What does Hebrews 8:9 mean?

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. Hebrews 8:9

Explanation

Hebrews 8:9 presents a contrast between the old covenant that God made with the Israelites and a new covenant described in the verses that follow. The verse references the historical event of the Exodus, where God took Israel “by the hand” to lead them out of Egypt. However, the Israelites did not remain faithful to the covenant, which involved obedience to God’s law. As a result, God says, “I regarded them not,” implying that the covenant was broken, and thus God did not hold himself to the promises of that covenant because of their disobedience.

Historical Context

This verse is set within a larger discussion in the book of Hebrews, which delves into the superiority of the new covenant established by Jesus Christ over the old Mosaic covenant given to the Israelites. The historical backdrop of this passage involves the ancient Israelites who were delivered from bondage in Egypt and subsequently entered into a covenant relationship with God at Mount Sinai.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Hebrews 8:9 indicates the conditional nature of the old covenant, highlighting the people’s inability to uphold their part through obedience. The implied need for a new covenant suggests the inadequacy of the old covenant in bringing about a permanent, right relationship between God and humanity. Various theological viewpoints may see this as an affirmation of the necessity of grace over law, a move from the external law to the internal guidance of the Spirit, or a transition from a temporary, imperfect system to the perfect, eternal work of Christ.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse reminds individuals of the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of breaking commitments. It encourages introspection about one’s own adherence to agreements and responsibilities and challenges believers to understand and embrace the new covenant relationship with God, one that is based on better promises and mediated through Jesus Christ.

Cross-References

• Jeremiah 31:31-32 – “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers…”
• Exodus 19:5-6 – The initial establishment of the covenant with Israel at Sinai.
• Hebrews 10:16-17 – References the promise of a new covenant where laws would be internalized.
• Deuteronomy 31:16-17 – A passage where God predicts the people’s unfaithfulness to the covenant.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Hebrews 8:9 include:

• “Covenant” (διαθήκη, diathēkē) usually refers to a will, testament, or a pact between two parties.
• “Continued not” (ἠμέλησαν, ēmelēsan) means to neglect or not to care for; implying the people did not maintain their part of the agreement.
• “Regarded them not” (ἠμέλησα, ēmelēsa) shares the root with “continued not,” emphasizing God’s reciprocal response to Israel’s neglect.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In contrast to the Biblical narrative’s focus on covenant faithfulness, ancient myths often depict gods as capricious or indifferent to human affairs. In the Hebrew tradition, however, the relationship between God and humanity is binding and reciprocal, similar in some ways to treaties and agreements among ancient Near Eastern nations but unique in its moral and spiritual implications.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not directly intersect with scientific concepts, modern scientific understandings of human behavior and the function of commitments could be used to explore why the Israelites might have struggled to uphold the covenant and how people today continue to grapple with maintaining agreements and moral behavior.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary implies that Hebrews 8:9 highlights the fault and imperfection of the old covenant, declaring the need for a new one.
• The Reformation Study Bible notes that this verse confirms the prophetic voice in Jeremiah about the inadequacy of the old covenant and God’s intention to establish a new one.
• The ESV Study Bible elaborates that the people’s failure to obey the old covenant paved the way for the promised new covenant, which is characterized by an internal transformation rather than external adherence to the law.