Hebrews 6:18
Verse
Context
God’s Unchangeable Promise
17So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath.18Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That by two immutable things - The promise and oath of God: the promise pledged his faithfulness and justice; the oath, all the infinite perfections of his Godhead, for he sware by himself. There is a good saying in Beracoth on Exo 32:13, fol. 32: Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self. "What is the meaning of by thine own self? Rab. Eleazar answered, Thus said Moses to the holy blessed God, Lord of all the world. If thou hadst sworn to them by the heavens and the earth, then I should have said, As the heavens and the earth shall pass away, so may thy oath pass away. But now thou hast sworn unto them by thy great name, which liveth, and which endureth for ever, and for ever and ever; therefore thy oath shall endure for ever, and for ever and ever." This is a good thought; if God had sworn by any thing finite, that thing might fail, and then the obligation would be at an end, but he has sworn by what is infinite, and cannot fail; therefore his oath is of eternal obligation. We might have a strong consolation - There appears to be an allusion here to the cities of refuge, and to the persons who fled to them for safety. As the person who killed his neighbor unawares was sure if he gained the city of refuge he should be safe, and had strong consolation in the hope that he should reach it, this hope animated him in his race to the city; he ran, he fled, knowing that, though in danger the most imminent of losing his life, yet, as he was now acting according to an ordinance of God, he was certain of safety provided he got to the place. It is easy to apply this to the case of a truly penitent sinner. Thou hast sinned against God and against thy own life! The avenger of blood is at thy heels! Jesus hath shed his blood for thee, he is thy intercessor before the throne; flee to him! Lay hold on the hope of eternal life which is offered unto thee in the Gospel! Delay not one moment! Thou art never safe till thou hast redemption in his blood! God invites thee! Jesus spreads his hands to receive thee! God hath sworn that he willeth not the death of a sinner; then he cannot will thy death: take God's oath, take his promise; credit what he bath spoken and sworn! Take encouragement! Believe on the Son of God, and thou shalt not perish, but have everlasting life!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
immutable--Translate, as in Heb 6:17, "unchangeable." impossible . . . to lie--"ever to lie"; this is the force of the Greek aorist [ALFORD]. His not being able to deny Himself is a proof, not of weakness, but of strength incomparable. consolation--under doubts and fears, and so "encouragement," literally, "exhortation." fled for refuge--as if from a shipwreck; or, as one fleeing to one of the six cities of refuge. Kadesh, that is, holy, implies the holiness of Jesus, our Refuge. Shechem, that is, shoulder, the government is upon his shoulder (Isa 9:6). Hebron, that is, fellowship, believers are called into the fellowship of Christ. Bezer, that is, a fortress, Christ is so to all who trust in Him. Ramoth, that is, high, for Him hath God exalted with His right hand (Act 5:31). Golan, that is, joy, for in Him all the saints are justified and shall glory. lay hold upon the hope--that is, the object of our hope, as upon a preservative from sinking. set before us--as a prize for which we strive; a new image, namely, the race course (Heb 12:1-2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul,.... This world is as a sea; the church in it, and so every believer, is as a ship; the port that is bound unto is heaven; Christ is the pilot, and hope is the anchor: an anchor is cast on a bottom, out of sight; and when the ship is in a calm, or in danger of a rock, or near the shore; but is of no service without a cable: and when cast aright, keeps the ship steady: so hope is cast on Christ; whence he is often called hope itself, because he is the ground and foundation of it, and who is at present unseen to bodily eyes; and the anchor of hope without the cable of faith is of little service; but being cast aright on Christ, keeps the soul steady and immovable: in some things there is a difference between hope and an anchor; an anchor is not of so much use in tempests as in a calm, but hope is; the cable may be cut or broke, and so the anchor be useless, but so it cannot be with faith and hope; when the ship is at anchor, it does not move forward, but it is not so with the soul, when hope is in exercise; the anchor of hope is not cast on anything below, but above; and here it is called the anchor of the soul, to distinguish it from any other, and to show the peculiar benefit of it to the soul. Pythagoras makes use of the same metaphor (x); "riches (he says) are a weak anchor, glory: is yet weaker; the body likewise; principalities, honours, all these are weak and without strength; what then are strong anchors? prudence, magnanimity, fortitude; these no tempest shakes.'' But these philosophical moral virtues are not to be compared with the Christian's grace of hope, which is both sure and steadfast; it is in itself a grace firm and stable; it is permanent and can never be lost: and it is still more sure and steadfast, by virtue of what it is fixed upon, the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ; and by the immutability, faithfulness, and power of God it is concerned with; and through the aboundings and discoveries of divine love, grace, and mercy; and from the instances of grace to the vilest of sinners: and which entereth into that within the vail; the holy of holies, heaven itself; in allusion to the vail which divided between the holy and the holy of holies: the things within the vail, or in heaven, which hope entering into fixes upon, are the person of Christ, who is entered there, and appears in the presence of God for his people; his blood which he has carried along with him, and by which he is entered there; his justifying righteousness, by which the law is fulfilled, the two tables of stone in the ark of the testimony; the sweet incense of his mediation, which is continually offered up by him; the mercy seat, or throne of grace, on which Jehovah sits as the God of grace; and all the glories of heaven; all which hope is concerned with, and receives strength and rigour from: and their being within the vail, is expressive of their hiddenness and invisibility at present, and of their safety and security, as well as of their sacredness; and this shows a difference between the hope of believers and others, whose hope fixes upon things short of these; and likewise the great privilege of a believer, who being made a priest unto God, has liberty and boldness to enter into the holiest of all. The Jews (y) speak of a vail in the world to come, which some are worthy to enter into. (x) Apud Stobaeum, Serm. I. (y) Zohar in Gen. fol. 73. 3.
