Hebrews Chapter Eight Verses 7-13

HEBREWS CHAPTER EIGHT VS 7-13 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 8:7  For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 

Heb 8:8  For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 

Heb 8:9  Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 

Heb 8:10  For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 

Heb 8:11  And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 

Heb 8:12  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 

Heb 8:13  In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. 

Main Point: Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. 

He is (and has been) dismantling the old law, and any reason to continue to rely on it.

4.   Notice in verse 7 that the implication is that the first covenant was faulty, and yet in verse 8 the statement is that the people were at fault. What is the first covenant? Explain where the fault lies: Verse nine explains the dispensation period as  “I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt”.  The “first covenant” statement is exclusive in context to the Mosaical period….his dealings with Abraham’s descendants. Just to be clear the agreement God had with Israel, established during the wanderings are better defined in Deuteronomy…not Leviticus. Leviticus was sundry laws and sacrifice-for-sin stuff (all important). Deuteronomy was the reminder of what it meant to be called “Gods chosen”  and the promises associated with keeping Jehovah as their God. See Deut 6:1-6. This was an extension of His promises to Abraham Gen 15:5 – ultimately fulfilled in Jesus the Christ.

5.   What is meant by, “I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts”? Oh my what an abstract thought. To think that laws will be made not on stone (the shadow), but will effectually move mankind toward God. The Levitical law was not designed to do this. THE COVENANT WAS, and it was established through deliverance (salvation) from Egypt …another foreshadow. The PERFECTED deliverance would come through the one thing nobody saw coming…GOD DYING for His creation…THAT is HOW He writes it on hearts and minds. Somebody get me a pulpit!

6.   What is meant by, “None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother saying ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me? The context are those who have God in mind and heart. Not sure what else to say about this…except that it has also happened in the general context. Does not most if not all the world know that there is a Christian religion? Why would we see oppression and suppression of the word by governments and other violent religions if this has not been fulfilled? (Not saying everyone knows Him as they should).

7.   Explain, “Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” This is the writer putting the hammer down on the thinking that the Old Law was still a viable/preferred system/covenant. His language must have been upsetting to those who wanted to stay “safe” with the old traditions. Remember, there may be a few different sources of persecution for the believing Israelite. Their mettle is being tested.

Additional:

8) Fault: 3201 - Middle voice of an apparently primary verb; to blame: - find fault.

    …with them: 846 -From the particle αὖ au (perhaps akin to the base of G109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound of G1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons.   

What is the significance in verse 8 of using BOTH names Israel and Judah?

What does God mean in verse nine “I regarded them not”? How serious is that? (Contrast the end of verse 10)

Hebrews Chapter Eight Verses 1-6

HEBREWS CHAPTER EIGHT VS 1-6 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 8:1  Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 

Heb 8:2  A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 

Heb 8:3  For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 

Heb 8:4  For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 

Heb 8:5  Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 

Heb 8:6  But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

Main Point: “We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens”

1.   What is the purpose of the writer’s Quotation of Exodus 25:40, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain”? It is finishing the thought “For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:” Jesus is not subject to serve as one beholding to the law since he surpasses that qualification. Earthly priests serve in a copy, or shadow of the real deal….Jesus is the real deal.  

2.   What are the things listed in this text that makes Christ a better High Priest? At the right hand of God, the true “tabernacle” built by God, He is the pattern, His mediation (inherited by relational right), “better promises”

3.   In what way do we have a better covenant and better promises? In this and previous texts, this covenant is eternal (the order of Melchizedek). It is not a stop gap measure for a soul to deal with separation from God. It is direct access, based on belief and the evidence of that belief (trust).

ADDITIONAL:

1) Majesty – 3172 megalōsunē meg-al-o-soo'-nay

From G3173; greatness, that is, (figuratively) divinity (often God himself): - majesty. – 3173 literally means BIG

2) Minister – 3011 - From a derivative of G2992 and G2041; a public servant, that is, a functionary in the Temple or Gospel – “people toil”

This should spark our understanding as to what Jesus has always intended to be for us and for us to be toward God and each other. Although by full rights He is with God serving in His house, Jesus serves and works for mankind in God’s house. It is this paradigm that even non-believers agree serves the world at large much better than any system  ever conceived….because it sets the example of (humble) service …. Selfless giving.

In verse three the writer says “wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.”  - Why doesn’t the writer contrast what Jesus offers to “gifts and sacrifices”?  He does not appear to say WHAT Jesus offers. He alludes to it, but because it is such a big concept, he will need to finish it in the coming chapters. It’s almost like he puts a place holder on the start of the thought, but needs to make other important thoughts before finalizing the argument(s).

6) Mediator –3316 - From G3319; a go between, (3319 means “middle”)

   Covenant – 1242 - From G1303; properly a disposition, that is, (specifically) a contract

   Established -3549   From G3550; to legislate,

Why all this legal talk? Is God’s covenant based on law?

Hebrews Chapter Seven vs 20-28

HEBREWS CHAPTER SEVEN VS 20-28 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 7:20  And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 

Heb 7:21  (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 

Heb 7:22  By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 

Heb 7:23  And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 

Heb 7:24  But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 

Heb 7:25  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 

Heb 7:26  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 

Heb 7:27  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 

Heb 7:28  For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. 

