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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS

CHAPTER EIGHT:
“MEDIATOR OF NEW COVENANT
WITH BETTER PROMISES”

Key Word: Covenant
Theme Verse: 6

Hebrews 8:1-6 – We Have a Priest and Mediator

HE8:1 Now let us summarize what we have been saying: 282 We [Hebrew Christians] have a High Priest, who sat down on the right hand of 283 [Psalm 110:1] the Throne of the Magnificent in the heavens. 284

282	Now let us summarize what we have been saying: Or, KJV: now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum; ASV: chief point; RHM: crowning point; BER: main point; MON: the pith; TCN: to sum up. Paul continues to write as “we”.

283

Have a High Priest, who sat down on the right hand of: [KJV] Or, TCN: such is the high priest that we have; PME: we have an ideal high priest such as has been described above. Paul alludes again to Psalm 110:1. Compare the other occurrences at Hebrews 1:3, 13; Hebrews 10:12, 13. This ‘sitting down at God’s right hand’ occurred upon Christ’s ascension to heaven. [1 Corinthians 15:25; see notes on Ephesians 1:20; Revelation 3:21]

284

The Throne of the Magnificent in the heavens: Or, KJV: throne of the Majesty; WEY: God’s Majesty; WMS: God’s majestic throne; BAS: God’s high seat of glory in heaven; NOR: the throne of the Almighty in heaven. Compare such a phrase used earlier in Hebrews 1:3. Such would be in fulfillment of Daniel 7:13.

HE8:2 [He is] a priestly officiate to the people 285 in the Holy Places of the True Tent 286 which the Sovereign LORD pitched and not any human. 287

285

[He is] a priestly officiate to the people: [WMS] Or, KJV: a minister of; RHM: a public minister; NEB a ministrant; BER: an administrator of things holy. The Greek is LEITOURGOS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3011] means literally “a public servant (or, worker)” in matters related to temple worship. The word is used at Roman 13:6 in relation to a public civil servant.

286

In the Holy Places of the True Tent: [ABU, BAS] Or, KJV: sanctuary… true tabernacle; RHM: Real Tent; BER: real tabernacle. The word “tent” is to occur 10 times. See notes on Hebrews 9:2, 3, 6, 8, 11, 21; 13:10. In Hebrews 9:11 it is called the “greater and more perfect tent.” The reference is to the Tabernacle of Moses. In Leviticus 1:1 it is called “tent of meeting” where Israel assembled unto their God. It will be most beneficial to read Exodus chapters 25-27. Paul will go on to discuss these matters in detail in chapter 9.

287

Which the Sovereign LORD pitched and not any human: [KJV] Or, BAS: put up. The Greek is literally “pegged” as in a tent. The LORD here would be YHWH of Exodus. The phrase “not any human” may be a way of saying “not of a human origin,” or, “not of earthly construction.” Compare something similar at 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2.

HE8:3 For every high priest is ordained to approach [God] 288 with a presentation of gift-offerings and sacrifices. 289 So it was also necessary for [our High Priest] to have something to offer to [God]. 290

288	For every high priest is ordained to approach [God]: Or, KJV: for every high priest is ordained to; ASV: appointed; BAS: given authority to take to God. Compare notes on Hebrew 5:1.

289	With a presentation of gift-offerings and sacrifices: Or, KJV: gifts and sacrifices; BAS: make offerings; WEY: to offer both bloodless gifts and sacrifices. See Numbers chapter 18 and elsewhere on the variety of such offerings.

290

So it was also necessary for [our High Priest] to have something to offer to [God]: [RHM] Or, KJV: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have some what also to offer; AMP: essential; WEY: have some offering to present; GDS: some sacrifice to offer. What this is Paul will go on to explain in chapter 9. The idea was introduced in Hebrews 1:3.

HE8:4 Now, if [Jesus] were still on earth he would not be a priest 291 because there are already those [Jewish priests] who approach [God] 292 with gift-offerings according to the Law [of Moses]. 293

291

If [Jesus] were still on earth he would not be a priest: [WEY] Or, KJV: for if he were on earth he should not be a priest; PME: Now if he were still living on earth. The phrase has a strong inference that the Jewish Temple was still functioning, proving Hebrews was written before 70 CE. Paul has already shown that Jesus did not come from Levi, but rather the non-priestly tribe of Judah. See notes on Hebrews 7:14.

