Hebrews (written)

Thursday, 10 January 2019

Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. Hebrews 9:21

After receiving the covenant from God, Moses slaughtered an animal and sprinkled the blood on the altar which had been erected. After that, he read the Book of the Covenant in the hearing of the people. Once that was completed, the people proclaimed, “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient” (Exodus 24:7). From there, he sprinkled the blood on the people, thus binding them to the words they uttered.

In this verse, it is noted that Moses likewise “sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry.” It is not explicitly noted in Moses’ writings that the tabernacle (literally, the tent) was sprinkled with blood. It was, however, sprinkled with anointing oil as is indicated in Exodus 40. In Exodus 29, it is seen that, for the consecration of Aaron and his sons, they and their garments were to be sprinkled with the oil and with the blood that was on the altar as well. Thus, it was probable that the same procedure with blood was a part of the Exodus 40 sprinkling, though not specifically mentioned –

“And you shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it; and you shall hallow it and all its utensils, and it shall be holy. ¹⁰ You shall anoint the altar of the burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar. The altar shall be most holy. ¹¹ And you shall anoint the laver and its base, and consecrate it.” Exodus 40:9-11

A great deal of work went into making all of these things, and many of them were made of fabric which was extremely beautiful, such as the garments of Aaron and his sons. Here is a part of their description –

“And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. So they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to Me as priest. ⁵ They shall take the gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and the fine linen, ⁶ and they shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, artistically worked. ⁷ It shall have two shoulder straps joined at its two edges, and so it shall be joined together. ⁸ And the intricately woven band of the ephod, which is on it, shall be of the same workmanship, made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen.” Exodus 28:4-8

The actual detail of the workmanship in these garments goes on for many more verses. After all of this care and attention, Moses sprinkled them with blood. This would have permanently stained those things which were made of fabric. This was a lesson that everything on earth was tainted at the fall, including the people. Therefore, to symbolize their corrupt nature and their need for atonement, they were sprinkled with blood to symbolically purify them.

This is actually what Peter is referring to in the opening words of his first epistle –

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, ² who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” 1 Peter 1:1, 2

Life application: What does God see when He looks at you? If He sees you without the covering of Christ’s sacrifice, He looks upon you in wrath, because – by your very nature – you are a child of wrath. But if He looks upon the blood of His Son sprinkled on you, then you have moved to a propitious place of favor! As those things of the Old Covenant only anticipated Christ, why would anyone consider going back under it? The blood which was sprinkled was only effective in how it looked forward to Calvary’s cross. The law, which included the sprinkling of animal blood, did nothing to truly cleanse the people. Only in Christ does that occur.

O God, Your word says that the blood of Jesus can cleanse our souls. It can take away all stain of sin. Now we can stand righteous in Your presence, but not because of our own goodness. Rather, it is because of the righteousness of Christ. It is in Christ alone that we are washed and cleansed! Thank You for Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday, 9 January 2019

…saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” Hebrews 9:20

This continues what was stated in the previous verse. The author explained what rites were accomplished in the cutting of the covenant at Sinai, and now he shows what words accompanied the rite of sprinkling. It is speaking of Moses’ ratification of the Old Covenant. Moses was given specific directions about every single thing he was to do and how he was to do it. When he did something, he did it speaking as an appointed instrument, subordinate to the One who appointed him. As it says, “which God has commanded.”

The fact that God directed all things to be done, and that He also commanded the people within the covenant itself, shows that the covenant is one between a Superior and subordinates. The people agreed to accept the leadership of the Lord, and to do those things which He determined should be done. This then was ratified in the blood of covenant-victim. However, there is a difference between what occurred at Sinai, and what occurred in Christ.

When Jesus gave the New Covenant, it was on His own authority: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:20).

This is similar to when prophets of old spoke or acted –

“When Elisha came into the house, there was the child, lying dead on his bed. ³³ He went in therefore, shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the Lord.” 2 Kings 4:32, 33

Elisa prayed to the Lord for restoration of the dead. However, Jesus spoke and acted under His own authority –

“Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’ ¹⁵ So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.” Luke 7:14, 15

Life application: The supremacy of Christ is a concept which has been and will continue to be analyzed in the book of Hebrews, sometimes subtly as in the verse looked at in this commentary. Jesus is “greater than” in all ways because He is the incarnation of the LORD Jehovah. The Old Testament conceals Him; the New reveals Him. Don’t miss the mark by worshiping a false Christ found in a false gospel, such as the “Jehovah’s Witnesses” of today do. Theirs is an ancient heresy going back to a man named Arius which has continued to infect right doctrine throughout the ages. Further, when verses speak of keeping the Lord’s commandments (such a 1 John 2:3, 4), it is referring to the commands of the Lord within the New Covenant context. It cannot be speaking of the Law of Moses, because that law is obsolete and set aside. This is an even older heresy put forth by Judaizers, which is warned about in Paul’s New Testament epistles, especially Galatians. Be aware of the deceit of such false doctrines. Worshiping incorrectly because of belief in a false Christ can only end in death and condemnation.

