Bible Commentaries
Hebrews 8

Verses 1-13

PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST AND AARON

CHRIST IS A PRIEST OF A BETTER COVENANT THAN AARON (Hebrews 8:0 )

Better not morally, but efficaciously, i.e., established on better promises (Hebrews 8:6 ), in the sense that they are written on the heart rather than tablets of stone (Hebrews 8:10 ); that they are universal in their application and not limited to a single people (Hebrews 8:11 ); and that they bring with them eternal forgiveness.

CHRIST IS A PRIEST OF A BETTER TABERNACLE (Hebrews 9:1-14 ) ·

It is not a material but a spiritual structure (Hebrews 9:11 ).

· It is hallowed not by the blood of beasts but by His own blood (Hebrews 9:12 ).

· It stands not for temporary but eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12-14 ).

CHRIST IS A PRIEST OF A BETTER SACRIFICE (Hebrews 9:15 to Hebrews 10:18 )

Not a sacrifice of calves and goats (Hebrews 9:19 ) but the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:23 ); · Not a sacrifice repeated every year (Hebrews 9:25 ) but offered only once (Hebrews 9:26 ); ·A sacrifice which does away with the covenant of the Old Testament and establishes that of the New (Hebrews 10:5-9 ).

The reference to the sacrifice offered but once is worked out richly: first, the fact is stated (Hebrews 9:24-26 ); secondly, an inference is drawn from it (Hebrews 10:1-3 ); third, the fact is emphasized anew (Hebrews 10:4-13 ), and finally its precious truth is applied (Hebrews 10:14-18 ).

QUESTIONS

1. In what sense is the covenant of Christ’s priesthood better than that of Aaron?

2. In what sense is it established on better promises?

3. In what sense is Christ a priest of a better tabernacle?

4. In what sense is He a priest of a better sacrifice?

5. Have you tried to work out in detail the exposition of Hebrews 9:24 to Hebrews 10:18 ?