Hebrews 10

The apostle also declares that the law had but a shadow of all good things to come, and by its manifold and yearly sacrifices was not able to perfect anything 5. And that therefore David testifieth in the fortieth Psalm that Christ should come into the world to do the will of God 10. and the only sacrifice of his body to perfect us forever 15 the same he proves again by the contents of the new covenant Jeremiah 31 in which the perfect taking away of sins is promised 18. and concludes therefore that there is no more need of any sacrifice for sin 19 afterwards he cometh to the other part of the epistle namely to exhortations unto their duty and first he exhorts the Hebrews to go unto God with a confident faith by the way which Christ hath consecrated for us 23 afterwards he exhorts them to steadfastness in the profession of this hope and to unwavering love 25 and to the keeping of their assembling together 26 to this ends sets before their eyes on the one side the fearful judgment of God which apostates are to expect 32 And on the other side their former patience and compassion on the afflicted even on his own hands also 36 together with the promises which those that are constant shall receive 37 both which he proveth by a place out of Habakkuk 2:4 which he rehearseth and applieth .

1. For the law [namely of the ceremonies under the old testament] having a shadow [that is a rude draught as painters use first rudely to make out or delineate with certain lines and shadows a pictures which they intend afterwards to perfect] of good things to come [that is of spiritual and heavenly things which should be procured and imparted to us in the new testament that is of Christ himself and his benefits]not the image itself of the things [some hereby understand the perfect way of the outwards worship of God which god should institute by Christ in the new testament as a shadow or first draught from the perfect image of anything even as they also therefore called the first principles or elements and alphabets of the world Galatians 4:3,9 but seeing the apostle nowhere in this and in the former chapter maketh any oppositions between the outward worship of God of the old and of the new testament but only between the shadows of the old testament and Christ himself with the sacrifices and benefits which he hath procured for us therefore others by these words the image itself more fully understand the thing signified itself or the pattern according to which these shadows were held forth even as we are said to be created after Gods image or likeness which sense the word adjoined the image itself of the things also required that is the things themselves in their full propotion or shape even as they ought or should be]can never with the same sacrifices [that is of one sort or of one and the same condition and nature]which they offer up every year continually [Gr in continuance or perpetuity that is without omission as long as this priest hood and law was to endure]sanctify[or perfect namely according to the conscience by taking away of sin and the guilt of sin as is declared heretofore chapter 9 verse 9]them who go thereunto [or go unto God namely with their sacrifices]

2. Otherwise they should have ceased to be offered [others read should they not otherwise have ceased ? by way of interrogation but the sense comes all to one]because they that used the service should have no conscience more of sin or should have no accusation of conscience for sin and should no more acknowledge themselves guilty of any guilty of sin seeing they should at once be purged or delivered from it ] having been once purged.

3. But now in the same there is made every year again remembrance of sin [namely not only of the sins which were done that year but of al the sins that were committed before see Leviticus 16:21]

4. For it is impossible that the blood of the bulls and goats should take away sin [namely by its own worth and virtue forasmuch as that is but a corporal and transitory things whereas sin is a spiritual evil and hath its place chiefly in the soul which is immortal]

5. Therefore [namely Christ the high priest of good things to come in whose name David speaketh in this Psalm and of whose coming he prophesieth as Paul here testifieth and the thing itself shows] coming into the world [namely when he assumed the human nature and united it with one person with himself as heretofore chapter 1.6 and chapter 9.11] he saith sacrifice an offering that wouldest not [namely to accept it for an expiation and satisfaction as the Jews imagined otherwise God willed it also for the faithful the old testament as types sacramental signs which directed them to the future satisfaction of the sacrifice of Christ itself should now be accomplished when as these shadows must cease as is proved in this and other places] but thou hast prepared me a body [the Hebrew text Psalms 40:7 saith thou hast bored through mine ear but the apostle here follows the Greek translation as almost everywhere in this epistle seeing the same sense is contained in both for the words thou hast bored through mine ears signified that Christ now becoming man gives up himself to be a wiling servant of his father to obey him unto the death of the cross and it is a similitude taken from the servant of the Hebrews who after that they have served their master six year would not depart out of their masters service the seventh year but they would abide in it continually until death for a testimony whereof their ear was bored through on the post of the doors as may be seen Exodus 21:6 even so then also God the father is here said to have prepared Christ body because Christ having received of his father the human nature out of the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Ghost here gives up the same unto the service of his father to serve him willingly in all things even unto te death to a sacrifice of expiation for our sins it is therefore as much as he should say thou hath given me a body that is willing and ready in thy service even unto death]

