1:1

Long ago God spoke to our forefathers: Over the course of many centuries, God used a long line of prophets to speak to his people. Among the prophets Paul mentions or quotes in this letter are Abraham (Ge 20:7; Heb 7:1), Moses (De 34:10; Heb 9:19), Jeremiah (Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:8-12), Habakkuk (Hab 2:3, 4; Heb 10:37, 38), and Haggai (Hag 2:6; Heb 12:26). Paul then draws a contrast, saying that “at the end of these days,” God spoke by means of his Son, Jesus Christ.​—Heb 1:2 and study note.

on many occasions and in many ways: In the Greek text, Paul opens his letter by using two similar-sounding words that overlap in meaning. Jehovah communicated with his people by means of the prophets, not all at once, but “on many occasions” (Greek, po·ly·me·rosʹ), at many times and in different locations and settings. He also used “many ways” (Greek, po·ly·troʹpos) to convey his messages. Sometimes, Jehovah spoke to the prophets directly and had them record the message in written form. (Ex 34:27) At other times, he gave the prophets dreams or visions. (Isa 1:1; Da 2:19; 7:1; Hab 1:1) Or God sent angels to convey his message. (Zec 1:7, 9) The prophets then proclaimed the inspired message in various ways. They may have spoken it publicly, written it down, or presented it by using symbols or by carrying out symbolic acts.​—Jer 7:1, 2; Eze 4:1-3; Ho 1:2, 3; Hab 2:2.