Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Hebrews Ch.8 / 13 Ch.s
HEB:8
* The excellence of Christ's priesthood above that of Aaron is
shown. (1-6) The great excellence of the new covenant above the
former. (7-13)
#1-6 The substance, or summary, of what had been declared was,
that Christians had such a High Priest as they needed. He took
upon himself human nature, appeared on earth, and there gave
himself as a sacrifice to God for the sins of his people. We
must not dare to approach God, or to present any thing to him,
but in and through Christ, depending upon his merits and
mediation; for we are accepted only in the Beloved. In all
obedience and worship, we should keep close to God's word, which
is the only and perfect standard. Christ is the substance and
end of the law of righteousness. But the covenant here referred
to, was that made with Israel as a nation, securing temporal
benefits to them. The promises of all spiritual blessings, and
of eternal life, revealed in the gospel, and made sure through
Christ, are of infinitely greater value. Let us bless God that
we have a High Priest that suits our helpless condition.
#7-13 The superior excellence of the priesthood of Christ, above
that of Aaron, is shown from that covenant of grace, of which
Christ was Mediator. The law not only made all subject to it,
liable to be condemned for the guilt of sin, but also was unable
to remove that guilt, and clear the conscience from the sense
and terror of it. Whereas, by the blood of Christ, a full
remission of sins was provided, so that God would remember them
no more. God once wrote his laws to his people, now he will
write his laws in them; he will give them understanding to know
and to believe his laws; he will give them memories to retain
them; he will give them hearts to love them, courage to profess
them, and power to put them in practice. This is the foundation
of the covenant; and when this is laid, duty will be done
wisely, sincerely, readily, easily, resolutely, constantly, and
with comfort. A plentiful outpouring of the Spirit of God will
make the ministration of the gospel so effectual, that there
shall be a mighty increase and spreading of Christian knowledge
in persons of all sorts. Oh that this promise might be fulfilled
in our days, that the hand of God may be with his ministers so
that great numbers may believe, and be turned to the Lord! The
pardon of sin will always be found to accompany the true
knowledge of God. Notice the freeness of this pardon; its
fulness; its fixedness. This pardoning mercy is connected with
all other spiritual mercies: unpardoned sin hinders mercy, and
pulls down judgments; but the pardon of sin prevents judgment,
and opens a wide door to all spiritual blessings. Let us search
whether we are taught by the Holy Spirit to know Christ, so as
uprightly to love, fear, trust, and obey him. All worldly
vanities, outward privileges, or mere notions of religion, will
soon vanish away, and leave those who trust in them miserable
for ever.