Charles Ellicott Commentary Hebrews 1:14

"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?" — Hebrews 1:14 (ASV)

Are they not all ministering spirits?—In this verse and the preceding, the contrast of Hebrews 1:7-9 is repeated, in reversed order. The words “ministering spirits” at once recall the “ministers” and “winds” (expressed in Greek and Hebrew by the same word as “spirits”) spoken of in Hebrews 1:7. In the LXX, this word “minister” is usually applied to those who stood before God in His earthly sanctuary: so here it is suitably used for the nobler offices of the unseen world.

To the English reader it may seem that those who in Hebrews 1:7 are God’s ministers are here represented as servants of man. It is not really so, for the words properly mean... sent forth (that is, continually sent forth) to do service (to God), for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation. “Inherit” is a prelude to Hebrews 2:10. The last word, “salvation,” expresses the divine purpose indicated by all the prophecies that have passed under review. The chapter has been occupied with promises of the Christ: the last word brings before us Jesus, the Saviour.