292	Because there are already those [Jewish priests] who approach [God]: [TCN] Or, KJV: seeing that there are priests that offer gifts; BAS: there are other priests who. Indicating the Jewish temple service was still in operation when Hebrews was written.

293	With gift-offerings according to the Law [of Moses]: [KJV] Or, MON: present the gifts; WMS: who officiate in accordance with the law in offering the gifts; GDS: Law prescribes; BEC: demanded by the Law. [Numbers chapter 18]

HE8:5 [These Jewish priests] who worship [God] are an example and a shadow of the heavenly things. 294 It is just as Moses – when he was about to finish the Tent 295 – was cautioned by God, 296 “See to it you do everything according to the type 297 shown you in the mountain.” [Exodus 25:40]

294

Example and a shadow of the heavenly things: [KJV] Or, ASV: copy; RHM: a glimpse; ALF: delineation and shadow; MOF: mere outline; CON: a figure; PME: these men are serving what is only a pattern or reproduction of things that exist in heaven; GDS: shadow and imitation; TAY: a mere earthly model of the real tabernacle in heaven; NWT: typical representation. Paul will go on to develop this idea. See notes on Hebrews 9:9, 24. Paul uses this same thought in Colossians 2:17, “These are but a shadow of future things, the reality of the Messiah.” Compare notes on Hebrews 10:1. Only Paul uses the analogy of a shadow that casts a rough outline of the real image. Compare 1 Corinthians 13:12. Judging from these remarks the tent and priestly service are examples and shadows of “heavenly things.”

295

Moses – when he was about to finish the Tent: Or, KJV: make the tabernacle; RHM: about to complete; TCN: about to construct; WEY: about to build; RSV: about to erect; GDS: going to make the tent of worship. Some translate this as though Moses had not begun, while others after he had started and was about to complete, as though he might have left something out.

296	Was cautioned by God: [PME] Or, KJV: admonished; RHM: received intimation; BER: instructed; BAS: special orders; WEY: divine instructed; ASV: warned. [Exodus 25:9]

297

According to the type: Or, KJV: pattern; RHM: model; ABUV: example; BAS: design. The Greek is TYPON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5179] is from a root to stamp as in cast a die from which “typewriter” is based. In prophetic matters a “type” is a pattern, outline, or shadow prefiguring something in general representation. Paul here quotes Exodus 25:40 as it is in the Jewish Greek LXX. The Hebrew Text has TABNIYTH [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #8403] which is literally “structure” but implies model, resemblance, figure, form, likeness, pattern, similitude. [Compare also Exodus 26:30] Numbers 8:4 has it has a “vision.” Stephen also quotes this in Acts 7:44 using TYPON. This is most interesting because Saul of Tarsus was present and thus heard this application.

HE8:6 However, now [Jesus] has acquired a very different priestly office in behalf of the people, 298 as he is a mediator of a much better covenant, 299 which is also lawfully based on superior promises. 300

298

Now [Jesus] has acquired a very different priestly office in behalf of the people: [BER, GDS] Or, KJV: now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry; RHM: a more distinguished public ministry; MOF: divine service he has obtained is superior; CON: a higher ministry; WEY: all the nobler a ministry; TCN: a ministry as far excelling theirs.

299

As he is a mediator of a much better covenant: Or, KJV: by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant; RHM: by as much as of a better covenant also he is mediator; TCN: intermediary; WEY: negotiator of a sublimer covenant; MOF: owing to the fact that he mediates a superior covenant; KNX: nobler covenant; PME: higher agreement. See notes on Hebrews 12:24. [1 Timothy 2:4] Why a “better covenant” is to be explained. Compare notes on Hebrews 7:22 and Hebrews 9:15.

300

Lawfully based on superior promises: Or, KJV: established upon better promises; RHM: upon better promises hath been legislated; PME: rests upon higher promises; WEY: based upon sublimer promises; KNX: with nobler promises for its sanctions; BER: more excellent promises. Paul has already discussed God’s oath and a better promise in Psalm 110:4. Compare notes on Hebrews 6:13-20 and Hebrews 7:18-25. The “better promises” may also include heavenly glory as children of God. [See notes on Romans 8:17 in Nazarene Commentary 2000.]

