Hebrews 8

Today we are taking a look at Hebrews 8. You can open your own Bible or read it here.

Verse 1 starts off with these words: “Now the point in what we are saying is this…” After spending much time building his case, the author is now bringing home the point that we have this new high priest under a new covenant.

Verse 1 also tells us that our high priest “is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.” This seat is the place of honor and power. There is no seat that is more powerful. This is where our Lord and Savior is positioned, as He intercedes for us. Although His work on the cross is done, Jesus is still actively working in our lives and on our behalf. What a gift He is to us!

By stating where our high priest is seated, the author is also pointing out that Jesus is seated in a better position than Aaron and the other Levites.

I really appreciate how one theologian pointed out that while sitting in the place of honor – “There He continues to minister on behalf of His people—bringing their heartfelt gifts (i.e., their worship, praise, repentance, dedication, thanksgiving, etc.) to the Father.” [1] What a beautiful picture. May we continually bring our gifts of worship to the Lord. He is worthy of our praise!

Verse 2 says that our High Priest is “a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.” Some Bible translations, such as the KJV, say “sanctuary” rather than “holy places,” and “tabernacle” rather than “tent.” The author is pointing out that the earthly tabernacle was only a copy or shadow of the true, heavenly tabernacle established by God. The earthly tabernacle and its sacrifices could not provide complete and lasting salvation. Only Jesus, our perfect High Priest, could accomplish that for us through His sacrifice.

The next several verses talk about the priest’s duties and how he would bring sacrifices. “For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.” (v3)

Notice verse 4 is present tense. “Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.” This indicates that the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system was still standing. The temple was destroyed in AD 70. Therefore, this tells us that this letter was written prior to that time.

In verse 5 we see that the earthly things were a shadow of the heavenly things.

“In the Book of Revelation, where the heavenly scene is described, we can find parallels to the Old Testament tabernacle. John states that there is a temple of God in heaven (Rev. 11:19). Of course, there will be no temple in the eternal state, because the entire city of God will be a temple (Rev. 21:22). For example, there is a brazen altar (Rev. 6:9–11) as well as an altar of incense (Rev. 8:3–5). The “sea of glass” (Rev. 4:6) reminds us of the laver, and the seven lamps of fire (Rev. 4:5) suggest the seven-branched lampstand in the tabernacle.” [2]

In verses 6 and 7 the author reminds us that the old covenant wasn’t a perfect answer. It couldn’t save us or redeem us. We needed something better. Jesus and the new covenant are the answer. Christ’s ministry is “much more excellent.”

In verse 6 we see that “the covenant [Jesus] mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” In the old system the priest had to keep bringing sacrifices, over and over. There was no end. But Jesus saved us once and for all.

“This makes Christ’s statement on the cross all the more breathtaking. When he cried, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30), he was announcing that the wrath of God toward the sin of his people was finally paid in full.” [3]

Let us rejoice for all Jesus has done for us!

In verses 8-12, the author is quoting Jeremiah 31:31-34. (Fun Fact – this is the longest Old Testament citation within the New Testament.)

⁸ For he finds fault with them when he says:

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,
    when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel
    and with the house of Judah,
⁹ not like the covenant that I made with their fathers
    on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.
For they did not continue in my covenant,
    and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.
¹⁰ For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
    after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws into their minds,
    and write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God,
    and they shall be my people.
¹¹ And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor
    and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’
for they shall all know me,
    from the least of them to the greatest.
¹² For I will be merciful toward their iniquities,
    and I will remember their sins no more.”

The author is showing the audience that this is the new covenant God has promised. This is a compelling argument for the original Jews reading this letter.

I love some of the reminders in this passage where Jeremiah is quoted. For example, in verse 10 above it says, “I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts.” This is a beautiful reminder that our relationship with Jesus is all about the heart. He changes us on the inside. Jesus gives us a new heart, a new spirit, and a new life.

And in verse 12 above it says, “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Thanks to Jesus, our sins are not only forgiven, but they are also forgotten. What an incredible gift. When God looks at us, He sees His Son and His righteousness.

Hebrews 8:13 says, “In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” It’s interesting how when this was written the temple and the old system still existed. It wouldn’t be too long before they saw the old system become obsolete and vanish away.

This chapter of Hebrews reminds us that our Savior and King is seated in the place of honor and power, where He continually intercedes for us. We see that the things of this earth are merely a shadow of the heavenly things to come. But what Jesus offers is not merely better—it is the very best.

We are also reminded that our relationship with Jesus begins in our hearts. He strengthens us and transforms us from the inside out, bringing us new life. Like a seed planted in the soil, He helps us die to our old ways and grow into the abundant life He has for us.

And we see another incredible gift: not only are our sins forgiven, but God remembers them no more. Thanks to Jesus! May His praises forever be on our lips!

Thank you for reflecting on this chapter with me. Have a blessed week!

[1] MacArthur, John. Hebrews: Christ: Perfect Sacrifice, Perfect Priest (MacArthur Bible Studies). Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 2007.

[2] Wiersbe, Warren. The Wiersbe Bible Commentary (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2007).

[3] Mohler, R. Albert, Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017.

Unless noted otherwise, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.