Matthew Henry Commentary Hebrews 2:14-18

"Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily not to angels doth he give help, but he giveth help to the seed of Abraham. Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." — Hebrews 2:14-18 (ASV)

The angels fell and remained without hope or help. Christ never designed to be the Savior of the fallen angels; therefore, He did not take their nature, and the nature of angels could not be an atoning sacrifice for the sin of man. Here is a price paid, enough for all and suitable to all, for it was in our nature. Here the wonderful love of God appeared: that when Christ knew what He must suffer in our nature, and how He must die in it, He yet readily took it upon Himself.

And this atonement made way for His people's deliverance from Satan's bondage and for the pardon of their sins through faith. Let those who dread death and strive to overcome their terrors no longer attempt to defy or stifle them, nor grow careless or wicked through despair. Let them not expect help from the world or human devices, but let them seek pardon, peace, grace, and a lively hope of heaven by faith in Him who died and rose again, so that in this way they may rise above the fear of death.

The remembrance of His own sorrows and temptations makes Christ mindful of the trials of His people and ready to help them. He is ready and willing to aid those who are tempted and seek Him. He became man and was tempted, so that He might be in every way qualified to aid His people, since He had passed through the same temptations Himself but continued perfectly free from sin. Then let not the afflicted and tempted despond or give place to Satan, as if temptations made it wrong for them to come to the Lord in prayer.

No soul that cried to the Lord from real alarm at its danger, with faith and expectation of relief, has ever perished under temptation. This is our duty when we are first surprised by temptations, and to do so will stop their progress—which is our wisdom.