Hebrews 8 - Introduction

THERE are two general parts of this chapter

1. A further explication of the excellency of the priesthood of Christ, or of Christ himself as vested with that office, that is, both in his personal glory and in the usefulness of his office unto the church, above those of the order of Aaron.

2. A further confirmation hereof; wherein is introduced the consideration, of the two covenants, the old and the new. For unto the former was the whole administration of the Levitical priests confined; of the latter, Christ, as our high priest, was the mediator and surety. And therefore the apostle fully proves the excellency of this new covenant above the old; which redounds unto the glory of its mediator.

The first part is contained in the first five verses; the latter extends from thence to the end of the chapter.

In the first part two things are designed:

1. A recapitulation of some things before delivered.

2. The addition of some further arguments in the confirmation of the same truth, so long before insisted on. Both of them he compriseth in three instances of the excellency of Christ in his priesthood, or in the discharge of his office:

1. In his exaltation and the place of his present residence, Hebrews 8:1.

2. In the sanctuary whereof he is a minister, and the tabernacle wherein at present he doth administer, Hebrews 8:2.

3. In the sacrifice he had to offer, or which he offered before his entrance into that sanctuary, Hebrews 8:3; which he illustrates by two especial considerations, Hebrews 8:4-5.