On Heb 2:17:
The expression εις το ιλασκεσθαι refers to the activity of the
exalted Jesus. The preposition εις
indicates a purpose of longer range, in contrast to the use of ινα with the subjunctive. The present tense
of ιλασκεσθαι suggests that
the activity of expiating is continuing. (James Swetnam, Jesus and Isaac: A
Study of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the Light of the Aqedah [Analecta
Biblica 94; Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1981], 174)
The expiation of 2:17 seems to be
the same as the intercession of 2:18, but looked at from a different
perspective. Expiation looks at removal of sin from the standpoint of fidelity
to God, while intercession looks at removal of sin from the standpoint of mercy
to the people (cf. the phrase υπερ αυτων in
7:25, the phrase υπερ ημων in 9:24,
and the dative ημιν in 4:13).
(Ibid., 176)
