Free Bible Commentary
“Hebrews 7:18-25”
Categories: Hebrews“For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. And inasmuch as it was not without an oath (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, ‘The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever”’); so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.’”
---End of Scripture verses---
The Law of Moses was perfect for what God designed it to do. But, because of the very nature of its sacrificial system, it “made nothing perfect” (verse 19). The blood of animals sacrificed on the altar of atonement by fallible, mortal priests could not atone for and take away human sins. This required the perfect sacrifice of our perfect Savior who defeated death and “continues forever” holding “His priesthood permanently” in heaven (verse 24). Part of God’s intent for the Law of Moses was to bring God’s people to an awareness of their need for a Savior who was, at the same time, both the perfect Sacrifice and the perfect Priest.
When Christ died, arose and ascended to reign as our High Priest and King, there was “a setting aside of the former commandment” (18). This is just another way of saying that the Law of Moses has been done away with (Hebrews 10:9). It wasn’t a bad law for God’s former covenant people, it was just never intended to be God’s final law with mankind. In Christ Jesus we have a “better covenant” (verse 22) that has brought in a “better hope” and that allows us to “draw near to God” (verse 19). All of those fleshly lineages, futile sacrifices and physical rituals where only shadows and precursors of the rich, eternal, spiritual blessings that we receive in our covenant with God through Jesus.
Jesus “always lives to make intercession for” us (verse 25). Jesus became our perfect sacrifice so that he could save us “forever” or “completely,” in contrast to what those inadequate and imperfect sacrifices could never do under God’s former covenant with Israel. But His work on our behalf is far from being completed. He sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven intervening on our behalf in a continual, uninterrupted fashion because of His eternal life. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Please read Hebrews 7:26-28 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
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