What does "weak and useless" in Hebrews 7:18 imply about the former commandment? Setting the Scene: The Context of Hebrews 7:18 • Hebrews 7 centers on Jesus’ priesthood “according to the order of Melchizedek,” contrasting it with the Levitical system. • Verse 18 says, “So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless”. The “former commandment” points to the Mosaic priestly law that governed sacrifices, priests, and access to God. • Verse 19 immediately adds the purpose clause: “(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God”. Decoding “Weak and Useless” • Greek words: asthenes (without strength) and anōphelēs (profitless, ineffective). • The words do not mean the law was evil; they highlight its inability to bring final, saving perfection. • Romans 8:3 confirms this: “For what the Law was powerless to do … God did by sending His own Son”. • Galatians 3:21 echoes: “For if a law had been given that could impart life, righteousness would certainly have come from the law”. Why the Former Commandment Could Not Save • It dealt only with externals—food, drink, ceremonial washings (Hebrews 9:9-10). • Sacrifices had to be repeated continually; none removed sin permanently (Hebrews 10:1-4). • Priests were mortal and sinful; death interrupted their ministry (Hebrews 7:23). • The law exposed sin but offered no inner power to conquer it (Romans 3:20; 7:7-13). • It served as a “guardian until Christ came” (Galatians 3:24) but never brought the full inheritance. Christ’s Superior Priesthood: The Better Hope • Sworn by God’s oath (Hebrews 7:21; Psalm 110:4), making it unchangeable. • Jesus “lives forever,” so His priesthood never ends (Hebrews 7:24). • He “is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:25). • His once-for-all sacrifice perfects the conscience (Hebrews 9:14) and provides eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). Living in the Light of a Stronger Covenant • Our access to God rests on Christ’s finished work, not on ceremonial observances. • We draw near with confidence, knowing the barrier of sin is removed (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19-22). • Gratitude replaces ritual obligation; obedience flows from a transformed heart (Hebrews 8:10; Ezekiel 36:26-27). • The former commandment remains a revered testimony of God’s holiness, but its inability points us straight to the all-sufficient Savior, who alone is strong and profitable to save. |
    |