• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood."

Text: Hebrews 9:18

RECALLING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST COVENANT

The author of Hebrews was obviously steep in the knowledge of the Old Testament. Once again, he made reference to the establishment of the first covenant.

“Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated
without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept
to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of
calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop,
and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people…”
Hebrews 9:18-19

1. The first covenant

a) This was mentioned and recorded in Exodus 24:6.

b) Moses conducted a very solemn ceremony when the first covenant was established.

2. When Moses had spoken every precept to all the people

a) This was recorded in Exodus 24:3-4,

b) The people had to understand the precepts (“laws”) of God before they could enter into the first covenant with any significant meaning.

3. He took the blood of calves and goats

a) This was recorded in Exodus 24:5.

b) The technical reference of the shed blood:-

i) Burnt offerings

ii) Peace offerings

4. Sprinkled both the book itself and all the people

a) The sprinkling of the people was symbolic (Cf. Exodus 24:8).

b) The altar that was especially made was also sprinkled with blood (Cf.Exodus 24:6 – this was not mentioned by the author of Hebrews).

c) The sprinkling of the book of the covenant was not specifically mentioned in the Book of Exodus, but was appended in by the author of Hebrews (under Divine sanction).