Hebrews 8:7-12 – A New Covenant

HE8:7 For if the first [covenant] was without fault, 301 it is unlikely a second [covenant] would be sought. 302

301

For if the first [covenant] was without fault: [KJV] Or, BER: for if that first covenant had been flawless; WEY: free from imperfection; AMP: without defect; KNX: if there had been no fault to find with the first; PME: if the first agreement had proved satisfactory. Paul has already dealt with this aspect from another angle. Compare notes on Hebrews 7:11, 18. By “covenant” Paul includes all of the Law of Moses, including the Ten Commandments as inferred in Jeremiah 31:31-34 which is to now quote. See notes on Romans 7:7-12 in Nazarene Commentary 2000.

302	It is unlikely a second [covenant] would be sought: Or, KJV: then should no place have been sought for the second; MON: would have no need for a second; TCN: no occasion for a second. [Hebrews 7:11, 18]

HE8:8 Note how [God] finds fault with the people 303 of [Israel] when He says, “‘Behold! Days are coming,’ YHWH says, ‘and I will conclude 304 with the House of Israel and with the House of Judah 305 a New Covenant 306

303

[God] finds fault with the people: [MOF] Or, KJV: for finding fault with them; GDS: dissatisfaction with them. Paul writes similarly in Romans. See notes on Romans 9:3 in Nazarene Commentary 2000. Paul’s proof lies in Jeremiah 31:31-34 which he now quotes – ‘Because they did not remain in My covenant and so I showed no concern for them,’ says the LORD. Jeremiah chapter 31:15 is also quoted at Matthew 2:18.

304	I will conclude: [RHM] Or, ABUV: complete; ALF: accomplish; NAS: effect; WEY: establish; TCN: ratify.

305

With the House of Israel and with the House of Judah: The promise is made to both the northern ten-tribe House of Israel and the southern two-tribe House of Judah. God sees beyond their division over idolatrous worship with one capitol in Samaria and another in Jerusalem. This division still existed in Jesus’ day. [John 4:20-24] This infers some kind of reunification. [Ezekiel 37:15-28; Revelation 7:1-8]

306

A New Covenant: [KJV] Or, RHM: a covenant of a new sort; GDS: a new agreement. The phrase “new covenant” occurs also at Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6. Luke was a traveling companion of Paul’s so it is interesting they would both use “new covenant.” [Compare also Hebrews 9:15; 12:24.] A “covenant” is a contractual agreement between two parties generally with conditions and sanctions.

HE8:9 unlike the covenant which I made with their forefathers 307 in that day when I took hold of their hand and led them out of Egypt. Because they did not remain in My covenant 308 and so I showed no concern for them,’ 309 says YHWH. 310

307

Unlike the covenant which I made with their forefathers: [GDS] Or, KJV: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers; TCN: not such a covenant as I made with their ancestors; MOF: it will not be on the lines of the covenant I made. [Deuteronomy 4:23] Note Paul’s contrast between the two covenants at 2 Corinthians 3:3ff. Compare Jeremiah 34:13.

308

They did not remain in My covenant: Or, KJV: because they continued not in my covenant; RHM: abode not; TCN: did not abide; MOF: would not hold to; WEY: not remain faithful to; NEB: did not abide by the terms of that covenant; NOR: did not stick to their agreement. [Deuteronomy 32:15; Psalm 132:12] As a whole the nation of Israel failed to observe all the terms of Yehowah’s covenant. The word “covenant” occurs 344 times in the Bible. On Israel’s failure compare Psalm 78:10, 37; Isaiah 24:5; Jeremiah 11:10; 22:9; Ezekiel 44:7; Hosea 8:1; Malachi 2:8, 10.

