Hebrews 9:18

Hebrews 9:18 serves as a pivotal statement in the author's argument for the superiority of the New Covenant, mediated by Jesus Christ, over the Old Covenant established through Moses. This verse underscores the fundamental principle that covenants, especially divine ones, require a solemn ratification, traditionally involving the shedding of blood.

Context of Hebrews 9:18

The book of Hebrews meticulously details how the sacrificial system and tabernacle rituals under the Mosaic Law were types and shadows pointing to the ultimate reality found in Christ. Leading up to this verse, the author has explained that a "testament" (or covenant, Greek: diatheke) is only valid upon the death of the testator (Hebrews 9:16-17). Verse 18 then applies this principle to the historical establishment of the first covenant, stating unequivocally that it, too, was inaugurated through the shedding of blood. This refers directly to the events at Mount Sinai, where Moses sprinkled blood on the people and the book of the law as a sign of the covenant's ratification, a scene described in Exodus 24:8.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Necessity of Blood for Covenant Ratification: The verse powerfully asserts that the first covenant could not be made binding without the costly act of blood sacrifice. This highlights the ancient understanding, deeply embedded in Jewish tradition, that life is in the blood and that blood is necessary for atonement and purification.
• Divine Principle of Atonement: It establishes a foundational principle that would be further elaborated: "without shedding of blood is no remission" of sins, a truth further expounded in Hebrews 9:22. The dedication of the covenant with blood symbolized the seriousness of sin and the divine requirement for a life to be given in place of another.
• Foreshadowing Christ's Sacrifice: By emphasizing the blood-dedication of the Old Covenant, the author prepares the reader to understand the profound significance of Christ's own blood as the foundation for the New Covenant. If the shadows required blood, how much more the substance?

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated "testament" is diatheke (διαθήκη). While it can mean a last will and testament (as in verses 16-17), in the broader theological context of Hebrews, it predominantly refers to a solemn "covenant" or divine agreement between God and humanity. The KJV's use of "testament" here reflects the legal aspect of a will, but the consistent message throughout Hebrews points to the establishment of the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.

Practical Application

Hebrews 9:18 offers profound insights for believers today:

• Understanding the Cost of Forgiveness: It reminds us that forgiveness and reconciliation with God have always come at a great cost. The blood of animals under the old covenant, though temporary and imperfect, pointed to the severity of sin and the divine requirement for a sacrifice.
• Appreciating Christ's Sacrifice: This verse elevates our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice. His shed blood did not merely dedicate a temporary covenant but established an eternal, perfect New Covenant. It highlights the definitive and once-for-all nature of His atoning work, rendering all previous sacrifices obsolete.
• The Foundation of Our Faith: Our access to God and our salvation are firmly rooted in the blood of Jesus, the true and perfect sacrifice that cleanses us from all sin and inaugurates a new relationship with God.