In this article I refer to Jesus by his Hebrew name – Yeshua, and by his title, “the Messiah” – HaMashiach. Together the are seen as Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Messiah.
I have frequently heard it said that “we are no longer under the law, we are now under grace.” This idea is often supported by a quote of either Matthew 5:17 or Hebrews 8:13. Those who have believed in God have never been under the law. They have always been the recipients of His grace.
People often times tie this idea of being “under the law” to the “Old Covenant”, and that of being “under grace” to the “New Covenant.”
They are right in one manner – we are not under the “Old Covenant”, we are under the “New Covenant”. But, it is clear from this study that the “Old” Covenant” pertains to the priesthood of Aaron, not “the law.” The “New Covenant” pertains to the priesthood of Jesus Christ and does not absolve us from a responsibility to Torah. James says, “faith without obedience is dead faith.”
Hebrews 7:11 “Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.”
A common mistake made when approaching Hebrews 7 is in believing that the administration of the entire law (Mosaic Covenant) was the responsibility of the Levites. Scriptures clearly point out that the Levites were responsible for the maintenance and administration of the tabernacle/temple and the sacrificial system. The administration of civil law was made the responsibility of men from all of the tribes of Israel prior to the giving of the law at Sinai. (Exodus 18:13-26)
Examining Hebrews 7:11 in its proper context – that in relationship to the Levitical priesthood, and not the entire Mosaic Law – we understand that the perfection spoken of was not necessarily a utopian society, but the cleansing/perfecting of that society (or bride) through the Levitical administration of sacrifice and offering. Hebrews 6:13 – 10:39 clearly deals specifically with the Levitical priesthood and has nothing to do with the civil administration of the “Old Covenant/Testament.”
The establishment of the civil administration for the developing Hebrew nation is found in Exodus 18 and in Deuteronomy16.
Exodus 18:13 “The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; 16 when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” 17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.” 24 So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. 25 Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 26 And they judged the people at all times. Any hard case they brought to Moses, but any small matter they decided themselves.:”
Deuteronomy 16:18 “Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly.”
Returning back to Hebrews 6:12 we find it says, “For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.”
Understanding this verse in its proper context we should be able to recognize that this statement rings true today. The President of the United States is currently involved in the process of replacing one of the Supreme Court Justices. The process is of significant interest to both political parties because both parties recognize the potential changes that may occur, not in the statutory law of the US, but in the interpretation and application of these statutes. It was the same for the Levitical priesthood.
The High Priest of Israel acted in a similar capacity. He acted as the Chief Justice of the courts of Israel. See Exodus 18:26. Numbers 35:22-34 also shows a change in the law that occurs through the death of the High Priest.
Every change of the High Priest, from Aaron on caused a change in the law to occur. The “letter” of the law would not change, but the application of the law was subject to the interpretation of the acting High Priest. It is only through our perfect and eternal High Priest, Yeshua, that we can be confident that the interpretation of his law does will not change and as the Psalmist stated, “are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.” Psalm 119:160
It is very important that we read the scriptures in context, not adding or subtracting. Again, the context of Hebrews 6:13 – chapter 10 is the establishment of the superior and eternal priesthood of Yeshua HaMashiach.
Each mention of a “new testament” in the New Testament, or Apostolic Scriptures, is made in relation to Yeshua acting as both the sacrifice and administrator/High Priest of that sacrifice. (The Gospel accounts of the “Last Supper”, Paul’s review of the Last Supper – 1 Corinthians, and Hebrews 9:15)
Let us now look to see if the “new” was truly “new” or perhaps it was “renewed.”
To begin, we need to go back to Hebrews 8 and agree that the chapter is speaking specifically about the priesthood and Christ as the duly anointed eternal High Priest – replacing the faulty priesthood found through the lineage of Aaron, not that of Melchizedek.
Recognizing this we should be able to see the grievous error of the translators of the AV, and other translations, when adding the word “covenant” to Hebrews 8:7, 8:13, 9:1and 9:18. The adding of the word “covenant” often times misleads the reader to consider that the entire covenant made with the children of Israel at Sinai has been abolished. Let it not be said! (Please read Deuteronomy 4:2)
The author is clearly speaking specifically of the priesthood and the administrative duties of the priesthood in relation to tabernacle/temple service.
Hebrews 9:18 AV “Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.”
The word testament is not found in the original manuscripts but is an addition by the AV (and other) translators. Again, see Deuteronomy 4:2 The above passage should properly be understood as, “Whereupon neither the first [priesthood] was dedicated without blood.” Examining the text closely we will find that the word – egkainizo – translated as dedicated – means: to renew; or to do anew, again.
What was being renewed? The priesthood according to the line of Melchizedek was renewed. And just as the priesthood of the line of Aaron was egkainizw egkainizo – renewed – see Hebrews 9:18 – through a prescribed blood sacrifice, so too, a sacrifice of blood was required for the renewing of the Melchizedekian priesthood through Yeshua. It was also necessary for the dedication/inauguration of the heavenly sanctuary.
Let us now examine Hebrews 8:13 with the same understanding – that chapters 6:13 through chapter 10 is speaking of the priesthood. Hebrews 8:13 AV “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”
Again, the word covenant is not found in the original manuscripts but is an addition by the AV translators. Again, see Deuteronomy 4:2 (Do we see a pattern developed by the AV and other translators?)
This verse is better understood as, “In that he saith, A new [priest], he hath made the first [priesthood] old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [the Levitical priesthood and temple service] is ready to vanish away.
