Hebrews 12:5-13
Summary for Heb 12:5-6: 12:5-6 a In these verses, the encouraging words are quoted from Prov 3:11-12 b, a passage that regards hardship as the Lord’s loving discipline for his children. God can turn a wide variety of trials and difficulties to our good, training us in righteousness and holy character.Summary for Heb 12:7-8: 12:7-8 c disciplined by its father: Fathers from Greco-Roman as well as Jewish families were involved in day-to-day aspects of raising their children. Discipline was seen as a necessary, healthy, and important component of preparing the child for adulthood. A lack of fatherly discipline—in this case, a lack of hardships in life—is a mark of illegitimacy, not a blessing.
12:9 d The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14). Here, the lesser situation is the respect shown to an earthly father when he is giving discipline. We should submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits in the more important context of our relationship with God. We should adopt a posture of yielding to God as to a good Father, trusting that he is helping us grow even through painful circumstances.
Summary for Heb 12:10-11: 12:10-11 e There are at least two limitations on an earthly father’s discipline. First, his discipline, or education, is only for a few years (literally for a few days)—children eventually leave home. Second, earthly fathers were doing the best they knew how from their limited perspectives. By contrast, God’s discipline lasts throughout life and is always good for us, based on his limitless knowledge and love. His goal is that we might share in his holiness. Although it is painful, discipline brings about a peaceful harvest of right living. It brings God’s children into a state conducive to harmonious relationships and doing what is right (see also Rom 5:3-4 f; 8:17 g, 28 h; 2 Cor 4:17 i; Phil 1:12-14 j; Jas 1:2-4 k; 1 Pet 1:7 l; 4:14 m).
Summary for Heb 12:12-13: 12:12-13 n The author, alluding to Isa 35:3-8 o and Prov 4:26 p, encourages those who are emotionally and spiritually exhausted. According to Isa 35 q, God is in the process of defeating his enemies and is making a straight path for the righteous so that they will not fall.
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