Lord God, You have set us free from the bondage of our sin and from the bondage of the law which highlights our sin, through the blood of Christ. We can worship You in a way never possible before because of what Jesus did first. Help us to always hold fast to the glorious truth of the gospel which brings freedom from bondage, and also full fellowship with You. Help us to always walk in the light of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 8 January 2019

For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, Hebrews 9:19

The words now give a general description of the rites associated with the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant as has been discussed in verses 9:16-18. “For when Moses” shows that the author has been referring specifically to the Mosaic Covenant. His words have not been speaking of either a “will” or a “testament,” but a covenant. At that time, “Moses had spoken every precept to all the people.” That is seen in Exodus 24:6, which will be cited below. The words he read out to the people were “according to the law.” In other words, he read the agreement which was to be ratified between the Lord and the people, openly and fully. There was nothing hidden from their ears concerning the covenant.

After that, “he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the book itself and all the people.” The details here do not specifically match what was stated in Exodus 24. For example, it only says “oxen” were sacrificed as burnt and peace offerings. However, the term, “calves and goats,” could be a simple all-inclusive idiom. Or, it could be that the goats were part of an unrecorded sin-offering. Further, the mixture of water, scarlet wool, and hyssop is not specifically referred to in Exodus 24. This doesn’t mean Moses didn’t do this, but rather that it is simply unrecorded. In this, the author is detailing what was known to have occurred.

As an explanation of these things, the mixture mentioned included –

1) The blood of calves and goats. This indicates that young and innocent lives were sacrificed to seal the covenant when accepted by the people. The exact animals, and how they point to Christ, are discussed in the corresponding Superior Word sermons.

2) The water. This was mixed into the blood as a foreshadowing of the blood and water that came from Christ’s side –

“But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” John 19:34

3) The scarlet wool. This points to Jesus’ sacrifice and the cleansing it provides –

“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’
Says the Lord,
‘Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.’” Isaiah 1:18

4) The hyssop. This is a plant similar to mint and was symbolic of the cleansing power of Jesus. David uses the terminology of such cleansing –

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

The procedure Hebrews is alluding to is mentioned in the book of Exodus, and the mental picture it provides is sobering –

“And Moses took half the blood and put it in basins, and half the blood he sprinkled on the altar. ⁷ Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, ‘All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.’ ⁸ And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.’” Exodus 24:6-8

Even the people were sprinkled with the blood of the covenant. This made it binding on them as they said, “we will do, and be obedient.” However, as Paul states elsewhere –

“But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for ‘the just shall live by faith.’” Galatians 3:11

As you can see, the people promised something they could never fulfill. God knew this, but in His great mercy He provided a covering for them each year on the Day of Atonement; a day which looked ahead to its fulfillment in Jesus.

Life application: The rites of the Old Covenant continually looked forward to their fulfillment in Christ Jesus. They were only types and shadows of what was to come in Him. They actually did nothing but anticipate His fulfillment of these things. To understand what has only been briefly discussed in this verse’s commentary, go back and watch all of the Superior Word sermons in the Pentateuch. You will have a well-rounded understanding of the typology presented there, as well as its fulfillment in Christ.

Lord God, looking at the intricacies of Your plan of redemption, we can see the absolute wisdom in all You have done, and the glory of the promises which are yet ahead for those who have come to You in faith through Christ. Truly, we stand in awe of this plan – from Genesis to Revelation. Glory and praises – they surely belong to You! Amen.

Monday, 7 January 2019

Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. Hebrews 9:18

The words here are based on the facts presented in verses 9:16 and 9:17. Because a covenant requires the death of a covenant-victim, and because a covenant only has force after the death of that covenant-victim, there must be blood presented to prove the death of the covenant-victim. That is the basis for the word, “Therefore.” From there, the author then explains the necessity of blood with the words, “not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood.”

Here, the first covenant is speaking of the Mosaic Covenant, not the Abrahamic Covenant. Though both were dedicated through the death of covenant-victims, it is the covenant which came through Moses which is being referred to right now. That will be made explicit in the next verse.

This verse actually settles the issue as to which translation is correct in the previous verses where some say “testament,” and some say “covenant.” The issue all along has been referring to the covenant of Christ in comparison to the covenant through Moses. Thus, translations which say, “testament,” are wrong and require a pen and ink note with the correct terminology.

