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The Holiest Of All
Our one need is, to know Jesus better; the one cure for all our feebleness, to look to Him on the throne of heaven, and really know the heavenly life He waits to impart. “Jesus taketh with Him Peter and James and John, and bringeth them into a high mountain, apart by themselves, and He was transfigured before them.” May the blessed Master take us with Himself into the high mountain, even the Mount Sion.
563 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1924
189 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Murray
1,224 books550 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.
He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).
Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.
Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.
He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).
Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 21, 2016
As wonderful a person as Andrew Murray was, I struggled a lot to read this book. The language and tone employed felt very charismatic which is very difficult for me to follow. I was often left wondering what he meant or how I was supposed to implement what he said. He seemed to have been very excited when he wrote the book but I can't say that I was very excited when I read it. The only chapter I will probably remember is the last one, because it infers that Paul might be the author of Hebrews. I know a lot of people will probably love this book, but everyone is not the same.
February 8, 2018
I really struggled with the rating for this book. The tome (552 pages) has a whole lot of gems, but you have to dig a mine to get to them. For some reason the author felt that each couple of verses from the book of Hebrews deserved four pages of commentary. At times that made for very tough and dry reading. There are lots of other excellent books by Andrew Murray where the gem content is much denser. I suggest attempting this one only after reading at least With Christ in the School of Prayer, Absolute Surrender, Humility, the Master's Indwelling, the True Vine, and Confession and Forgiveness, if you have run out of things to read.
June 22, 2018
Andrew Murray was way ahead of his time. What a prolific, heartfelt writer that loves scripture, Jesus and Jesus followers. In this book, he carries the reader through verse by verse of the book of Hebrews. He breaks down each and every verse and virtually leaves the reader both without excuse for carrying out its tenets as well as encouraging the reader to move forward on their journey of faith. If you read Murray's book, and you choose to remain hard hearted about your own spiritual journey, it is not in any way because he hasn't fully given you the tools and equipped you to do so. Take steps forward in your life with the words of "Holiest of All."
One of my favorite passages in this book is Murray's eloquence in explaining how as Christians we see and view Christ as only our Aaron (earthly and finite priest who intercedes for us) but not as our Melchizedek (eternal priesthood who intercedes for us and brings us into eternity with Him). I see this as a transactional faith in Jesus (Aaron-you saved me now I get to go to heaven. The End.) versus a relational faith with Jesus (Melchizedek-As I trust in and lean into Jesus daily, I become more like Him and not only will I spend eternity with Him, but He is in my daily life, walking ahead of me and beside me each and every day and each and every moment that I take a breath.)
Here is an excerpt of that section of Murray's book. Read and learn. Read and rest. Read and move forward on your faith journey.
"There are too many Christians who see in Christ only the fulfilment of what Aaron typified. Christ's death and blood are very precious to them; they do seek to rest their faith upon them. And yet they wonder that they have so little of the peace and joy, of the purity and power which the Saviour gives, and which faith in Him ought to bring. The reason is simple, because Christ is only their Aaron, not their Melchizedek. They do indeed believe that He is ascended to heaven, and sits upon the throne of God ; but they have not seen the direct connection of this with their daily spiritual life. They do not count upon Jesus working in them in the power of the heavenly life, and imparting it to them. They do not know their heavenly calling, with the all-sufficient provision for its fulfilment in them secured in the heavenly life of their Priest-King. And, as a consequence of this, they do not see the need for giving up the world, to have their life and walk in heaven.....
The work of redemption was accomplished on earth in weakness (2 Cor. 4); it is communicated from heaven in resurrection and ascension power. The cross proclaims the pardon of sin; the throne gives the power over sin. The cross, with its blood-sprinkling, is the deliverance from Egypt; the throne, with its living Priest-King, brings into the rest of God and its victory. With Aaron there is nothing beyond atonement and acceptance; nothing of kingly rule and power; it is with Melchizedek that the fulness of power and blessing comes, the blessing that abideth continually. lt is as the soul no longer ever again seeks the foundation, but resting on it and it...... The more we consider and adore our blessed King-Priest, our Melchizedek, the stronger will our confidence become that from His throne in heaven He will, in divine power, Himself apply to us all the blessed fruits of His atonement, and make a life in God's presence and nearness our daily experience.”
Amen!