6. Burnt offerings and offerings for sins pleased thee not.

7. Then spoke I behold I come in the beginning of the book[Gr in the head or in the roll of the book namely of thy law was wont with the ancient to be written on the roll as maps are with us and the Jews still with them in their synagogue now they are many places in the book of the law which testfieth of the coming of Christ yea even in the beginning of the book when God promised the seed of the woman which should tread upon Satan head genesis 3.15] it is written of me to do thy will o God [that is to be obedient to thee unto the death of the cross for the reconciliation of all believers .]

8. When he said before sacrifices and offering and burnt offering and offering for sin and wouldst not neither did they please thee which are offered according to the law.

9. Then said he Lo I come to do thy will o God he taketh away the first [namely all sorts of propitiatory offerings which were used in the old testament] to settle the second [namely his obedience unto the will of the father .]

10. In which will as Romans 5:19] we are sanctified [that is have all that is needful to our perfect sanctification namely forgiveness of sins renovation of he spirit and eternal salvation] by offering of the body of Jesus Christ once performed [that is which will of God consisteth therein also that Christ should give up his body on the cross for a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins Philippians 2:8]

11. And every priest stood indeed everyday ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifice [that is of the same sort and nature] which are never able to take away sins

12. But this man having offered [namely on the wood of the cross] one sacrifice for sin is forever [this word forever is by some joined to the word having offered but the first conjoining is fittest]set down on right hand of God :

13. Henceforward expecting [that is his kingly and priestly office even as he now administers it is a mediator persevering so long and continually attending to the execution of the same until his mediation and his fathers power all the enemies of our salvation and at the last death also shall be abolished when he shall lay down this form of governing and with the father and the holy ghost remain all in all see 1Corinthians 15.24&c]until his enemies be made a footstool of his feet.

14. For by one offering he hath perfected forever those that are sanctified [those by his word and spirit believe in him and are regenerated and hereby is made a definition of those who are perfected by Christ sacrifice for although his sacrifice in itself is sufficient for all men nevertheless it perfect no man but those that are sanctified by him]

15. And the Holy Ghost [namely in his word and especially in the form of the new covenant which he hath made with us Jeremiah 31 From whence appears then that the Holy Ghost is true God and distinct person in divine essence]also witnesseth it to us [namely that which he said in the former verse for although in the new testament Jeremiah 31 there is no mention made of sacrifice nevertheless seeing the perfect remission of sins is there promised and the apostle hath proved hitherto that the death of the testator must come between that the new testament might be firm and he had proved this also out of the fortieth Psalm therefore he concludes beyond all contradiction that this must be accomplished to the new covenant by this one sacrifice thus then the apostle here teacheth us to compare the scripture with itself to make the conclusions in matters of faith]

16. For after that he had said before this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days saith the Lord [that is thus saith the Lord which words may here be taken for Paul’s words although the like are also in the prophet otherwise they would want some what in the beginning of the following verse to fill up Paul’s conclusion namely thus saith he or the like which some copies also has set before the 17 verse because they took these words saith the Lord for the words of the prophet]I will give my laws into heir hearts and I will inscribe them in their understandings:

17. And their sins their unrighteousness I will in no wise remember any more.

18. Now where forgiveness of the same is there is no more sacrifice for sin [namely of expiation but only spiritual sacrifices of thankfulness which are required of us in the new testament see Romans 12:1 Hebrews 13:5 1 Peter 2:5]

19. Seeing therefore brethren [here the apostle begins the second part of the epistle namely the exhortation to the duties of believers and exhorts them in the remaining part of the chapter to boldness in faith and steadfastness in profession and to patience in tribulation]we have boldness to enter into the sanctuary [Gr into the entrance of the sanctuary that is by hope prayers and faith to go directly unto God in heaven Romans 5:2 Ephesians 3:12] by the blood of Jesus .

