Bible Commentaries
Hebrews 8

Verse 8

The New Covenant, Summary:

(1) "Better" than the Mosaic covenant not morally, but efficaciously Hebrews 7:19; Romans 8:3; Romans 8:4.

(2) Established on "better" (i.e. unconditional) promises. In the Mosaic Covenant God said, "If ye will" Exodus 19:5; Exodus 19:5 in the New Covenant He says, "I will" Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 8:12.

(3) Under the Mosaic Covenant obedience sprang from fear Hebrews 2:2; Hebrews 12:25-27 under the New from a willing heart and mind Hebrews 8:10.

(4) The New Covenant secures the personal revelation of the Lord to every believer Hebrews 8:11.

(5) the complete oblivion of sins Hebrews 8:12; Hebrews 10:17; Hebrews 10:3.

(6) rests upon an accomplished redemption Matthew 26:27; Matthew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 9:11; Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 9:18 Hebrews 9:23.

(7) and secures the perpetuity, future conversion, and blessing of Israel. Jeremiah 31:31-40. See also "Kingdom (O.T.)," and 2 Samuel 7:8-17.

The New Covenant is the eighth, thus speaking of resurrection and of eternal completeness.

Covenant

I. The Eight Covenants, Summary:

(1) The Edenic Covenant (See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:8-10.7.17- :") conditioned the life of man in innocency.

(2) The Adamic Covenant (See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:8-10.7.17- :") conditions the life of fallen man and gives promise of a Redeemer.

(3) The Noahic Covenant (See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:8-10.7.17- :") . establishes the principle of human government.

(4) The Abrahamic Covenant (See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:8-10.7.17- :") founds the nation of Israel, and confirms, with specific additions, the Adamic promise of redemption.

(5) The Mosaic Covenant (See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:8-10.7.17- :") . condemns all men, "for that all have sinned."

(6) The Palestinian Covenant (See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:8-10.7.17- :") secures the final restoration and conversion of Israel.

(7) The Davidic Covenant (See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:8-10.7.17- :") establishes the perpetuity of the Davidic family (fulfilled in Christ), Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:31-33; Luke 1:31-33; Romans 1:3 and of the Davidic kingdom, over Israel, and over the whole earth; to be fulfilled in and by Christ ; 2 Samuel 7:8-17; Zechariah 12:8; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 15:14-17; 1 Corinthians 15:24.

(8) The New covenant rests upon the sacrifice of Christ, and secures the eternal blessedness, under the Abrahamic Covenant Galatians 3:13-29 of all who believe. It is absolutely unconditional, and, since no responsibility is by it committed to man, it is final and irreversible.

II. The relation of Christ to the eight covenants is as follows:

(1) To the Edenic Covenant, Christ, as the "second Man," the "last Adam" 1 Corinthians 15:45-47 takes the place over all things which the first Adam lost ; Colossians 2:10; Hebrews 2:7-8.

(2) He is the "Seed of the woman" of the Adamic Covenant Genesis 3:15; John 12:31; 1 John 3:8; Galatians 4:4; Revelation 20:10 and fulfilled its conditions of toil Mark 6:3 and obedience.

(3) As the greatest son of Shem, in Him was fulfilled supremely the promise to Shem in the Noahic Covenant. (See Scofield "Mark 6:3- :") Colossians 2:9.

(4) He is the "Seed to whom the promises were made" in the Abrahamic Covenant; the son of Abraham obedient unto death Genesis 22:18; Galatians 3:16; Philippians 2:8.

(5) He lived sinlessly under the Mosaic covenant and bore for us its curse. Galatians 3:10-13.

(6) He lived obediently as a Jew in the land under the Palestinian Covenant, and will yet perform it gracious promises Deuteronomy 28:1-9.

(7) He is the "Seed," "Heir," and "King" under the Davidic Covenant Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:31-33.

(8) His sacrifice is the foundation of the New Covenant Matthew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 11:25.

Verse 10

Lord

Jehovah. Jeremiah 31:33.

Verse 11

Lord

Jehovah. Jeremiah 31:34.

Verse 12

merciful (Greek - ἵλεως ). (See Scofield " :-") .

unrighteousness, sins

Sin. (See Scofield " :-") .