• The Son is described as "God" with an eternal throne and kingdom (v.8) — clear indication of His divine status.

• This is a strongly trinitarian passage: the Father calls the Son "God".

• Quote:

  “He’s not just higher than angels, He’s infinitely higher…He is just in a whole different category, a class of His own, the class of being God.” (21:00)

C. Jesus as Creator and Eternal Yahweh (25:21–32:35)

• Verses 10–12: "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth..." applies to Jesus.

  • This is a quote from Psalm 102, which calls Yahweh the Creator.
  • Hebrews uses this to show that Jesus is the eternal, unchanging Creator.

• Quote:

  “To say this about Jesus…they’re now understanding with clarity — you're the Creator. You were the Creator who entered creation. This is the biggest revelation of the entirety of human history.” (30:40)

D. Jesus' Future Reign and Angels' Role (32:36–41:37)

• Verse 13: Old Testament quote (Psalm 110:1) on Jesus as future judge — "sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool..."

• Verse 14: Angels are ministering spirits, subordinate to Christ and sent to serve those who inherit salvation.

• Quote:

  “We should estimate [angels] very highly and then realize Jesus is infinitely higher. That’s the point.” (37:46)

E. Parable of the Tenants – Jesus’ Unique Authority (41:38–46:52)

• Winger draws on Jesus’ parable (Matthew 21:33–44) to illustrate:
  • Prophets and angels were servants; only the Son is the heir.
  • Rejecting Christ brings higher stakes of judgment than rejecting prophets or angels.
• Memorable Moment:

  “When the Son shows up, the stakes are higher…Prophets have spoken. Angels have spoken. When they didn’t listen, judgment came. But you know what? The Son has come now. And if you reject Jesus...there is judgment coming.” (46:10)

IV. In-Depth “Second” Bible Study: The Old Testament Passages Behind Hebrews 1 (46:53–1:43:00)

A. When Do Angels Worship Jesus? (47:10–52:32)

• Discussion of Hebrews 1:6 and options for when angels worship the Son:
  • At Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:13–14), at His second coming (Revelation 5:11), or in a general, timeless sense.
• Winger favors the latter: it’s the ongoing spiritual reality of Jesus’ exaltation, not confined to one event.

B. Where Is Hebrews 1:6 Quoting From? Deuteronomy 32:43 or Psalm 97:7? (52:33–1:07:38)

• Two main OT possibilities: Deut 32:43 ("let all God's angels worship Him") is present in the Greek Septuagint but not the surviving Hebrew; Psalm 97:7 also fits thematically.

• Discusses manuscript traditions (Septuagint, Masoretic, Qumran caves): the Septuagint reading is supported by some ancient Hebrew manuscripts.

• Explains that in ancient Jewish thought, “Elohim” (gods) could mean spiritual beings, including angels.

• Point: Both passages highlight Yahweh being uniquely worshipped, and Hebrews identifies Jesus as this Yahweh.

• Quote:

  “The point of Hebrews 6: Jesus is God. He alone is worshipped.” (1:07:33)

C. Psalm 104:4 – Angels as Winds and Flames (1:07:39–1:17:28)

• Angels: serving spirits, instruments of God’s will, both in blessing and judgment.
• The Son: not a servant, but the eternal, enthroned King.

D. Psalm 45:6–7 – The Anointed King Is Called "God" (1:17:29–1:28:59)

• Psalm 45 is a royal song, typologically pointing to Christ as King and Bridegroom; quoted in Hebrews to present the Son as “God”.

• Addresses alternative translations (“God is your throne”) and scholarly consensus that “Your throne, O God” is correct — this is an explicit Old Testament statement of the king’s divinity, fulfilled in Jesus.

• Demonstrates Old Testament hints of God’s “Son”: Proverbs 30:4.