20. By a new the Greek word properly signifies that is newly slain which he refers to the sacrifice of Christ which was newly slain and remain all waves in full force ] and living [that is quickening as Job 6.57 for Christ death is our life]way [so he calls Christ offered for us because through him and his merits we have access unto God see John 14:6]which he hath consecrated for us [or newly prepared or set forth see chapter 9 verse 18]through the veil but this is through the flesh [that is his human nature by which his divine nature was covered as the ark of covenant and of mercy seat with all the holy of holies was by veil]

21. And seeing we have great priest over the house of God [that is the whole of God see before chapter 3.6]

22. Let us approach with a true heart [that is an unfeigned upright mind]in full assurance of faith in our heart [that is our souls or thought and will and affection]being purified [Gr sprinkled that is purified and freed from an evil Conscience that is by sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ see before chapter 9.14]from an evil conscience and the body[that is our outward actions or works which are done by the body]being washed with pure water [that is by the operation of the spirit of Christ which is everywhere set forth by pure water see Ezekiel 36:25 1John 5.6]

23. Let us hold fast [that is steadfastly retain, without turning from it or seduced from it] the unwavering profession of hope [namely which is in us 1Peter 3.15] for he that hath promised it is faithful [namely in performing of hat he hath promised]

24. And let us heed one another [or observe one another]for stirring up of over and good works.

25. And let us not neglect our mutual coming together [namely in the Christian assemblies which are kept for the hearing of Gods words oblique prayers and use of the holy sacraments see Acts 2:42 and 20.7 1Corinthians 11.20&c] as some are wont [namely they that shall away from the truth either for fear of the Jews or else through negligence or out of great opinion of themselves or for other causes grow remiss herein see Matthew 18:20] but exhorts one another and that so much the rather as ye see that the day draws nigh.

26. For if we sin willingly, [That is, willfully fall away from this faith, which the Apostle hath here described, as hereafter in the 29 verse this sin is more largely declared, which the Apostle also heretofore cha. 6.] vers. 6. called a falling away. He speaketh not here than of every kind of sin or falling away, but of that sin which Christ calleth the sin or blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, Matthew 12:32. and of the sin unto death, whereof John speaketh. 1 John 5:16. as appears by the following properties which are rehearsed hereafter] after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no sacrifice for sin any more: [Namely, seeing such persons willfully reject and despise the only sacrifice of the New Testament, namely, the Lord Jesus and his merit. And the Apostle Paul seemeth also here to allude to the place, Numb. 15 30, 31. where, even according to the Law itself, no sacrifice of expiation was permitted for those who sinned with a high hand, and reproached the Lord, but must without mercy be rooted out of the people.]

27. But a fearful expectation of Judgement and heat of fire, which shall devour the adversaries: [That is, the enemies of God’s truth and persecutors of the same.]

28. If any man made void the Law of Moses [That is, rejected, forsook, denied, apostatized from it, as is declared Deuteronomy 13:5, 6, 7. For although there were more willful sins, which were punished with death; nevertheless the Apostle especially respects this sin of willful Apostasy, as the Greek word athetein i.e. abrogate, or make void, and comparing of the following verse imports] he died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29. Of how much heavier punishment think ye shall he be accounted worthy, who hath trampled upon [That is, willfully despised and rejected. For that which a man tramples upon, they use with much contempt and rejection] the Son of God, and hath esteemed the blood of the Testament [that is, the blood of Jesus Christ, by which the New Testament is confirmed. Matthew 26:28.] unclean, [Gr. Common: i.e. prophane, unholy, as Mark 7:2. Acts 10:14. For that which a man rejects or denies, that he accounts unclean or unholy in matters of Religion] whereby he was sanctified, [namely, outwardly in regard of his former profession or confession, concerning the hearing of God’s word, use of the holy sacraments, and separation from other common men, namely Jews and Gentiles. Although such a person was not partaker of true regeneration as John testifieth, 1 John 2:19. and as such still nevertheless 2 Pet. 2. 22. are called dogs and swine, although they were washed from their outward filth and had left the impurity of idolatry, and other unholiness] and hath reproached the spirit of grace? [that is, the holy Ghost, which began to work in them some taste of God’s grace, for which they also rejoiced for a while. See hereof more at large chapter 6. 5.]

