Definition: Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Hebrews 8:1. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage that sets up a key concept about how God’s presence and authority works in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Think of it like this: “We have spoken…” – This refers to the Old Testament laws, stories, and prophecies that God gave to Moses. It's essentially a message from God about how things should be. “…this is” – This means we’re explaining something more important. “We have such an high priest…” – This is the crucial part! The verse introduces a new kind of high priest. What's a High Priest? Traditionally, priests in Jewish law played a very important role. They were intermediaries between God and the people. They offered sacrifices to be accepted by God and were seen as a representative of God on Earth. Now, here’s what Hebrews 8:1 says: “Set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” – This is where it gets really special. The “Throne of the Majesty” isn't just a physical seat; it represents God’s authority and position in heaven . It means God is actively involved in and overseeing everything. The “right hand” part suggests that God is directly controlling and directing all things. So, what does this mean? Hebrews 8:1 says that the Old Testament system of priests wasn't just a symbolic role – it was actually a direct connection to God. God isn’t using priests, but rather is the high priest in Heaven. This suggests God is actively involved and overseeing everything, not just through intermediaries, but directly! In short: The Old Testament system of priests was a way for people to get close to God, but this verse describes a higher level of relationship where God is directly present and controlling the entire process. Important Note: This is a complex concept that’s debated among theologians. It's often interpreted as suggesting a more personal and active role for God than simply having intermediaries. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or figure?

Definition: For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 8:10. It’s a really significant passage about the relationship between God and Israel – a nation that has been separated for a long time. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is making a new covenant with Israel, one that’s different from the previous ones. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about changing how they understand and relate to God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For this [is] the covenant that I will make…” : This is a promise made by God. It's a binding agreement. “…with the house of Israel” : This refers back to the ancient Israelites, who were a specific group of people under God’s law. We’re talking about their nation. “after those days…” : This is important – it’s not happening right now . It's a future event. “…saith the Lord” : This is God speaking directly to us. “I will put my laws into their mind…” : This is the key part! God isn't just giving them a list of rules; He’s teaching them the true meaning and importance of God's law. It's about understanding that God’s law isn’t just something to follow, but a fundamental part of who they are as a people. “and write them in their hearts” : God is making this knowledge permanent – it’s being imprinted on their minds forever. “and I will be to them a God…” : This is a huge shift! God isn't just establishing a system; He’s declaring Himself as the God, the one who governs all creation. It's about recognizing that God is supreme and unique. “and they shall be to me a people” : This means that Israel will become a special, intimate relationship with God. They won't just be subjects of His law; they’ll be part of Him – a community of chosen people under His rule. In short, this verse is about God revealing Himself and establishing a new relationship with his people, Israel. It’s a move towards a deeper, more personal connection with God, moving beyond just following rules to recognizing God as the ultimate authority. Why is it important? This covenant was a foundational part of the Old Testament, and it's believed to be the basis for the New Covenant (Jesus Christ). It highlights the idea that God’s relationship with humanity isn’t always about obedience, but about understanding and love. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you a more relatable example of how it applies to modern life?

Definition: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 8:11. It's a really important idea about God’s plan for how to share His message and how He chooses to reveal Himself. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God wants to share His love and truth with everyone – no matter their status or position. Let's unpack each part: “And they shall not teach every man his neighbour…” - This refers to people who are close to us, those we have relationships with – our family, friends, neighbors. We’re talking about individuals who are familiar with each other. “…and every man his brother…” - This is where it gets a little more nuanced. It means that God wants to share His truth with everyone , including people we don't know or haven't spoken to before. “Saying, Know the Lord: For all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.” - This is the key point. God wants everyone – everyone , regardless of their background or importance – to come to know Him. He doesn’t want anyone to keep His name a secret. So, what does this mean practically? It means that God intends for His message to be accessible to all people, not just a select few. He wants us to be open and share the good news of salvation (God's love and forgiveness) with everyone. Why is this important in the Bible? This verse speaks to several key ideas: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control and chooses who will receive His message. Universal Love & Grace: It emphasizes that God’s love is for everyone . The Power of Revelation: It suggests that God’s grace is revealed to everyone, not just a select group. In short, Hebrews 8:11 encourages us to be generous in sharing our faith with all people. --- Would you like me to explain any of these concepts further? For example, we could delve deeper into: The context of the verse within the larger story of God's plan. Its significance in the New Testament.

Definition: For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Hebrews 8:12. It’s a really profound statement about God’s love and forgiveness! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially means that God will never forget the sins and wrongdoings of humanity, even if they are deeply flawed and persistent. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “I will be merciful…” : This is a key part. It suggests that God isn't just going to forgive – He wants to. It shows a deep compassion and understanding. “…to their unrighteousness…” : "Unrighteousness" means something that goes against God’s moral standards, something that’s wrong and not right. It’s about disobedience and wrongdoing. “…and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” : This is the core of the verse. “Sins” are basically any wrong act or transgression. “Iniquities” refers to things that are deeply wrong, morally corrupting, or harmful. God promises not to forget these things – he’ll never completely erase them from our memory. What does this mean in a bigger picture? Hebrews 8:12 speaks about the Old Testament . It's a crucial part of understanding how Jesus fulfills God's plan for salvation. Here’s what it signifies: A Covenant with Abraham: God made a special covenant (a promise) with Abraham, promising him descendants and blessing his nation. This covenant was established because God saw that humanity needed a way to be forgiven for their sins. The Perfectaton of the Law: The Old Testament law was designed to protect people from sin. However, it wasn't perfect – it had its own flaws. Jesus came along and fulfilled the law through his life, death, and resurrection, making it perfectly acceptable for God’s forgiveness. Jesus as the Final Savior: Jesus is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the Law and the covenant with Abraham. He offers a way to be forgiven and reconciled with God – a way that doesn't require perfect adherence to the law. In short, Hebrews 8:12 emphasizes God’s unending love and forgiveness, and his willingness to forget our sins completely. It’s a powerful message of hope because it shows that even though we are flawed, God always wants to forgive us. --- To help me explain this further or answer any specific questions you might have, let me know: Are you curious about the context of the Old Testament? Do you want a more detailed explanation of the concept of "sin" and "iniquity"?

Definition: In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 8:13. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about God’s relationship with humanity and how His plan works over time. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Think of it like this: “A new covenant” : God is making a new agreement with us, a different kind of promise than the one we had before. It's not just about our forgiveness or our relationship – it’s about a fundamental shift in how God sees us and how He wants to interact with us. “He hath made the first old” : The "old" refers to the entire history of humanity – our sin, our brokenness, our struggles, and our eventual separation from God. It's been a long, complicated journey where we’ve strayed from His perfect plan. “Is ready to vanish away” : This is the key part. The old covenant (the agreement before) isn’t strong enough to keep us forever. It’s decaying and becoming old – that means it's losing its power, its effectiveness, and its ability to protect us. It's fading away, becoming weak and ultimately disappearing. Putting it all together: Hebrews 8:13 is saying that God has established a new covenant – a new agreement – with humanity. And this new covenant is old , meaning it’s been around for a very long time. But, because of sin and brokenness in the past, this old covenant isn't strong enough to keep us forever. It's destined to fade away, becoming irrelevant as we move towards a future where God’s perfect relationship with us is fully realized. In essence, it speaks about the ongoing nature of God’s plan and the eventual triumph of His goodness over evil. What does this mean for us today? It's a reminder that our faith isn't just about past salvation – it’s about the promise of eternal life with God. God is consistently working to maintain and strengthen that relationship, even as we stumble and fall. It emphasizes that God will ultimately win! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Provide a related story or analogy?