Hebrews 6:18
God’s Unchangeable Promise
17So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath.18Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Meaning of Life - 1. God Only
By Norman Grubb6.6K53:51Meaning Of LifeMAT 6:33JHN 3:2EPH 1:18EPH 3:19TIT 1:2HEB 6:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the foundation of the universe, which is built on love. He emphasizes that God is a God of love and that the entire universe is designed to be in harmony and balance. The speaker also highlights the self-giving nature of the universe, as seen in nature and the world around us. He explains that as individuals, we have the ability to choose and that our choices determine our identity as children of God.
(Hebrews - Part 17): Faithful in Truth and Love
By A.W. Tozer5.1K35:29ExpositionalHEB 6:10HEB 6:18HEB 10:23HEB 12:5HEB 12:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians actively engaging in their faith. He criticizes those who are hesitant to put effort into their Christianity, comparing them to chickens running away from their responsibilities. The preacher urges believers to be diligent and pour themselves into their faith, as the world is growing old and judgment is approaching. He highlights the need for Christians to seek the excellent riches of heavenly gifts and not settle for mere scraps, encouraging them to have faith and patience in inheriting God's promises.
Christ in Us - Part 1
By Norman Grubb2.0K48:27GEN 1:26JHN 8:12JHN 15:51CO 3:16EPH 2:10COL 1:27TIT 1:2HEB 6:18HEB 12:291JN 1:5This sermon delves into the concept of God's nature as a person of love and light, emphasizing the transformation from being self-focused to becoming a vessel for God's love and blessings. It explores the idea of God as a consuming fire that turns into light, symbolizing the shift from self-centeredness to selflessness. The speaker reflects on the importance of being a complete vessel for God to dwell in, acknowledging the need for personal transformation to align with God's character of love and truth.
Abounding Hope
By Alan Martin1.8K00:00HopePSA 78:22PRO 13:12ROM 8:241TH 1:3HEB 6:11HEB 6:181PE 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holding fast to hope in order to strengthen one's soul. He compares the value of a diamond to the value of a mature, consistent, and complete walk with God. The speaker also shares personal experiences of overcoming challenges and finding victory through God's power. He highlights the unchangeable nature of God's oath and His inability to lie as the foundation of our hope, serving as an anchor for our souls.
Don’t Fool Yourself. Find Out How It Really Stands With Your Soul
By Hans R. Waldvogel93037:51EternityHEB 6:18In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal anecdote about a surprising incident involving his essay and his teacher. He then transitions to discussing the power of the Holy Ghost and how it enables believers to overcome sin. The speaker emphasizes the seriousness of sin and its implications, urging listeners to take it seriously and not trifle with it. He also addresses the current state of the world, highlighting the fear and tension surrounding the presence of destructive weapons. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the gospel message and the importance of living for Christ.
Jesus Our Hope - Part 1
By Roy Hession89349:51HopePSA 42:11MAT 6:33ROM 15:132TH 2:161TI 1:1HEB 3:6HEB 6:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of Jesus Christ as our hope. He shares a personal experience of attending a conference in Uganda where the banner read "Jesus our hope." The speaker emphasizes that even sinners can find hope in Jesus, especially those who have experienced loss and discouragement. The sermon focuses on the idea that Jesus is our only hope, and that having him is all we need in our lives. The speaker references 1 Timothy 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 to support the message.