309

And so I showed no concern for them: Or, KJV: I regarded them not; RHM: disregarded; BEC: turned away; CON: turned my face from; GDS: paid no attention to them; MOF: so I let them alone; WMS: did not care for them; AMP: withdrew my favor; NEB: I abandoned them. This would have been particularly manifest in the destruction of both the northern kingdom of Israel and later the southern kingdom of Judah. This general rejection would occur a second time in the years 66-73 CE. Compare the original conditions in Moses’ blessings and cursings in Deuteronomy chapter 28 in which some see the Holocaust and the death of millions of Jews. Isaiah 63:19 puts it this way: “We are become as they over whom you never bear rule, as those who were not called by your name.” [WEB] Though Paul writes Israel is under a curse as a whole, a remnant will be saved and points to himself as one Israelite not rejected. [Compare notes on Romans 9:3 and Romans 11:1, 26 in Nazarene Commentary 2000.]

310	Says YHWH: This would be YHWH in the Hebrew Text and the most ancient copies of LXX. That is, “Yehowah says.”

HE8:10 ‘Because this is the [new] covenant which I will covenant with the House of Israel 311 after those days,’ says YHWH, ‘giving my laws into their understanding minds. 312 And upon their hearts I will write [My laws]. 313 Then I will be a God to them, 314 and they will be a people to Me. 315

311

This is the [new] covenant which I will covenant with the House of Israel: [ABU] Or, KJV: this is the covenant that I will make with; GDS: agreement. Here there is no division between Israel and Judah – it is just the whole House of Israel with its twelve tribes. [See notes on James 1:1 in Nazarene Commentary 2000.] Paul writes that there is an “inner Jew” and a “real Israel.” See notes on Romans 2:28, 29 and Romans 9:6, 7 in Nazarene Commentary 2000. Paul speaks of the Church of Christ as the “seed of Abraham” [Galatians 3:29] and the “Israel of God.” [Galatians 6:16] The Jews and non-Jews who have become Christians are now one people. [See notes on Ephesians 2:14, 16, 19-22.]

312

Giving my laws into their understanding minds: [RHM] Or, KJV: I will put my law into their mind; TCN: impress my laws on their minds; AMP: imprint; KNX: implant my law in their inner-most thoughts; BER: fix my laws. Paul makes a passing reference to this in Romans 2:15, 29. [See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000.]

313

Upon their hearts I will write [My laws]: [ASV] Or, KJV: and write them in their hearts; RHM: upon their hearts also will I inscribe them; KNX: engraved it in their hearts. This is also repeated by Paul at 2 Corinthians 3:3, 6. By reducing the essence of that Law written on stones into two basic principles – a) love of God; and, b) love of neighbor – these can easily be embedded in the hearts of believers. Compare Galatians 5:14. [See notes on Romans 13:8 in Nazarene Commentary 2000.]

314

Then I will be a God to them: [RHM] Or, KJV: and I will be to them a God, Many versions only say “God” while the THEOS is anarthrous [without the article] and thus it should be “a God.” The phrase also infers He is not a God to the House of Israel who broke His covenant. This and the following phrase is only used of His covenant People Israel, whether the “old” Israel or the “new” Israel. [Leviticus 26:12; Ezekiel 37:27; Zechariah 8:8] Note the same language is used of those in the New Jerusalem at Revelation 21:3. [See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000.]

315

They will be a people to Me: [KJV] Or, RHM: they shall become my people. The phrase indicates the former who did not keep his covenant were no longer His people, but that future House of Israel would become His People. Compare notes on Revelation 21:3 in Nazarene Commentary 2000. This would include non-Jewish peoples. [See notes on Ephesians 2:15 in Nazarene Commentary 2000. (1 Peter 2:10)]

HE8:11 They will never teach each other’s fellow-citizen, nor each other’s brother by saying: 316 “Know the Sovereign LORD.” 317 Because they will all know Me 318 from the least important to the greatest. 319

316

They will never teach each other’s fellow-citizen, nor each other’s brother by saying: [WMS, RHM] Or, GDS: their townsmen; BER: neighbor; MOF: fellow. What they do not have to teach is, “Know Yehowah.” In the nation of Israel every child born had to be taught who Yehowah was. In the New Covenant Israel of God those who become disciple of the Nazarene already know who The God is.

