Verse 17
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Wherefore it behoved him — It was highly fit and proper, yea, necessary, in order to his design of redeeming them.
To be made in all things — That essentially pertain to human nature, and in all sufferings and temptations.
Like his brethren — This is a recapitulation of all that goes before: the sum of all that follows is added immediately. That he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest-Merciful toward sinners; faithful toward God. A priest or high priest is one who has a right of approaching God, and of bringing others to him. Faithful is treated of, Hebrews 3:2, etc., with its use; merciful, Hebrews 4:14, etc., with the use also; High Priest, Hebrews 5:4, etc., Hebrews 7:1, etc. The use is added from Hebrews 10:19.
In things pertaining to God, to expiate the sins of the people — Offering up their sacrifices and prayers to God; deriving God's grace, peace, and blessings upon them.
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