Although he was a son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. And after he had been made perfect, he became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him, (Hebrews 5:8, 9)
Yet learned he obedience – That is, he learned experimentally and practically. It cannot be supposed that he did not “know” what obedience was; or that he was “indisposed” to obey God before he suffered; or that he had, as we have, perversities of nature leading to rebellion which required to be subdued by suffering, but that he was willing to “test” the power of obedience in sufferings; to become personally and practically acquainted with the nature of such obedience in the midst of protracted woes; compare note on Philippians 2:8.
More than that, when he came as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, yes, death on a torture stake. (Philippians 2:8)
The sense is, that when he was reduced to this condition he humbled himself, and obeyed even unto death. He took upon himself all the attributes of a man. He assumed all the innocent infirmities of our nature. He appeared as other people do, was subjected to the necessity of food and clothing, like others, and was made liable to suffering, as other men are.
And being made perfect – That is, being made a “complete” Saviour – a Saviour suited in all respects to redeem people. Sufferings were necessary to the “completeness” or the “finish” of his character as a Saviour, not to his moral perfection, for he was always without sin; see this explained in the notes on Hebrews 2:10.
For it was fitting that the one for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the Chief Agent of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10)
It was fit, in the nature of the case, that he should be qualified to be “a complete” or “perfect Saviour” – a Saviour just adapted to the purpose undertaken, by sufferings.
This subjection to his humble condition, and to his many woes, made him such a Saviour as man needed, and qualified him fully for his work.