Hebrews 8

1 the sum. Rather, “the chief point.” The writer has now come to the subject which he designates as “chief in all that is being spoken of,” namely, the discharge of those functions for which our Lord was constituted High Priest.

2 the true tabernacle. The real (see note on John i. 9) tabernacle, or holy place, i.e., the immediate presence of God above (see iv. 14; vi. 20); of which the ancient tabernacle was only a shadow (5).

3 ordained. See note on ch. v. 1.

this [man]. Rather supply, with R.V., “this High Priest.”

4. For if He were on earth, etc. Our Lord’s priesthood must be exercised in heaven; for there are others “who serve [that which is] a copy and shadow of the heavenly things,” i.e., the tabernacle and its rites: see note on ver. 2.

7 if that first [covenant] had been faultless. See on vii. 11. The Jewish economy being only preparatory, is spoken of as not being faultless: see Jer. xxxi. 31-34, and notes.

13. In that He saith, A new [covenant], etc. Jehovah, by calling the gospel a new covenant, implies that the former was old; and thus indicates its decay and extinction.