317

Know the Sovereign LORD: [KJV] RHM: get to know the Lord; BER: get acquainted with the Lord. The phrase is from Jeremiah 31:34 and in the Hebrew Text YHWH occurs, thus, “Know Yehowih.” [YADA (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3045) YEHOWIH (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3068)] Thus, without an article. In the Jewish Greek LXX the phrase is GNOTHI TON KYRION as it is here in Hebrews. Though it is possible Paul used YHWH there is no material evidence in any of the thousands of manuscripts. [Hosea 2:20] If the Septuagint Paul either possessed or was familiar with had YHWH then it seems it would read “Know YHWH.”

318

They will all know Me: Or, KJV: for all shall know me. Interestingly the Greek is another word for “will know” – EIDESOUSIN from which the English “idea” is derived. “They will all have some idea of Me.” The ‘knowing’ is of Yehowah. Those Christians who do not know Yehowah could not consider themselves in the New Covenant. This is one good reason why Christians should “thinking upon His Name.” [Malachi 3:16]

319

From the least important to the greatest: [TAY] Or, KJV: least to the greatest; NEB: small to great; MOF: low and high. There are degrees in the Kingdom membership. [See notes on Matthew 11:11, 12 in Nazarene Commentary 2000.] Usually the terminology small or least is used of women, the young, the elderly, and the ill; while, “great” is used of appointed men of reputation. Examples of this may be seen in Galatians 2:2, 9 where Paul has not yet become one of the “greatest” to have ever ministered in the Church. Consider Acts 9:36-42 where one of the great meets one of the least. Note that it is the “least” of Christ’s brothers by which the sheep and goats are judged. [See notes on Matthew 25:40 in Nazarene Commentary 2000.]

HE8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, 320 and their sins I will never remember.’” 321 [Jeremiah 31:31-34]

320	For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness: [KJV] Or, RHM: because propitious will I be to their unrighteousnesses; ASV: to their iniquities; AMP: merciful and gracious; NEB: wicked deeds; TCN: wrong-doings; GDS: misdeeds. Paul will go on to discuss this further. [Hebrews 10:17, 18]

321

And their sins I will never remember: [WMS] Or, KJV: their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more; RHM: and of their sins in nowise will I be mindful any more; BAS: I will not keep their sins in mind. [See notes on Hebrews 10:17, 18.] If Psalm 103:12 was true with certain qualifications under the Law, how much greater that under the New Covenant? [Isaiah 43:25; Micah 7:19] Compare notes on Romans 11:27 in Nazarene Commentary 2000.

HE8:13 By the use of the word, “New,” [God] had made the first [covenant] “old.” 322 Now, what is “old” is becoming older and is about to disappear. 323

322

By the use of the word, “New,” [God] had made the first [covenant] “old”: Or, KJV: in that he saith, A new covenant he hath made the first old; BER: by saying, “new” he puts the first out of date; GDS: when he speaks of a new agreement he is treating the first one as obsolete; TCN: renders the former covenant obsolete; MOF: he antiquates the first; KNX: superannuated the old. Compare notes on Romans 10:4 in Nazarene Commentary 2000. [Hebrews 7:12]

323

Now, what is “old” is becoming older and is about to disappear: Or: KJV: now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away; RHM: becoming obsolete and aged; CON: old and stricken in years; WEY: decaying and showing signs of old age; ABU: wearing out with age; PME: grows weak and out of date; TCN: becomes obsolete and loses its force; RHM: disappearing; BER: vanishing point; NEB: will shortly disappear; PME: going to be dispensed with altogether. It seems fair to conclude that the old Law covenant still existed but would soon disappear or vanish with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Compare notes on Matthew 23:38 and Ephesians 2:14 in Nazarene Commentary 2000.

Review Questions on Chapter Eight

Summary of Chapter Eight

Paul stresses his main point or theme: Jesus Christ is a High Priest and a mediator of a better covenant. For the first time he mentions a “true tent” not of this creation. He also introduces some words he will go on to use – “type,” “example,” and “shadow.” His basis for this is Exodus 25:40. He then proceeds to prove there is better covenant by citing Jeremiah 31:31-35. His point is that the first covenant with Israel was faulty and had it not been there would be no reason to seek a new covenant. This new covenant involves two major things: a) a different form of law on the heart; and, b) a complete forgiveness of sin.