Bible Commentaries
Hebrews 8

Verse 1

Hebrews 8:1

v.1 -- Final proof of the glory of Jesus.

Is set -- Aaron stood in the Most Holy only a short time, Christ sat down.

Right hand -- PC p.7 "The fig is suggested by the custom of oriental kings who placed at the right hand of the throne a son whom they associated with themselves in the prerogative of royalty."

Acts 2:29-34; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 1:13; 1 Corinthians 15:24 1 Corinthians 15:28

See also Psalms 110:1

Verse 2

Hebrews 8:2

v.2 Proof of the service of Jesus.

True tabernacle -- a Spiritual tabernacle; the Kingdom - the church- Revelation 21:22 (no temple in heaven).

Verse 3

Hebrews 8:3

v.3 This Christ offered self.

Verse 4

Hebrews 8:4

v. 4 -- Evidence that the Temple in Jerusalem was still standing, (cf. Hebrews 8:13) Important information in dating the book of Hebrews.

Verse 5

Hebrews 8:5

Shadow -- The old a shadow of the new and real.

Pattern -- The old was a copy of the pattern. Our worship and service today must be according to the "pattern" given us in the New Covenant.

Verse 6

Hebrews 8:6

Mediator -- one who stands in the middle to bring two people together.

Mediator of a better covenant -- #6 Moses of the O.C., Galatians 3:19, Christ of the N.C., 1 Timothy 2:5.

Better promises -- Jeremiah 31:32-33 (Hebrews 8:8)

1) Law in the heart

2) All in covenant relation will know God

3) They shall receive forgiveness of sins.

Verse 7

Hebrews 8:7

cf. Hebrews 9:22

OLD TESTAMENT (LAW)

For our learning- Romans 15:4

Changed- Hebrews 7:12 & Hebrews 8:7-8 & Hebrews 8:13 & Hebrews 10:9, Ephesians 2:13-15, Colossians 2:14,

Ended at the death of Christ-

Hebrews 9:15-17, Galatians 3:19 & Galatians 3:16 & Galatians 3:24-25, Galatians 5:4 & Galatians 5:18.

Sabbath to Jews - Deuteronomy 5:2-3 & Deuteronomy 5:15.

Made known at Sinai- Nehemiah 9:13-14.

Verse 8

Hebrews 8:8

v. 8 -- New Covenant prophesied in the Old.

Old Testament -- New Testament

First Testament -- Second Testament

See Hebrews 8:13;

"Old" cf. Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 9:18

Israel -- Judah -- old enemies are one again.

Verse 9

Hebrews 8:9

Verse 10

Hebrews 8:10

Laws in their mind -- By Faith -- not on ears to be forgotten, but in mind to be remembered. Contrast with v.9 Hebrews 8:9.

Law not on stones to be broken, but in their hearts to be treasured.

Verse 11

Hebrews 8:11

In Moses’ Covenant they were born into it, and later had to be taught -- but John 6:44-45 , and Matthew 28:19, they people were to be Taught, Baptized, and Taught more.

1) An inward law

2) Taught of God

a) about God;

b) by God

3) Sins remember no more

No unequal clergy.

Verse 12

Hebrews 8:12

A covenant that would truly effect forgiveness.

Verse 13

Hebrews 8:13

That covenant aged and passed away. (Notice the verb tense.)

[Soon the temple sacrifices and priesthood would vanish in AD 70.]

The Law was nailed to the cross Colossians 2:14 when Christ died, now in AD 70 the ceremonial would end. ]

8:13 The fact that God introduces a New Covenant means that the first is obsolete. Since this is so, there should be no thought of going back to the law. Yet that is exactly what some of the professing believers were tempted to do. The author warns them that the legal covenant is outmoded; a better covenant has been introduced. They should get in step with God. BBS