William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Hebrews 9:18

Our apostle heving entered upon. comparison between the first and second covenant in the former verses, he goes on to prosecute it in these; showing that both of them were dedicated, that is, confirmed by blood.

The first covenant which God made with Israel in Horeb, had not its sanction without typical blood and life for the observation of them. Now that the covenant between God and Israel was thus solemnized, and received its confirmation by blood, the apostle makes appear from the history of Moses, Exodus 24 unto which he appeals; where we find the sprinkler to be Moses, the sprinkling to be blood the things sprinkled were the book wherein the covenant was written, and the people who engaged themselves in the covenant.

Now the use and end of this sprinkling upon of it upon the altar was the confirmation of God's part. And the words added to the action were, this is the blood of the covenant; that is, this is the blood by which the covenant is confirmed, and made inviolable betwixt God and you: He calls is the blood of the covenant, because it was. sign of it, and. seal confiming it.

In like manner, the new covenant was confirmed by blood, ever by the blood of Christ, as is evident from his own words. Luke 22:20. "This cup is the new testament in my blood for remission of sins."

Remission of sin is one principal blessing promised in the new covenant; but this promise had been in vain, if Christ's blood made it remissible: So that the blood of Christ is the firm and immoveable basis and foundation upon which the new covenant was fixed. This is the first part of our apostle's design in these words: Namely, to prove the necessity of Christ's blood for confirmation of the new covenant.

Next, he proves the efficacy of that blood for taking away of sin; telling us, that the tabernacle, the vessels, and all the utensils thereunto belonging, yea, all the things which were purified, were ceremonially purified by blood; and that as without shedding of blood then there could be no remission, so no acceptance with God now without the shedding of the blood of Christ.

Learn hence, That in all things wherein we have to do with God, and whereby we approach unto him, it is the blood of Christ, and the application of it to our consciences, that gives. gracious acceptance with God; without this all is unclean and defiled now, as without shedding of blood there was no purification then.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Hebrews 9:18

Old Testament

New Testament