The Church That Will Stand in the Coming Storm
By Brian Long65647:31JudgmentMAT 6:33MRK 4:35HEB 6:11HEB 6:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of shining as a light in the world by sharing the love of God. He mentions that the church should be characterized by compassion, love, and the grace of God. The preacher then turns to the Gospel of Mark, specifically chapter 4, to discuss the story of Jesus calming the storm. He highlights the message of the church standing strong in the face of coming storms and encourages the congregation to invite others into their godly homes to witness the light of their strong families.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 490
By Don Courville34223:42Radio ShowMAT 8:8MAT 8:10MRK 9:23MRK 11:24JHN 4:50JHN 6:63HEB 6:18In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of a man who came to Jesus seeking help for his sick son. Jesus tells the man that his son will live, and the man believes his words and goes on his way. The preacher emphasizes the power of the word of God and how it brings life and transformation. He also discusses the concept of faith and authority, highlighting the importance of believing in Jesus and his ability to solve our problems. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Jesus is the way to find solutions to our challenges and that we should pray in faith, trusting in God's power to work miracles.
Let Us
By Anton Bosch33547:15Christian LifeHEB 4:16HEB 6:18HEB 10:19HEB 10:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holding fast to our hope in God. He uses the analogy of a person caught in a storm, clinging to a piece of wood for dear life. The speaker encourages listeners to draw near to God with a true heart and full assurance of faith. He reminds them that God is faithful and will ultimately bring victory and transformation. The sermon also highlights the need to fix our eyes on Jesus and not put our hope in worldly things.
Ezekiel 24:14
By Chuck Smith1Prophecy and FulfillmentThe Certainty of God's WordPSA 119:89ISA 40:8ISA 55:11JER 1:12EZK 24:14MAT 24:35ACT 4:12ROM 6:23HEB 6:182PE 1:21Chuck Smith emphasizes the certainty of God's Word, asserting that what God has spoken will undoubtedly come to pass. He highlights God's attributes of being all-knowing, absolute truth, and eternal, which necessitates our attention to His declarations. The sermon discusses the prophecy concerning Tyre, detailing how Nebuchadnezzar will conquer the city and its eventual desolation, serving as a reminder of the importance of heeding God's messages. Smith concludes by urging listeners to recognize the weight of God's words and the consequences of ignoring them.
The Cities of Refuge, or the Sinner's
By A.B. Simpson0SalvationGraceJOS 20:1HEB 6:18A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's provision for sinners through the cities of refuge, illustrating how these ancient sanctuaries symbolize the grace and mercy available in Christ. He highlights that just as the cities were accessible and safe for those in need, so too is the Gospel open to all who seek refuge in Jesus. Simpson underscores the importance of fleeing to Christ for salvation and remaining within the safety of His grace, while also stressing that true sanctification should lead to a deeper compassion for the lost. The sermon calls believers to actively engage in the mission of seeking and saving the lost, reflecting God's love and justice.
Joshua Chapter 11 the Cities of Refuge, or the Sinner's
By A.B. Simpson0SalvationGod's MercyJOS 20:1HEB 6:18A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's provision of cities of refuge in ancient Israel as a powerful symbol of His love and mercy for sinners. He illustrates how these cities were designed to protect those who accidentally harmed others, paralleling the Gospel's offer of salvation to those who genuinely seek forgiveness. Simpson highlights that the closer we draw to God, the more we should extend compassion to the lost, and he urges believers to actively seek and save those in need of grace. The sermon underscores that salvation is not merely an escape from punishment but a divine assurance rooted in justice and love, accessible to all who earnestly desire it.
Ezekiel 26:3
By Chuck Smith0ProphecyCertainty of God's WordNUM 23:19PSA 119:89ISA 55:11JER 29:11EZK 26:3JHN 3:16ROM 10:13HEB 6:182PE 1:20REV 20:15Chuck Smith delivers a powerful sermon on Ezekiel 26:3, emphasizing the prophecy against Tyre and its eventual downfall at the hands of multiple nations, starting with Nebuchadnezzar. He highlights the detailed predictions made by Ezekiel, which were fulfilled historically, showcasing the certainty of God's word. Smith reassures the congregation of God's promises regarding salvation and eternal life, while also warning of the consequences for those not found in the Book of Life. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing the reliability of God's prophecies and the urgency of responding to His call for salvation.
