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‘amending ways’: Jer. 7:3, 5 ( wyk;r:D“ bfiyhe ); comp. Wisd. 9:18; and also of

‘setting up,’ ‘establishing’: Is. 16:5; 62:7 ( $ nE/K ). The thought of ‘making

straight, erect’ passes naturally into that of ‘making stable.’

Under different aspects this ‘reformation’ is spoken of as a ‘restitution’ (Acts 3:21 ajpokatavstasi" ), and a ‘regeneration’ (Matt. 19:28 paliggenesiva ).

The anarthrous form of the phrase ( kairo;" diorqwvsew" ) marks the character of the coming change. The very nature of the Law shewed that it was transitory, if it did not shew the definite issue to which it led.

The Greek commentators call attention to the force of the word ejpikeivmena . Thus Theodoret: kalw'" to; ejpevkeito, bavro" ga;r h\n movnon ta; ejn tw'/ novmw/ (Acts 15:10, 28).

(2) Heb. 9:11-28. The High-priestly Atonement under the New Covenant.

The work of the Jewish High-priest has been indicated as the climax of the old system (v. 7); and the Highpriestly work of Christ is now considered in contrast with it. The comparison is instituted in respect of that which was the unique and supreme privilege of the Levitical High-priest, the access to God on the Day of Atonement. Thus two main points come into consideration: the entrance of the High-priest into the Divine Presence, and the fact that the entrance was through blood.

Under this aspect the work of Christ is first ( a ) described generally in
vv. 11, 12; and then the truths suggested (
b ) by the shedding of His Blood
(vv. 13-22), and (
c ) by His entrance into the Presence of God whence He has not yet returned (9:23-28), are followed out in detail.

( a ) A summary description of Christ's High-priestly work (9:11, 12). The work of Christ as High-priest of the new order now established stands in sovereign superiority over that of the Levitical type in regard to scene, and offering, and efficacy. The tabernacle through which He ministered was not of this creation but heavenly (v. 11 b). The blood through which He entered before God was not that of sacrificed animals but His own (vs. 12 a). The redemption which He obtained was not for a brief season but for ever (vs. 12 b).

11 But Christ, having come a High-priest of the good things realised, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands, that is, not of this creation ,

12 nor yet through blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy place, having obtained eternal redemption.

(2) The High-priestly Atonement under the New Covenant (11-28)

9:11, 12. In contrast ( Cristo;" dev ) with the repeated entrance of the Jewish High-priest into the Holy of Holies through the blood of appointed victims Christ once for all entered into the true Sanctuary, the actual Presence of God, through His own blood, and obtained not a temporary but an eternal deliverance. Thus the contrast extends to the system ( ta; genovmena ajgaqav ), the place and mode of the Atonement ( dia; th'" m. kai; tel. sk., dia; tou' ijd. ai{ .), the issue ( aijwvn luvtr. ). In all these points the ‘parable’ finds fulfilment.

9:11. Cristo;" dev ...] But Christ having come a High-priest of good things


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