As a point of biblical theology, the term “scarlet thread” is used by some to indicate the symbolism which permeates the Bible concerning the need for substitutionary atonement. Substitutionary atonement is a big term, but one which is easily explained. The Bible says that the wages of sin is death. This means that a person must die for sin in their life – both original sin and sin committed in life. However, a substitute may die in place of the offender. From the first pages of the Bible in Genesis, until the last book of Revelation, this concept is held to and never deviated from. Either we die in our own sin, eternally separated from God, or a substitutionary life is given on our behalf. When Adam and Eve fell, God provided the offering on their behalf –

“Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.” Genesis 3:21

When humans from all ages face God at the great white throne judgment, the same concept will apply –

“But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Revelation 21:27

In the Genesis account, an innocent animal was killed to “cover” Adam and Eve, thus symbolizing the covering of their sins. It was a foreshadowing of the true Substitution fond in Christ. In the Revelation account, it is the “Lamb’s Book of Life” which records those who have received His substitutionary atonement – either looking forward to Messiah, or looking back on what He has done. Jesus’ death is the only true covering for fallen man. This is the scarlet thread which is poetically referred to concerning the blood of the Substitute. It all points to Christ.

Life application: 1) Don’t get stuck on one translation of the Bible. Your theology will always suffer by following this unscholarly approach to Bible study. 2) Anyone who has not personally accepted Jesus’ work will be eternally condemned. It is a sacrifice of God’s choosing, not ours, which is acceptable. If you are relying on the sacrifices of donations, good deeds, or right living to please God, you’ve missed the mark…condemnation awaits. Trust in Jesus alone today.

O God, open our eyes to the simplicity of Your gospel of peace. May we not stumble over it in our attempts to please You through our own works and lose our souls in the process. May we readily receive the grace revealed in the sacrifice of Jesus which opens the door of restoration and healing for us. And it is in His glorious and beautiful name we pray. Amen.

Sunday, 6 January 2019

For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. Hebrews 9:17

Again, as in the previous verse, the word “testament” is not correct. This has not been, is not, and will not be the subject of the discussion. It is a “covenant” which is being referred to. A proper translation of these words would be, “for a covenant over dead victims is stedfast, since it is no force at all when the covenant-victim liveth” (Young’s Literal Translation). It is with this proper translation that the words will be evaluated.

As it says, “for a covenant over dead victims is steadfast.” The words in Greek literally read, “for a covenant over death.” In other words, a covenant is made over the death which occurred. From there, that covenant was in force, and it remained that way. The covenant was cut, the animals were slaughtered, and the agreement was made in the sprinkling of the blood, proving the death which sealed the covenant. If a new covenant were to be introduced, it would supersede the old one. This is why the author firmly stated in verse 7:18 that the “former regulation is set aside,” and in verse 8:13 that “he has made the first one obsolete.”

However, the first could neither be set aside, nor made obsolete, while the covenant-victim of the coming covenant was alive. As Young’s says, “since it is no force at all when the covenant-victim liveth.” This was true with the Old Covenant. It had no power at all until the covenant-victims were slaughtered. And it is true with the New Covenant as well. In order for the New Covenant to come into effect, the covenant-victim, in this case Christ Jesus, had to die. The author will spend the next several verses speaking about this process, and he will finish the chapter with the thought of Christ’s death and what it means for those who have received Him.

In this regard, the idea of a will is like that of a covenant. Can you imagine standing in a court with a superseded will, knowing it to be so, and arguing why it should be accepted and the newer one rejected? If all was in order with the newer will, the court could find no reason for your argument and your case would be dismissed. How much more, then, should we accept that God, as a fully competent Executor of the New Covenant, has ordained that we live by that same New Covenant which He provided at the cost of His own beloved Son!

Clinging to the Law of Moses is actually an indication that one has failed to trust the promises and benefits of the New Covenant established over the death of the Lord. Hebrews, above all other books of the New Testament, makes the point absolutely clear that we are living under new guidelines and with better precepts. To reinstitute dietary laws, mandatory tithing, or any other precept from the law is to live by “another gospel” than that which has been proclaimed in the Person and work of Jesus Christ.

Life application: We need to be exceedingly careful that if we follow precepts which were mandated under the Mosaic Covenant, it is because of our freedom in Christ and not because of a belief that we are somehow justified by our actions. Further, we are never (times infinity, plus one) to teach another person that they must adhere to a precept found in the obsolete and replaced Law of Moses. We are to teach the grace of Jesus Christ, and the principles laid out in the New Testament which are based on that.

Heavenly Father – You alone know our failings and the areas where our doctrine is weak and ineffective. Transform our thinking to be in line with the precepts and guidelines that You have carefully and clearly laid out for us in the pages of Your word, the Holy Bible. And may those precepts and guidelines be in accord with the New Covenant of grace, found in Jesus our Lord. Amen.