God's Unchanging Love
By Octavius Winslow0God's LoveEternal SecurityISA 54:10ROM 8:38HEB 6:18Octavius Winslow emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's love in his sermon 'God's Unchanging Love,' drawing from Isaiah 54:10. He contrasts the transient nature of earthly things, like mountains and hills, with the everlasting kindness and covenant of peace that God offers to His people. Winslow reassures believers that despite their sins and failures, God's love remains constant and unyielding, providing a refuge in Christ. He urges the unconverted to seek shelter in the cross of Jesus, the only true refuge from judgment. The sermon highlights the profound kindness of God in every aspect of life, encouraging a deep trust in His eternal promises.
Four Things Which God Cannot Do
By Thomas Brooks0God's HolinessThe Nature of SinPSA 5:4ISA 59:2HAB 1:13ROM 3:232TI 2:13TIT 1:2HEB 6:18JAS 1:131JN 1:5REV 21:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the immutable nature of God by outlining four things that God cannot do: He cannot lie, die, deny Himself, or look favorably upon iniquity. This sermon highlights God's infinite purity and righteousness, illustrating that His gaze upon sin is filled with hatred, anger, and vengeance. Brooks encourages believers to understand the seriousness of sin in the eyes of a holy God, reminding them of the importance of living a life that reflects God's purity.
Thirst Relieved
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual ThirstChrist as the Living WaterPSA 17:15JER 2:13LUK 16:24JHN 3:15JHN 4:13JHN 7:37ACT 2:37ACT 16:30ROM 4:5HEB 6:18J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound invitation of Jesus to those who are spiritually thirsty, urging them to come to Him for relief and satisfaction. He highlights the deep pain of spiritual thirst, which surpasses physical suffering, and the necessity of recognizing one's need for forgiveness and peace with God. Ryle explains that Christ is the source of living water, offering abundant grace and mercy to all who believe, and encourages believers to not only seek their own spiritual fulfillment but also to become vessels of blessing to others. He concludes with a call to action, urging those who feel the weight of their sins to come to Christ without delay, assuring them of His readiness to provide relief and eternal satisfaction.
Do You Feel Forgotten?
By Michael Durham0GEN 40:23PSA 30:5ISA 64:4MAT 14:30ROM 8:252CO 4:17HEB 6:18HEB 11:1JAS 1:2Michael Durham preaches about the spiritual battle of feeling forgotten by God, using the story of Joseph to illustrate the struggle of waiting for God's timing, understanding His tools of suffering and silence, and embracing His task of exposing and eliminating unholy contentment. He emphasizes the importance of trusting God's timing, recognizing His tools of suffering and silence as ways to deepen intimacy with Him, and understanding that silence is an answer from God. Durham encourages believers to maintain hope in God, even when feeling forgotten, as God's deliverance and faithfulness will always prevail in His perfect timing.
John 5:14-21
By St. John Chrysostom0JHN 5:14ROM 1:201CO 5:51CO 11:32HEB 6:18John Chrysostom preaches about the consequences of sin, emphasizing that sin can lead to physical ailments as a form of punishment from God. He highlights the importance of repentance and warns about the eternal punishment for unrepented sins. Chrysostom also discusses the correlation between diseases and sinful living, urging listeners to bear every stroke of punishment with thankfulness. He delves into the significance of Jesus addressing sins when performing miracles, showcasing His divine knowledge and compassion.
Day 224, Hebrews 6
By David Servant0HEB 5:11HEB 6:1HEB 6:4HEB 6:9HEB 6:18David Servant emphasizes the importance of not becoming 'dull of hearing' in our spiritual journey, urging believers to grasp the foundational truths of repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment. He highlights the risk of falling away from the faith and losing salvation, as outlined in Hebrews 6:4-8, stressing the seriousness of backsliding and the impossibility of renewing repentance for those who have turned away. Servant encourages believers to demonstrate genuine faith through love for fellow believers and to persevere in faith and patience to ultimately inherit God's promises, drawing inspiration from the example of Abraham.
God Is Honest
By Allan Halton0GEN 32:10PSA 27:8HAB 1:2ACT 26:192CO 3:18EPH 4:22PHP 4:6TIT 1:2HEB 4:10HEB 6:18Allan Halton reflects on a profound experience in prayer where he encountered the sincere, faithful, and honest nature of God, realizing the depth of God's truthfulness beyond words. Through Bible verses like Hebrews 6:18 and Titus 1:2, he explores the impossibility of God lying and the human struggle to trust in God's promises. This encounter stirs a longing to see God's beauty, a desire for character transformation, and a personal commitment to trust in God's faithfulness despite doubts and fears.
