What is the meaning of Hebrews 7:18? So The verse opens with a simple “So,” linking everything back to the discussion of Christ’s superior, Melchizedek-like priesthood (Hebrews 7:11-17). • Hebrews 7:11-12 shows that if perfection were obtainable through the Levitical priests, “another priest” would not have been necessary. • Hebrews 7:16 points out that Jesus was appointed “not on the basis of a law of physical descent, but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.” Because of that entire argument, the writer now draws the practical conclusion found in verse 18. the former commandment “The former commandment” refers to the Mosaic regulations governing the Levitical priesthood—commandments spelled out in Exodus 28, Leviticus 8–9, and Numbers 18. • Exodus 28:1—Aaron and his sons were appointed by command. • Numbers 18:21—the tithes were commanded for their support. • Galatians 3:24 notes the Law was a “guardian until Christ came.” The author is not speaking of the moral law in its ongoing ethical value but of the priestly system as a means of drawing near to God. is set aside “Set aside” means annulled, rendered inoperative for its original purpose. • Ephesians 2:15—Christ “abolished in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees.” • Romans 10:4—“Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” The sacrificial and priestly code has fulfilled its role and is no longer the pathway to approach God; Christ Himself is now that way (Hebrews 10:19-22). because it was weak The Law’s weakness lay not in God’s design but in human inability and the temporary nature of animal sacrifices. • Romans 8:3—“For what the Law was powerless to do… God did by sending His own Son.” • Hebrews 10:1—“The Law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves.” The Law could diagnose sin but could not cure the sinner; it pointed beyond itself to a greater remedy. and useless “Useless” does not mean morally bad; it means ineffective for accomplishing the ultimate goal—perfect reconciliation with God. • Hebrews 7:19 immediately clarifies: “for the Law made nothing perfect.” • Acts 13:39—“Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the Law of Moses.” Christ provides what the Law, by design, never could: complete forgiveness and permanent access to the Father. summary Hebrews 7:18 teaches that God has annulled the Levitical command regarding priesthood because, while divinely given, it was never capable of granting perfection. Jesus’ eternal priesthood replaces a system that could only foreshadow the true, saving work He alone accomplishes. The verse reassures believers that they no longer approach God through a weak, temporary structure but through a strong and everlasting Savior. |
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