The Hebrew believers were in danger of drifting and slipping away (Heb. 2:1). And the currents were carrying them in the direction of their former traditions and temple system. They needed an anchor to stop the drift and to steady their souls.

The Holy Spirit reminds them firstly of their beginnings as followers of Christ. They had believed God’s promise: His immutable counsel concerning Christ. God had also confirmed it with an oath. The promise and oath, here, are two things “in which it is impossible for God to lie.” This had been a “strong consolation” for them when they had first converted (6:16–18).

Secondly, they had “fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope” set before them. These words reminded them of the provision of the six cities of refuge (Num. 35:6–28). In the Law, when someone was killed unintentionally, the offender could flee to a city of refuge for shelter from revenge. He had to stay there until the death of the high priest (Num. 35:28). This is a striking type of the Jews who had crucified the “Prince of life,” but had done so in ignorance (Acts 3:15–17). They had fled to Jesus as a refuge; in contrast to the type, He was the High Priest who would never die (Heb. 7:16). This hope is described as an anchor for their soul “behind the veil,” where the “forerunner,” even Jesus, has entered. If there is a forerunner it means there will also be “after-runners.” What a hope for all who believe in the Forerunner!