One of my favorite passages in this book is Murray's eloquence in explaining how as Christians we see and view Christ as only our Aaron (earthly and finite priest who intercedes for us) but not as our Melchizedek (eternal priesthood who intercedes for us and brings us into eternity with Him). I see this as a transactional faith in Jesus (Aaron-you saved me now I get to go to heaven. The End.) versus a relational faith with Jesus (Melchizedek-As I trust in and lean into Jesus daily, I become more like Him and not only will I spend eternity with Him, but He is in my daily life, walking ahead of me and beside me each and every day and each and every moment that I take a breath.)
Here is an excerpt of that section of Murray's book. Read and learn. Read and rest. Read and move forward on your faith journey.
"There are too many Christians who see in Christ only the fulfilment of what Aaron typified. Christ's death and blood are very precious to them; they do seek to rest their faith upon them. And yet they wonder that they have so little of the peace and joy, of the purity and power which the Saviour gives, and which faith in Him ought to bring. The reason is simple, because Christ is only their Aaron, not their Melchizedek. They do indeed believe that He is ascended to heaven, and sits upon the throne of God ; but they have not seen the direct connection of this with their daily spiritual life. They do not count upon Jesus working in them in the power of the heavenly life, and imparting it to them. They do not know their heavenly calling, with the all-sufficient provision for its fulfilment in them secured in the heavenly life of their Priest-King. And, as a consequence of this, they do not see the need for giving up the world, to have their life and walk in heaven.....
The work of redemption was accomplished on earth in weakness (2 Cor. 4); it is communicated from heaven in resurrection and ascension power. The cross proclaims the pardon of sin; the throne gives the power over sin. The cross, with its blood-sprinkling, is the deliverance from Egypt; the throne, with its living Priest-King, brings into the rest of God and its victory. With Aaron there is nothing beyond atonement and acceptance; nothing of kingly rule and power; it is with Melchizedek that the fulness of power and blessing comes, the blessing that abideth continually. lt is as the soul no longer ever again seeks the foundation, but resting on it and it...... The more we consider and adore our blessed King-Priest, our Melchizedek, the stronger will our confidence become that from His throne in heaven He will, in divine power, Himself apply to us all the blessed fruits of His atonement, and make a life in God's presence and nearness our daily experience.”
Amen!
April 20, 2022
I was really excited to dive into this. Hebrews is one of those epistles that has a lot to say, and I was looking forward to an in depth view of it. This book does not disappoint in that respect. At almost 600 pages it covers a lot of ground. The first part is the epistle itself in its entirety. Then the book breaks it down verse by verse in 4 page sections. I was reading this at work, so the short sections were really a help. Giving me time to digest what Murray was saying in his exposition. Some of the sections cover more than one verse, and others reiterate the verse in the previous section. Some may say Murray is belaboring some points, and at times it seems like he is. However, those points were obviously something that he felt were more important.
I really enjoyed my time with this. Though I will say, the language used was at times difficult to follow. The book was originally written in the early 20th century and does not flow the same as books written in more modern times. None the less, it is certainly worth taking the time to go through. I am glad I did.
I really enjoyed my time with this. Though I will say, the language used was at times difficult to follow. The book was originally written in the early 20th century and does not flow the same as books written in more modern times. None the less, it is certainly worth taking the time to go through. I am glad I did.
July 28, 2020
A Life Changing Expository Revelation
This book has had a profound effect on my faith in Christ. It is written with such thoughtful devotional care that you cannot help but feel an attachment to the epistle he is expositing. Finishing it feels somewhat bittersweet. It’s not your typical commentary. It is more like a biblical revelation. I highly recommend it to any person who wants to go deeper in their faith in Christ; any person who is also not afraid to be challenged in every nuance of their faith.
This book has had a profound effect on my faith in Christ. It is written with such thoughtful devotional care that you cannot help but feel an attachment to the epistle he is expositing. Finishing it feels somewhat bittersweet. It’s not your typical commentary. It is more like a biblical revelation. I highly recommend it to any person who wants to go deeper in their faith in Christ; any person who is also not afraid to be challenged in every nuance of their faith.
June 1, 2023
Fantastic commentary, going through Hebrews verse by verse. Full of gems.
‘There are two places appointed for the believer in the power of Christ’s redemption- within the veil, to worship; without the gate, to witness. In both places he can count upon Christ to keep him. The deeper he enters into the spirit of the one, the more will he realise of the other… In both places the boldness (of Hebrews) will be found: the boldness in God’s presence to claim Christ and be one with Him; the boldness in presence of the world to witness for Christ as one with Him.’
