The author of Hebrews spent much of chapter seven identifying several deficiencies that were inherent within the Old Covenant. For instance, the Old Covenant was…
- Imperfect (Hebrews 7:11).
- Weak and unprofitable (Hebrews 7:18).
- Ineffective (Hebrews 7:19).
- Officiated by ever-changing ministers (Hebrews 7:23).
- Presided over by priests who had to atone for their sins before they were permitted to minister on behalf of others (Hebrews 7:27-28).
In contrast, Jesus is a sinless, eternal, perfect high priest who is “…able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). This is in addition to Jesus’ demonstrated superiority over angelic beings (Hebrews 1:4-14) and leaders such as Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6) and Joshua (Hebrews 4:8-9).Thus, “As a result, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant” (Hebrews 7:22 CEB).
Our author will begin a new thought here in Hebrews chapter eight by turning to one of Israel’s most famous prophets: Jeremiah. God spoke through the pen of this Old Testament prophet to foretell the advent of a new covenant, one that Jesus initiated through His sacrificial death. But first, our author will set the stage for that discussion by distilling his message into one summary point in verse one.
Therefore, we can view Hebrews chapter eight much like we view the concepts of past, present, and future. This brief chapter will reach back to the past in referencing the prophet Jeremiah. It will establish a link to the present with a practical summary of the author’s message in verse one. Finally, it will look forward in establishing a foundation for the important teachings that will follow in Hebrews chapters nine and ten.
The following commentator thus prepares us for our upcoming look at Hebrews chapter eight…
“The writer to the Hebrews has finished describing the priesthood after the order of Melchizedek in all its glory. He has described it as the priesthood which is for ever, without beginning and without end; the priesthood that God confirmed with an oath; the priesthood that is founded on personal greatness and not on any legal appointment or racial qualification; the priesthood which death cannot touch; the priesthood which is able to offer a sacrifice that never needs to be repeated; the priesthood which is so pure that it has no necessity to offer sacrifice for any sins of its own.
Now he makes and underlines his great claim. ‘It is.’ he says, ‘a priest precisely like that that we have in Jesus.'” (1)
(1) Barclay, William. William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible, “The Way To Reality (Heb_8:1-6)”