ISB ~ Hebrews 2 v17

high priest:The first of many passages in Hebrews that expound the priestly ministry of Christ.

The emphasis is on his credentials:as one experienced in human suffering, Jesus is able to show sympathy and mercy to his brothers undergoing their own trials (4:15); as one victorious over temptations, he can give his brothers the grace and help needed to triumph as he did (4:16).

• The description evokes 1 Sam 2:35, where God promised to raise up a “faithful priest” to do his will. The oracle was read as a messianic prophecy in Jewish tradition.

to make expiation:i.e., “to wipe away sin”. For related terms, see note on Rom 3:25 and word study: Expiation at 1 Jn 2:2.