“For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness” (Hebrews 7:18).
A toolbox usually holds a variety of tools that are designed to complete various tasks. The fact that a toolbox often holds many different tools reminds us that one tool is insufficient for every job. For instance, a tool that is perfectly adequate for one purpose may be woefully inadequate for another. This simple illustration offers some insight into our text from Hebrews 7:18.
You see, there is a troublesome question hidden away within this verse. Notice that this passage tells us that the Old Testament Law was annulled due to its “weakness and uselessness” (ESV). Yet what does that say about the God who gave us that Law? How could a good God enact a system that is characterized in such a manner?
We can address that question by noting that Hebrews 7:18 uses the term weakness (and not worthless) in describing the Law. Much like a tool in a toolbox, the Law is perfectly adequate when used to perform its intended task. The New Testament book of Galatians identifies that task for us…
“What, then, was the purpose of the Law? It was added in order to show what wrongdoing is, and it was meant to last until the coming of Abraham’s descendant, to whom the promise was made…” (Galatians 3:19 GNT).
If we are seeking to demonstrate that human beings cannot live without doing wrong, then there is no greater tool in the spiritual toolbox to accomplish that task than the Old Testament Law. But as good as the Law is in revealing sinful behavior, it can do nothing to change the internal hearts and attitudes of those who live under it. Thus, it is weak and unprofitable for that purpose.
One source offers some additional insight regarding this passage…
“The Levitical Law did its job well, pointing out the sinfulness of mankind and condemning us for it. But, as powerful as it was in that regard, it was powerless in another way. Hebrews 7:18–19 tells us that the old Law was set aside ‘because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect).’ The Law had no way of changing our sinful nature. We needed something better to accomplish that. In fact, Hebrews goes on to say that the Law was ‘only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never . . . make perfect those who draw near to worship’ (Hebrews 10:1).” (1)
We’ll continue with another perspective on this question next.
Image Credit: Toolbox_icon.jpg: Tanemoriderivative work: ויקיג’אנקי, CC BY 2.1 JP, via Wikimedia Commons
(1) GotQuestions.org, What was the purpose of the Levitical Law? Retrieved 25 June, 2022 from https://www.gotquestions.org/Levitical-Law.html