Page 60 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

The term "heavens" is PLURAL as it is in the Old Testament. It is PLURAL because it refers to several levels
1. The atmosphere above the earth where birds fly and clouds form (cf. Gen. 1:1)
2. The starry sky, the realm of the heavenly lights, sun, moon, stars, and planets (cf. Gen. 1:14)
3. The personal presence of God and the angelic realm

Here Uttly says, “The rabbis often debated whether there were three heavens (cf. 2 Cor. 12:2) or seven
heavens (i.e., not in the Bible, but first century rabbinical sources). This concept of several levels can be
seen in Deut. 10:14; 1 Kgs. 8:27; and Ps. 68:33; 148:4. The Gnostics used this concept of multiple
heavens to assert levels of angelic authority. However, Jesus has passed through them (cf. 4:14). The
PLURAL versus SINGULAR of ouranos (heaven) seems to have no theological significance in Hebrews (cf.
47
9:23 versus 9:24).”

8:4 "if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all" This is a SECOND CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE,
which is called contrary to fact (cf. 4:8; 7:11; 8:4,7; 10:2; 11:15). Jesus was not of the priestly Levitical
tribe, but from the royal tribe of Judah. Jesus' priestly ministry was ultimately performed in heaven.

8:7 "if" This is another SECOND CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE, which is called contrary to fact (cf. v. 4). This is
a major point of the argument. An obviously false statement is used to make a theological point. The
first covenant did not produce the desired result of restoration and righteousness.

"He says" Verses 8-12 are a sustained quote from Jer. 31:31-34. Notice "He" refers to YHWH; however,
in 10:15 this same phrase is attributed to the Holy Spirit. The inspiration of the OT is sometimes
ascribed to the Spirit and sometimes to the Father.

"NEW COVENANT" This passage in Jeremiah (cf. 31:31-34) is the only mention in the OT of a "new"
covenant, but it is described in Ezekiel 36:22-38. This would have been very shocking to Jews.

8:13

NASB "But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear"
NKJV "Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away"
NRSV "And what is obsolete and growing old will soon disappear"
TEV "Anything that becomes old and worn out will soon disappear"
NJB "And anything old and aging is ready to disappear"

This phrase requires several comments. First, remember the historical setting. There is a group of
people who are clinging to the Mosaic Law and another group who are contemplating returning to the
Mosaic Law.

Second, this only has to do with the Law as a means of salvation. The OT surely was, and is, God's
revelation (cf. Matt. 5:17-19). The Mosaic Law still has a purpose in God's plan (cf. Gal. 3). It brings
people to Christ by showing fallen humanity their sinfulness and need for salvation. It helps us
understand God and His ways. It is related to the new covenant as promise to fulfillment. It was
incapable of bringing salvation because of the weakness and sinfulness of fallen mankind.

47 Uttly (8:3)
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