30. For we know him who hath said [Namely, Deut. 32. vers. 35. 36. where the Lord promiseth that he will revenge his people upon their enemies, and judge, i.e. right and defend them against all prosecutors and oppressors. And here it is to be observed, that the Apostle alters and amends the words of the Greek interpreters, according to the Hebrew Text.] Vengeance is mine, I will recompense saith the Lord. And again, the Lord shall judge his people.

31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. [Namely, when he taketh vengeance upon his enemies. Otherwise it is better to fall into the hands of God than of men, when he graciously chastiseth his own, 2 Sam. 24. 14.]

32. But remember the former days, in which after ye were illuminated [Namely, when ye became believers, and by Baptism were ingraffed into the Church of Christ. How much more than, he would say, much ye be steadfast, and armed against all tribulation, now after that ye have long professed Christ and served him] ye underwent much combat of suffering:

33. Partly, when by reproaches and afflictions ye became a spectacle: [This may be taken either properly, seeing the Christians were oftentimes cast before beasts in the public shows. 1 Cor. 15 32. or by a similitude, because they were publicly in the Synagogues and Judgement halls, shamefully made spectacle, and evil entreated, as Christ foretells Luke 12:11. and chapter 21. 12. and Paul speaketh concerning himself and other Apostles. 1 Cor. 4. 9.] and partly when ye had communion [that is, had compassion, and afforded brotherly assistance] with them that were so used.

34. For ye had compassion upon my hands, [Namely, when I was fallen upon, and apprehended at Jerusalem and was necessitated to appeal unto Cesar to escape the violence of the Jews: when doubtless the believing Jews had great compassion on Paul, and afforded him all help. See Acts 21:33.] and received with Joy [namely according to the exhortation and promise of Christ. Matthew 5:11, 12. and according to the example of the Apostles. Acts 5:41. See also 1 Thess. 2. 14.] the spoiling of your goods, knowing that ye have in yourselves [that is, in the hope which is in you] a better and abiding substance in the heavens.

35. Cast not away therefore your boldness, [That is, your bold concession, springing from the boldness of faith, and hope in God, as is exprest heretofore vers. 23. Or your confidence] which hath a great recompense of reward : [namely of grace, and for Christ’s sake. See Romans 11:35. Colossians 3:24. Hebrews 13:21.]

36. For ye have need of patience: [That is, steadfastness and patient expectation of the fulfilling of Gods promise, as the proof which the Apostle here relates out of the place of Habakuk, imports] that ye having done the will of God, may carry away the promise: [That is, the thing promised or inheritance. See Galatians 3:22.]

37. For, yet a very little (while) [Namely, there remaineth. These words are taken out of Habakkuk 2:3. Haggai 2:7. which the Apostle bringeth not word for word, but relateth the sense of them, and applies them to his purpose] (and) he [namely, the Messias, Christ] who is to come, shall come and not tarry.

38. But the just shall live by faith: [See further of this translation on Romans 1:17.] and if (any one) withdraw, [namely, from this faith and patient expectation, by apostasy, and denial of Christ and his truth,] my soul hath no pleasure in him.

39. But we are not [Hereby the Apostle mollifies the former threatening, namely that he hath not such an opinion of them, although he speaketh thus, as he also did heretofore in the like warning, chapter 6. vers. 9] of them that withdraw themselves, [Gr. Of the withdrawing] unto destruction, but of them that believe [Gr. Of faith] unto preservation [Gr. Obtaining, purchasing] of the soul: [that is, of the salvation of the soul: as Christ speaketh also Matthew 10:39.]