2:14 the devil. The devil has “the power of death” in the sense that through his primeval lie (continuing today in many forms of humanism and anti-theism), he tempted Adam to bring sin into the world, and therefore death into the world (Romans 5:12). Though he would seek to impose physical death on the whole human race if he could, he can only bring about a particular death when God allows it, for some greater purpose (note Job 2:4-6; I Corinthians 5:5).

2:15 deliver them. Even though Satan may have thought he had gained victory over God when God’s Son died on the cross, that very death assured his ultimate destruction (note Colossians 2:14,15; Revelation 1:18).

2:15 fear of death. The redeemed child of God no longer need fear death, for to him “to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21; see also Philippians 1:23; I Thessalonians 4:13).

2:15 to bondage. This pertains to our deliverance from spiritual bondage. See also Romans 7:23-25; 8:15.

2:16 seed of Abraham. Christ “took on Him the seed of Abraham” by taking up residence for nine months in the womb of Mary, who was truly of Abraham’s seed. However, the inherent sin, as well as genetic defects, which had been transferred through Abraham’s seed (originally from Adam and Eve) to all his descendants, including Mary, could not have been incorporated in “that holy thing” created and placed in her body, for He must be “without blemish and without spot” in order to qualify as our Savior from sin. See notes on Romans 1:3; Luke 1:35; I Peter 1:19.

2:17 like unto his brethren. Christ had to be a true man in all points, from conception to death, apart from innate sin. This required a miraculous, virginal, conception, but in every other respect he partook of true human flesh.

2:17 high priest. This is the first specific reference to Christ as our High Priest, a theme which is prominent throughout the rest of Hebrews.

2:18 tempted. See note on Hebrews 4:15.