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NOVEMBER 6
DAY 5:To which Hebrews was this book written?
Although the author and the original recipients of this letter are unknown, the title, dating as
early as the second century A.D., had been “To the Hebrews.”The title certainly fits the content.The
epistle exudes a Jewish mind-set. References to Hebrew history and religion abound. And since no
particular Gentile or pagan practice gains any attention in the book, the church has kept the tradi-
tional title.
A proper interpretation of this epistle requires the recognition that it addresses 3 distinct
groups of Hebrews:
1. Hebrew Christians who suffered rejection and persecution by fellow Jews (10:32–34),
although none as yet had been martyred (12:4). The letter was written to give them encourage-
ment and confidence in Christ, their Messiah and High Priest. They were an immature group of
believers who were tempted to hold on to the symbolic and spiritually powerless rituals and tradi-
tions of Judaism.
2. Jewish unbelievers who were intellectually convinced of the basic truths of the gospel but
who had not placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their own Savior and Lord.They were intellectual-
ly persuaded but spiritually uncommitted. These unbelievers are addressed in such passages as
2:1–3; 6:4–6; 10:26–29; and 12:15–17.
3.Jewish unbelievers who were attracted by the gospel and the Person of Christ but who had
reached no final conviction about Him. Chapter 9 is largely devoted to them.

November 6

3:8,9 I have made your face strong. What
God commands (“do not be afraid”) He gives
Ezekiel 3:1–4:17 sufficiency to do (“I have made”), so God will
Moreover He said to me, “Son of man, enable the prophet to live up to his name
3 eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, (which means “strengthened by God”). 2:2;
speak to the house of Israel.” So I opened my 3:14,24; Is. 41:10; Jer. 1:8,17.
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mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll.
3 And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your 3:9 rebellious. It is sad to observe that the
belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that exile and affliction did not make the Jews
I give you.” So I ate, and it was in my mouth more responsive to God; rather, they were
hardened by their sufferings.God gave Ezekiel
like honey in sweetness.
4 a “hardness”to surpass the people and sustain
Then He said to me: “Son of man, go to the his ministry as prophet to the exiles.
house of Israel and speak with My words to
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them. For you are not sent to a people of unfa-
miliar speech and of hard language, but to the 12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard
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house of Israel, not to many people of unfa- behind me a great thunderous voice: “Blessed
miliar speech and of hard language, whose is the glory of the LORD from His place!” I also
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words you cannot understand. Surely, had I heard the noise of the wings of the living crea-
sent you to them, they would have listened to tures that touched one another, and the noise
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you. But the house of Israel will not listen to of the wheels beside them, and a great thun-
you, because they will not listen to Me; for all the derous noise. So the Spirit lifted me up and
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house of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted. took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the
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Behold, I have made your face strong against heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was
their faces, and your forehead strong against strong upon me. Then I came to the captives
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their foreheads. Like adamant stone, harder at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar;
than flint, I have made your forehead; do not and I sat where they sat, and remained there
be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their astonished among them seven days.
looks, though they are a rebellious house.” 16 Now it came to pass at the end of seven
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Moreover He said to me: “Son of man, receive days that the word of the LORD came to me,
into your heart all My words that I speak to you, saying, “Son of man, I have made you a
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and hear with your ears. And go, get to the cap- watchman for the house of Israel; therefore
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tives, to the children of your people, and speak hear a word from My mouth, and give them
to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,’ warning from Me: When I say to the wicked,
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whether they hear, or whether they refuse.” ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no
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