Meaning of Hebrews 7:18

The verse "The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless" (Hebrews 7:18) speaks to the obsolescence of the Levitical priesthood and its sacrificial system under the Mosaic Law. The author of Hebrews is arguing that this old covenant, established through Moses, was a preliminary and imperfect system. It served its purpose in pointing towards something greater, but ultimately lacked the power to truly perfect believers or provide lasting atonement for sin. Its regulations, while divinely given, were inherently limited in their efficacy, highlighting the need for a superior covenant and priesthood.

Context and Background

This verse is found within a larger argument in Hebrews 7 concerning the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. The author is contrasting the earthly, human priesthood established under the Law of Moses with the eternal, divine priesthood of Jesus, who is a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:11). The Levitical system, with its repeated sacrifices and limitations, is presented as a temporary measure that could not achieve ultimate redemption. The "former regulation" refers specifically to the laws and ordinances governing the Levitical priesthood and their sacrifices as prescribed in the Old Testament.

Key Themes and Messages

The central message is the insufficiency of the Old Covenant's provisions for salvation and spiritual perfection. The terms "weak" and "useless" are not condemnations of God's law, but rather acknowledgments of its inherent limitations in achieving the ultimate goal of reconciliation with God. The Law revealed sin and prescribed temporary remedies, but it did not possess the power to eradicate sin or grant full access to God's presence. This verse underscores the transition from an old, temporary covenant to a new, eternal covenant established through Christ.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this verse highlights the completeness and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Because the former regulation was weak and useless in comparison, believers are called to place their faith not in ritualistic observances or human mediators, but in Jesus, the perfect High Priest. It calls for a reliance on grace through faith rather than on the works of the Law. The spiritual application is to recognize that our standing before God is not based on our adherence to a set of rules, but on the finished work of Christ.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage is crucial to understanding the unfolding redemptive plan of God. The Old Testament Law and priesthood served as a shadow and a type of the realities found in Christ. The sacrifices under the Law pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The Levitical priesthood foreshadowed Christ's unique and eternal priestly ministry. Hebrews 7:18 signifies the fulfillment of these Old Testament elements in Jesus, marking a pivotal moment in salvation history where the old order gives way to the new.

Analogies

One analogy to understand this is comparing a child's drawing to a masterpiece. The child's drawing, while perhaps earnest and expressive, is a rudimentary representation. It serves its purpose in its context, but it is ultimately "weak and useless" as a definitive artistic statement compared to a mature masterpiece. Similarly, the Levitical system was a necessary precursor, but Christ's priesthood and sacrifice are the ultimate, perfect realization. Another analogy is a temporary scaffolding on a building. The scaffolding is essential for construction, but once the building is complete, the scaffolding is removed because it is no longer needed and its purpose is fulfilled.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse finds resonance with numerous other biblical passages. Galatians 3:24 states, "So the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." This highlights the Law's preparatory role. Hebrews 10:1-4 further elaborates on the inadequacy of the Old Testament sacrifices, stating that they "can never take away sins." Jeremiah 31:31-34 prophesies the New Covenant, which would be superior to the Old Covenant, written on hearts rather than stone tablets. Finally, 1 Peter 1:18-19 emphasizes that believers were redeemed "with precious blood, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot, namely Christ," underscoring the singular efficacy of Christ's sacrifice over all previous means.