In His Letter to the Romans
By T. Austin-Sparks0ROM 8:29ROM 12:12ROM 15:131CO 15:1GAL 1:11GAL 2:2EPH 2:8HEB 6:18REV 13:8T. Austin-Sparks delves into the essence of the gospel, emphasizing its significance as 'good news' that covers the entire New Testament, touching every aspect of the Christian life. The gospel is not limited to conversion but encompasses the profound truths in letters like Ephesians and Colossians, revealing hope from beginning to end. By exploring the eternal perspective of the gospel, he highlights how the Cross of Christ transcends time, securing hope in a seemingly hopeless situation, and anchoring believers in the immensity of God's eternal provision.
How to Escape Doubting Castle
By Eli Brayley0PSA 119:105MAT 7:132CO 1:20PHP 3:13HEB 6:18Eli Brayley preaches about the perilous journey of pilgrims towards the Celestial City, focusing on the dangers of Doubting Castle and the torment inflicted by Giant Despair. He emphasizes the importance of staying on the narrow and straight path, resisting the allure of the comfortable meadow that leads to captivity and despair. Through the key of Promise given by Jesus Christ at the cross, trapped pilgrims can escape the clutches of Doubting Castle and continue their journey towards the Great City, learning valuable lessons of diligence and perseverance along the way.
Of Refuges for Sinners
By Anne Dutton0PSA 46:1PRO 14:12JHN 6:37EPH 2:8HEB 6:18Anne Dutton preaches about the importance of finding refuge in Christ as the only remedy for a perishing sinner, contrasting it with the deceptive refuge of self-righteousness. She emphasizes that true faith involves fleeing to Christ as the safe, sure, and everlasting refuge provided by God, where believers are forever safe from the wrath to come. Dutton encourages believers to trust in the operation of God, even if they doubt the authenticity of their faith, reminding them that coming to Christ as a lost sinner is the essence of true and saving faith.
Seed Thoughts
By John Hames0MAT 12:361CO 10:121CO 13:2PHP 2:3HEB 6:18JAS 4:61PE 5:51PE 5:81JN 4:8John Hames preaches about the importance of faith, trust, and obedience in God's word, emphasizing the accountability we have for our words and actions on the day of judgment. He challenges believers to measure God's character by His promises in the Bible rather than the circumstances of life, highlighting the need for humility, meekness, and devotion as essential qualities for personal holiness. Hames warns against the dangers of pride, emphasizing the significance of true resignation to God's will and the eternal consequences of yielding to sin.
Fellow Workers With God
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 5:11ACT 5:3ROM 6:6ROM 12:10EPH 4:25COL 3:9HEB 6:18JAS 5:161JN 1:6In this sermon on the Greek term 'pseudomai' meaning to communicate falsehood with the intent to deceive, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and the dangers of lying, drawing from various Bible verses that highlight the consequences of lying and the call to speak truth. The sermon delves into the significance of putting off the old self with its evil practices, urging believers to live in accordance with their new life in Christ, characterized by honesty and integrity. The preacher underscores the need for believers to practice mutual edification and truthfulness in their interactions, reflecting the transformation brought about by salvation.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That by two immutable things - The promise and oath of God: the promise pledged his faithfulness and justice; the oath, all the infinite perfections of his Godhead, for he sware by himself. There is a good saying in Beracoth on Exo 32:13, fol. 32: Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self. "What is the meaning of by thine own self? Rab. Eleazar answered, Thus said Moses to the holy blessed God, Lord of all the world. If thou hadst sworn to them by the heavens and the earth, then I should have said, As the heavens and the earth shall pass away, so may thy oath pass away. But now thou hast sworn unto them by thy great name, which liveth, and which endureth for ever, and for ever and ever; therefore thy oath shall endure for ever, and for ever and ever." This is a good thought; if God had sworn by any thing finite, that thing might fail, and then the obligation would be at an end, but he has sworn by what is infinite, and cannot fail; therefore his oath is of eternal obligation. We might have a strong consolation - There appears to be an allusion here to the cities of refuge, and to the persons who fled to them for safety. As the person who killed his neighbor unawares was sure if he gained the city of refuge he should be safe, and had strong consolation in the hope that he should reach it, this hope animated him in his race to the city; he ran, he fled, knowing that, though in danger the most imminent of losing his life, yet, as he was now acting according to an ordinance of God, he was certain of safety provided he got to the place. It is easy to apply this to the case of a truly penitent sinner. Thou hast sinned against God and against thy own life! The avenger of blood is at thy heels! Jesus hath shed his blood for thee, he is thy intercessor before the throne; flee to him! Lay hold on the hope of eternal life which is offered unto thee in the Gospel! Delay not one moment! Thou art never safe till thou hast redemption in his blood! God invites thee! Jesus spreads his hands to receive thee! God hath sworn that he willeth not the death of a sinner; then he cannot will thy death: take God's oath, take his promise; credit what he bath spoken and sworn! Take encouragement! Believe on the Son of God, and thou shalt not perish, but have everlasting life!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