• Quotes:

  “It’s very trinitarian. It fits with this high and nuanced Christology of Hebrews chapter 1. Jesus is God, but he’s also the Son. It’s neat stuff.” (1:24:34)

E. New Testament Explicit Claims to Jesus' Deity (1:29:00–1:31:40)

• John 1:1 “The Word was God”
• John 20:28 “My Lord and my God”
• Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1 — Greek grammar identifies Jesus as God.
• The original writers and apostles clearly intended a high Christology.

F. Psalm 102 – Jesus, the Eternal, Unchanging Creator (1:31:41–1:36:12)

• Hebrews 1:10–12 quotes Psalm 102 (about Yahweh) and applies it to Jesus.
• Even though the divine name "Yahweh" isn’t in the specific verse, the entire psalm context is about Yahweh. The New Testament does not hesitate to equate Jesus with God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• Quote:

  “The New Testament is saying: Jesus is that God. He is that God.” (1:35:45)

G. Psalm 110 – The Messiah, More Than Just the Son of David (1:36:13–1:39:19)

• Psalm 110:1, the most quoted OT passage in the NT, applied to Jesus as Lord/Messiah.
• Jesus uses it to show Messiah’s status is greater than merely David’s son (see Matthew 22:41–45).

V. Application: “Don’t Drift Away” (1:39:20–1:43:00)

• Hebrews 2:1 – The importance of heedfulness:

  • The danger isn’t sudden apostasy, but quietly drifting away from Christ as you lose your awe of Him or become spiritually casual.
  • Illustration: Like a child playing in the ocean, drift is gradual and unnoticed until you look up and see you’re far from your starting point.

• Quote:

  “Wherever you’re at in your walk, wherever you’re at in your life, look up and see if you’ve drifted far from Jesus. And I encourage you, go do the things you used to do that kept you close. Reset yourself.” (1:41:07)

• Exhortation: Return to Christ, confess known sin, rekindle your awe at who Jesus really is.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On the identity of Jesus:

  “If you take Hebrews one at face value, Jesus is God. He’s the same eternal Creator, Yahweh of the Old Testament.” (32:25)

• On worship and deity:

  “He is worshipped and therefore he is God.” (12:22)

• On Christ's transcendence:

  “He’s not just higher than angels, he’s infinitely higher… He is in a class of his own, the class of being God.” (21:10)

• On the challenge of biblical study:

  “The deep study of Scripture is not immediately rewarding, it’s eventually rewarding.” (52:17)

• On commitment:

  “Don’t drift away…Hebrews is warning us against. You have to come back to Jesus, which means, ‘Lord, help me see the sin the way you see it. Help me draw near to you.’” (1:42:53)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00 – The power and importance of God's name "Yahweh"
• 09:25 – First overview study of Hebrews 1:6–2:1
• 11:25 – Angels worshipping Jesus: Worship and Deity
• 21:00 – The Son’s eternal throne; Trinitarian implications
• 30:40 – Jesus as Creator; OT connection
• 37:46 – Angels' roles and Christ’s superiority
• 41:38 – Parable of the Tenants: Christ is more than the prophets/angels
• 46:53 – Launch of second, detailed Bible study (OT connections)
• 52:33 – OT sources for Hebrews 1:6; textual criticism (Deut 32, Psa 97)
• 1:07:39 – Angels as winds/flames; Psalm 104
• 1:17:29 – Psalm 45 and Jesus’ identity as God; typology
• 1:29:00 – NT statements of Jesus’ deity
• 1:31:41 – Psalm 102, Jesus as Yahweh
• 1:36:13 – Psalm 110 and the exalted Messiah
• 1:39:20 – Application: "Lest We Drift Away"

Conclusion

This comprehensive, two-part exposition powerfully substantiates the case that Hebrews—through its intricate Old Testament quotations—presents Jesus not as a lesser, created being, but as Yahweh Himself: the eternal Creator, sustainer, and king. Winger confronts heresies and misunderstandings head-on, demonstrating the intellectual and devotional richness of the biblical text. Ultimately, listeners are brought to a place of awe at who Jesus truly is, challenged to “pay much closer attention” and not drift from Him, and encouraged to recenter their lives on the glorious, incarnate God of Israel.