Main Point: Jesus’ priesthood is ordained by God through an oath by God. No other such priest ever existed. He is the Son, perfect, forever.

6. Why does the writer keep emphasizing that Jesus was not made a priest without an oath? 6:16  For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
An oath by God is immutable (unchangeable). The oath is the end of any doubt or argument. STRIFE: G485 From a derivative of G483; dispute. Nce an oath was stated, the arguments stopped. Words meant something back then. The priesthood of Jesus (consecrated by oath) was unlike the priesthood of the law….which was consecrated without an oath, and was serviced by fallible priests (28).

7. What is meant by, “He is able to save to the uttermost”? uttermost – 3838 - From G3956 and G5056; full ended, that is, entire (neuter as noun, completion): -    + in [no] wise, uttermost.
A contrasting view of the temporal/fallible nature of the Levitical priesthood (man)-limited-incomplete versus the Perfect – EVERLASTING – non-failing – priesthood of God (through Jesus/Son). He became us (26) – is ultimately separate from sin-ners so does not require sacrifice on his behalf. He fulfills all qualifications.

8. According to this text give a list of all the things that are better about the priesthood of Christ.

Made priest with an oath, priesthood is forever, guarantees a better covenant, priesthood is unchangeable, brings complete-perfected salvation (not a stop-gap law), always there to intercede to the father, became like us yet without sin, exalted higher than the heavens (can only be done by God), no need to sacrifice (sinless)….flipped that narrative and BECAME THE SACRAFICE, the oath that consecrates Jesus also makes him the Son (part of the better covenant)

Additional:

21) Repent - 3338 From G3326 and the middle of G3199; to care afterwards, that is, regret:

22) Surety – 1450 - From G1722 and γυῖον guion (a limb); pledged (as if articulated by a member), that is, a bondsman: - surety.

24) unchangeable - 521 - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G3845; not passing away, that is, untransferable (perpetual): - unchangeable.

Hebrews Chapter Seven Verses 11-19

HEBREWS CHAPTER SEVEN VS 11-19 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 7:11  If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 

Heb 7:12  For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 

Heb 7:13  For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 

Heb 7:14  For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 

Heb 7:15  And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 

Heb 7:16  Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 

Heb 7:17  For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

Heb 7:18  For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 

Heb 7:19  For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 

Main Point: The priesthood of Jesus is eternal (spiritual), as is exampled in the order of Melchizedek. His appointment required a change of order (from Levi to Judah). Jesus’ priesthood draws us nearer to God, something the law could not do.

3. Why was the priesthood changed from the Levitical order, to the order of Melchizedek? 11) (paraphrase)- the law could not perfect the one under its subjection 16) ….not after carnal commandment, but after the power of endless life. 19) For the law made nothing perfect. The Levitical order dealt with the transient life, which held no hope for after life. It was simply an instrument for everyday physical living. The priesthood of Melchizedek embodies the concept of eternal life….and as such, affords hope on a much deeper level.

4. Why was the law weak and unprofitable? What purpose did the law have, according to the text? The Levitical order dealt with the transient life, which held no hope for after life. It was simply an instrument for everyday physical living. The text actually does not spell out what the purpose of the law was. It does make it clear that it could not perfect the one under its rule. *And by contrast, if the new order DRAWS them near to God, the old order kept them aloof from God. *Arguable when we consider David’s psalms praising God’s laws. The system of law may have had a negative effect, but not from any fault of God’s doing.

5. According to this section of text, what about Christ and His priesthood is better than the Levitical priesthood? *By contrast, if the new order DRAWS them near to God, the old order kept them aloof from God. *Arguable when we consider David’s psalms praising God’s laws. The system of law may have had a negative effect, but not from any fault of God’s doing.

We must be careful when reviewing and/or criticizing the system of law. If God set up a system where man could not be drawn to him and mankind would suffer for it, that makes God unjust. (Which is an impossibility)
The laws God dispensed were never meant to draw mankind. It has always been His grace that he has sought us out.

Additional:

11) – Perfection – again, means completion – indicating that the old testament covenant was not a sum total agreement

12) Change 3346_ From G3326 and G5087; to transfer, that is, (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides,

The writer sets up thought to accept a CHANGE. Which could easily be rejected, but because of the ORDER by which this change took place, there can be no argument. The writer has already soundly illustrated the superior order of Melchizedek over the Levites….Jesus belongs to that order. This closes any argument against the priesthood of Christ needing to be within the Levite tribe.

18) disannulling – 115 From G114; cancellation

19) better – 2909 - Comparative of a derivative of G2904; stronger,

      hope – 1680 - Fromἔλπω elpō which is a primary word (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: -

Verse 17 references the Psalm below. What is the writer saying in its original context? How could he say it truthfully if he is not a priest?

Psa 110:4  The LORD has made a promise that will never be broken: "You will be a priest forever, just like Melchizedek." 

PRIEST-H3548 - Active participle of H3547; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman): - chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal officer.