Hebrews 7:18-19
For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "a former commandment" highlights that the Old Testament rules weren't just discarded, but that they were preliminary – like training wheels that are intentionally removed once you've learned to ride. The text stresses their "weakness and uselessness" not as a judgment on God's law, but to reveal how they were never meant to be the final, perfecting answer.
The author is explaining how Jesus' priesthood, established by God's oath, is far superior to the old Levitical system. This verse highlights that the previous commandment, which ordained the Levitical priesthood, had to be set aside because it was inherently weak and couldn't bring people into God's presence. The following verse will explain that this annulment paved the way for a "better hope" that can bring us near to God.
Why would God institute a system and then declare it weak and useless? It seems counterintuitive, doesn't it? But the author of Hebrews shows us it's not a sign of failure, but of divine progression.
The verse speaks of a "commandment going before" being "set aside" due to its "weakness and unprofitableness." This isn't about God making a mistake. Think of it like building a house. You might start with a basic blueprint (the old commandment) that gets you started. But as you learn more and have better tools and materials (Christ's priesthood), you create a more detailed, robust plan that builds something far greater and more enduring.
The "commandment" here refers specifically to the Levitical system – the rules and regulations that established the earthly priesthood. It served its purpose for a time, like a schoolmaster guiding people. However, it couldn't ultimately bring people into true, intimate fellowship with God. It was "weak" because it couldn't perfectly atone for sin or grant righteousness, and "unprofitable" in the ultimate sense of salvation and drawing near to God. This isn't a condemnation of the Law, but an acknowledgment that it was a temporary, preparatory measure.
If the old system was weak, what replaced it? The author points to something far superior – a 'better hope.' What makes this hope so different?
The "setting aside" of the old commandment isn't just an ending; it's a gateway to something new and infinitely better. The text says that when the old is set aside, there is the "bringing in of a better hope."
This "better hope" is rooted in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Unlike the Levitical priests who were temporary and flawed, Jesus is an eternal priest who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice. This means:
Understand the original words
entole · Greek Noun
Refers to the Mosaic Law or the body of regulations governing the Old Covenant. It is described here as temporary and preparatory, unable to provide ultimate salvation or sanctification.
astheneia · Greek Noun
The inability of the Old Covenant system (the Law) to achieve the final, intended goal of bringing people into a state of spiritual completion or perfected standing before God.
anopheles · Greek Adjective
The inability to produce the intended result of justification or full reconciliation with God. It signifies the limitations of the Levitical system in achieving spiritual transformation.
teleioo · Greek Verb
The 'commandment' being set aside refers specifically to the regulations establishing the Levitical priesthood, which were inherently temporary and incapable of providing true atonement or access to God. Their weakness was not a moral failing, but a functional one, paving the way for Christ's perfect and eternal priesthood.
c. 1446 BC
The Mosaic Law Established
God establishes the Law through Moses, including detailed commands for the Levitical priesthood and sacrifices, forming the framework of Israel's worship and religious life.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Flourishes
The united monarchy under King David brings a period of stability and national identity, with Jerusalem becoming the religious and political center. The Psalms, including those referenced in Hebrews, are largely attributed to this era.
c. 740 BC
Prophetic Warnings Intensify
Prophets like Isaiah and Amos warn Israel and Judah about impending judgment due to disobedience, highlighting the failures of the people and the religious system to live up to God's standards.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile many Israelites. This catastrophic event underscores the inability of the existing covenant and priesthood to avert judgment.
This passage directly echoes the idea of the Law's weakness by stating that God sent his Son 'in the likeness of sinful flesh' to condemn sin in the flesh, highlighting the inadequacy of the old system to truly overcome sin.
Galatians 3:21This verse discusses the inability of the Law to give life, reinforcing the concept that the 'commandment' before Christ was insufficient and had to be set aside for a new way to righteousness.
Hebrews 10:1-4These verses further elaborate on the weakness of the Old Testament sacrificial system, explaining that the repeated sacrifices could never take away sins, thus necessitating a more perfect offering.
John 1:17This verse contrasts the Law given through Moses with the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ, suggesting that while the Law had a role, it was ultimately superseded by Christ's superior ministry.
wesleyHebrews 7:18: "For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof."
7:18 For there is implied in this new and everlasting priesthood, and in the new dispensation connected therewith, a disannulling of the preceding commandment - An abrogation of the Mosaic law. For the weakness and unprofitableness thereof - For its insufficiency either to justify or to sanctify.
ellicottHebrews 7:18: "For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof."
(18, 19) The intimate connection between these two verses is obscured by the ordinary translation. They point out with greater fulness and clearness what is involved in the statement of Hebrews 7:16 . “For there is an annulling of a preceding commandment, because of its weakness and unprofitableness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a…
The phrase "a former commandment" highlights that the Old Testament rules weren't just discarded, but that they were preliminary – like training wheels that are intentionally removed once you've learned to ride. The text stresses their "weakness and uselessness" not as a judgment on God's law, but to reveal how they were never meant to be the final, perfecting answer.
The author is explaining how Jesus' priesthood, established by God's oath, is far superior to the old Levitical system. This verse highlights that the previous commandment, which ordained the Levitical priesthood, had to be set aside because it was inherently weak and couldn't bring people into God's presence. The following verse will explain that this annulment paved the way for a "better hope" that can bring us near to God.
The author is explaining how Jesus' priesthood, established by God's oath, is far superior to the old Levitical system. This verse highlights that the previous commandment, which ordained the Levitical priesthood, had to be set aside because it was inherently weak and couldn't bring people into God's presence. The following verse will explain that this annulment paved the way for a "better hope" that bring us near to God.
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The state of being complete, mature, or having attained the intended goal. In this context, it refers to the spiritual maturation and direct access to God that the Law could not provide.
elpis · Greek Noun
A confident expectation and longing for what God has promised. It is rooted in the work of Christ and provides the basis for the believer's secure relationship with God.
eggizo · Greek Verb
The privilege of entering into God's presence. Through Christ, believers have intimate access to the Father, which was previously restricted under the Law.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Rebuilt
Following their return from exile, the Jewish people rebuild the Temple. However, the post-exilic period is marked by a longing for the promised Messiah and a restoration of God's full favor.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is crucified and then resurrected, establishing a new covenant and priesthood that supersedes the old Levitical system.
c. AD 64-68
Writing of the Book of Hebrews
The author of Hebrews writes to Jewish Christians who are struggling with the transition from the old covenant to the new, emphasizing Jesus' superiority as High Priest and the obsolescence of the Levitical system.
"For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God." — The phrase "a former commandment" highlights that the Old Testament rules weren't just discarded, but that they were preliminary – like training wheels that are intentionally removed once you've lear…