‘There are two places appointed for the believer in the power of Christ’s redemption- within the veil, to worship; without the gate, to witness. In both places he can count upon Christ to keep him. The deeper he enters into the spirit of the one, the more will he realise of the other… In both places the boldness (of Hebrews) will be found: the boldness in God’s presence to claim Christ and be one with Him; the boldness in presence of the world to witness for Christ as one with Him.’
December 19, 2024
I’m Speechless!
Just now, at this second, finished the book. My head is spinning. Now at 63 years of age, I have seen and experienced a great deal in the church. I’ve heard many teachings, sermons and exegesis on Scripture. Never before have I read anything close to this. Finishing the Kindle version, I’m ordering the hard copy for my library. I will go through this teaching again and again, the Lord willing. Next to the Bible, this will be the #1 book in your library, I can assure you.
Just now, at this second, finished the book. My head is spinning. Now at 63 years of age, I have seen and experienced a great deal in the church. I’ve heard many teachings, sermons and exegesis on Scripture. Never before have I read anything close to this. Finishing the Kindle version, I’m ordering the hard copy for my library. I will go through this teaching again and again, the Lord willing. Next to the Bible, this will be the #1 book in your library, I can assure you.
December 22, 2024
There are devotional gyms in this book for anyone who is preaching or teaching through the Book of Hebrews. Murray is a different sort of writer and it is his book is not one you sit down and read straight through as much as dip into for devotional warmth as you make your way through the profound truths of the Book of Hebrews.
Keep coming to the well, and you will be refreshed in the glories of Christ as the son of God in the Book of Hebrews!
Keep coming to the well, and you will be refreshed in the glories of Christ as the son of God in the Book of Hebrews!
July 1, 2023
To say this book is meaty is an understatement. I couldn't read it through: I stopped, conducted some study, and meditated on portions for a considerable time before reading on. I will have to read it again start to finish.
This would be a good devotional as the chapters are short and there is plenty to think on in each one.
This would be a good devotional as the chapters are short and there is plenty to think on in each one.
April 3, 2025
This book is not just another exposition of the book of Hebrews. When he calls it Holiest of All, it reflects more the individuals relationship with Jesus Christ than an in-depth exegesis. You will pray and you will cry out while reading this book. In the end, your personal relationship with Jesus will be greatly enhanced and challenged.
November 1, 2020
A Classic of Devotional
Whether you work through it daily, or take a year and a half (like I did), this is probably one of the best and eye-opening devotional in walking with Jesus ever written.
Whether you work through it daily, or take a year and a half (like I did), this is probably one of the best and eye-opening devotional in walking with Jesus ever written.
June 7, 2022
One of the longest read from the author, an exposition on Hebrew. This edition was good for the language already modernized. The author was view Hebrew from a rather different perspective and quite unique in its exposition.
March 17, 2025
This a very thorough examination on the book of Hebrews. I highly recommend this book to mature Christians who want to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ.
January 17, 2019
This is a commentary for the book of Hebrews. No one knows the spirit and context of Hebrews like Murray. Most American Theologians are stuck in the formula of translation without any real consideration for the heart of God or Christ in the text, nor the culture. Murray is very insightful and a wonderful resource.
December 28, 2013
Another excellent book by Andrew Murray. In my opinion this is one of his best. It is a devotional journey through the book of Hebrews. Murray plumbs the depths of the book and never fails to draw out deep lessons from this deep book. It is well worth the time using it as a devotion and allowing God to take you deeper in relationship with Him in the process. I will read this book again and again.
January 12, 2008
An amazing commentary through the book of Hebrews. I read it first at Bible College and was enlightened.
February 21, 2010
A must have when studying the book of Hebrews!
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November 2, 2012Deep and insightful, Murray has written a devotional commentary on the book of Hebrews. Inspirational and profound at times, this is a book to be read and reread.
October 25, 2011
In Andrew Murray style this is a spiritual and devotional reading of Hebrews. Not exegetically sophisticated but useful for embracing the message of the book.
Currently reading
August 16, 2012Awesome insight into the book of Hebrews! I would have loved to hear Andrew preach!
August 21, 2012
Good Hebrews commentary if you are looking for a more applicational approach. Heck, you don't even have to be studying Hebrews to benefit from it!
November 12, 2023
Profound teaching
A great absorbing read, worth rereading to fully comprehend however somewhat spoiled by frequent spelling mistakes and the need to report them.
A great absorbing read, worth rereading to fully comprehend however somewhat spoiled by frequent spelling mistakes and the need to report them.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews