The first chapter of Hebrews stresses the supremacy of the high priest who now sits at the “right hand of the majesty on high.” First, the eternal sovereignty of God is described (“Your throne, O God, is to times everlasting”), then, the qualifications of the Son for the priesthood are stated (“You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness”).

This leads to the letter’s first exhortation and severe warning. Considering the excellency of the Son’s name and his exalted status, any failure to heed the “word spoken” by God in him will result in horrific consequences.