immutable--Translate, as in Heb 6:17, "unchangeable." impossible . . . to lie--"ever to lie"; this is the force of the Greek aorist [ALFORD]. His not being able to deny Himself is a proof, not of weakness, but of strength incomparable. consolation--under doubts and fears, and so "encouragement," literally, "exhortation." fled for refuge--as if from a shipwreck; or, as one fleeing to one of the six cities of refuge. Kadesh, that is, holy, implies the holiness of Jesus, our Refuge. Shechem, that is, shoulder, the government is upon his shoulder (Isa 9:6). Hebron, that is, fellowship, believers are called into the fellowship of Christ. Bezer, that is, a fortress, Christ is so to all who trust in Him. Ramoth, that is, high, for Him hath God exalted with His right hand (Act 5:31). Golan, that is, joy, for in Him all the saints are justified and shall glory. lay hold upon the hope--that is, the object of our hope, as upon a preservative from sinking. set before us--as a prize for which we strive; a new image, namely, the race course (Heb 12:1-2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul,.... This world is as a sea; the church in it, and so every believer, is as a ship; the port that is bound unto is heaven; Christ is the pilot, and hope is the anchor: an anchor is cast on a bottom, out of sight; and when the ship is in a calm, or in danger of a rock, or near the shore; but is of no service without a cable: and when cast aright, keeps the ship steady: so hope is cast on Christ; whence he is often called hope itself, because he is the ground and foundation of it, and who is at present unseen to bodily eyes; and the anchor of hope without the cable of faith is of little service; but being cast aright on Christ, keeps the soul steady and immovable: in some things there is a difference between hope and an anchor; an anchor is not of so much use in tempests as in a calm, but hope is; the cable may be cut or broke, and so the anchor be useless, but so it cannot be with faith and hope; when the ship is at anchor, it does not move forward, but it is not so with the soul, when hope is in exercise; the anchor of hope is not cast on anything below, but above; and here it is called the anchor of the soul, to distinguish it from any other, and to show the peculiar benefit of it to the soul. Pythagoras makes use of the same metaphor (x); "riches (he says) are a weak anchor, glory: is yet weaker; the body likewise; principalities, honours, all these are weak and without strength; what then are strong anchors? prudence, magnanimity, fortitude; these no tempest shakes.'' But these philosophical moral virtues are not to be compared with the Christian's grace of hope, which is both sure and steadfast; it is in itself a grace firm and stable; it is permanent and can never be lost: and it is still more sure and steadfast, by virtue of what it is fixed upon, the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ; and by the immutability, faithfulness, and power of God it is concerned with; and through the aboundings and discoveries of divine love, grace, and mercy; and from the instances of grace to the vilest of sinners: and which entereth into that within the vail; the holy of holies, heaven itself; in allusion to the vail which divided between the holy and the holy of holies: the things within the vail, or in heaven, which hope entering into fixes upon, are the person of Christ, who is entered there, and appears in the presence of God for his people; his blood which he has carried along with him, and by which he is entered there; his justifying righteousness, by which the law is fulfilled, the two tables of stone in the ark of the testimony; the sweet incense of his mediation, which is continually offered up by him; the mercy seat, or throne of grace, on which Jehovah sits as the God of grace; and all the glories of heaven; all which hope is concerned with, and receives strength and rigour from: and their being within the vail, is expressive of their hiddenness and invisibility at present, and of their safety and security, as well as of their sacredness; and this shows a difference between the hope of believers and others, whose hope fixes upon things short of these; and likewise the great privilege of a believer, who being made a priest unto God, has liberty and boldness to enter into the holiest of all. The Jews (y) speak of a vail in the world to come, which some are worthy to enter into. (x) Apud Stobaeum, Serm. I. (y) Zohar in Gen. fol. 73. 3.