It is hard to imagine that the “first covenant”, often times referred to as the Law of Moses, would have been considered by the author of Hebrews to be in a decay, especially considering that Yeshua himself said this regarding that covenant, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:17-18
It would be sensible to understand that the author of Hebrews was portraying, under the unction of the Holy Spirit, the transition of the priestly duties to Yeshua, and note as well that the tabernacle that our new High Priest had entered into was not one that was built by hands, (i.e. the temple in Jerusalem) but was of a true heavenly construct.
It should be easily recognized that Hebrews 8:13 includes prophecy of the destruction of the temple of Jerusalem and that the preceding texts were to quiet fears that might arise upon the oncoming destruction of Jerusalem and the removal of a functioning earthly temple and priesthood.
It is necessary now to review the priestly covenant in relation to Hebrews 8:7 “For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.”*
The word covenant is not found in the original manuscripts but is an addition by the AV translators. From the Department of Redundancy Department – Again, please see Deuteronomy 4:2
*When comparing the “second” to the “first” it is very important that we make certain that we are comparing two similar things. In this case, the “second” being referred to is the priesthood. Therefore, the “first” must also be a form of the priesthood. The second is a progression from the first.
Recognizing again, that the author was speaking about the priesthood, and not the Mosaic Law, (see Hebrews 7:11 and the relationship between perfection and faultless) should give us a better understanding of the law mentioned in Hebrews 10:1. Is it possible, if not probable, that the purpose of the ‘first” priesthood was to foreshadow the “second”?
Hebrews 10:1 “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said , Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9 Then said he , Lo , I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”
Contextually, the author of Hebrews intends for the reader to understand that his mentioning of ordinances and law pertains to the priesthood and the daily administration of the priestly duties.
Hebrews 9:1 “Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary” Covenant = Priesthood
Hebrews 10:1 “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things.
Genesis 17:7 New English Translation “I will confirm my covenant as a perpetual covenant between me and you. It will extend to your descendants after you throughout their generations. I will be your God and the God of your descendants after you.”
A perpetual covenant is a covenant without end. It is forever valid. A perpetual covenant cannot be annulled or abolished. The perpetual covenant established with Abraham was not original; it was not without a previous copy. That previous copy was first dedicated in the Garden of Eden. Neither was the copy dedicated in the Garden the original. The original is noted in the Revelation of John, it says, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain” (Revelation 5:12) and that this Lamb “was slain from the creation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8)
It is clear from scripture that the covenant revealing Yeshua HaMashiach was progressively revealed throughout the history of mankind. The promise of Salvation was first revealed to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15. It was again revealed to the patriarch Abraham, renewed with his son Isaac (Genesis 17:19, Genesis 22:15), and conferred upon Jacob. (Genesis 28:3-4)
The perpetual covenant of Salvation was further revealed in Genesis 49:8-12. Judah, the son of Jacob would be the progenitor of the kings prophesied to Abraham regarding Sarah.
The covenant would be yet further revealed through King David (2 Samuel 7:16) and ultimately displayed and understood through Yeshua, the Lion of Judah.
It became so evident that Philip proclaimed in John 1:45, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote–Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Even the blind would call out, “LORD, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Matthew 20:30
Regarding Hebrews 8:7-13, recognizing that the context of this passage is the renewing of the priesthood to that of the order of Melchizedek, we should understand that the author of the letter to the Hebrews would have been using Jeremiah 31:31-34 as support text for this renewed covenant.
The idea then of Yahweh creating a “new” covenant midstream of the human existence creates a picture of a God that is not consistent with his revealed word/character. The Holy Spirit, speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, is not speaking about a new set of laws. He is speaking about the administration of the existing laws. No longer will they be administered by a faulty priesthood- through Aaronic lineage; they will be written on our hearts and minds through our accepting the sacrifice of Yeshua. We have been given the mind of Christ – 1 Corinthians 2:16.
1 Corinthians 2:6-8 speaks of the priesthood as the “rulers of this age”. It was, after all, they who had condemned Yeshua to death. Mark 14:53-65; Luke 23:13-24, et al. Paul says regarding this priesthood – “the rulers of this age” in 1 Corinthians 2:6, “Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature ; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away”.
This “passing away”; the Greek word – katargeo, can also be understood as “rendered ineffective” and even “unemployed.” Brown, Driver, Briggs
This is consistent with the prophetic announcement at the end of Hebrews 8, “When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.” Hebrews 8:13
A new covenant with old laws would not be a “new” covenant. It would be either a renewed or an amended covenant. So in the case of Jeremiah 31, either the laws would have to be different laws from that of the “first” covenant, (this would smack of dispensationalism), or what we are looking at is that the administration of the covenant has been changed, and recognized as so by those who call on Yeshua for salvation.
The Hebrew word translated as “new” in the Tanakh is chadash, Strong 2319, root word 2318. This word relates to the “new” moon, or Rosh Chodesh. The “new” moon is not new; it has been the same moon since Yahweh spoke it into existence. It is on a set course and is visually renewed each month.
The same thought is conveyed in Lamentations 3:21-23 “This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD’S loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
It is not “brand new and totally distinct from the previous” compassions that are new every morning. If his compassions never fail, it is the same compassion that is new/renewed every morning.
Jeremiah 31:32 says, “It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, ” declares the LORD.
Yahweh has not divorced himself from Israel. Israel has acted as the harlot, but Yahweh speaks of taking her back and will be renewing the marriage covenant. Malachi 2 adds perspective to the idea of the relationship of the priesthood in a marriage contract. The relationship is further recognized and understood through Yeshua and his bride – the assembly of believers.
In looking at Hebrews 8:7-13, I may be inclined to consider this the possibility of a partial fulfillment. In this case, the means of the covenant administration has been transferred over to Yeshua but that the writing of Yahweh’s laws upon the hearts of Judah and Israel has not been realized. This should be fully realized upon the return of the King and the establishment of his kingdom.
All quotes are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
The Restorahter 