Hebrews 8:8 Study Bible: For finding fault with them, he said, "Look, the days are coming," says the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;

◄ Hebrews 8:8 ►

But God found fault with the people and said: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.

Study Bible

But God found fault with the people and said:

This phrase indicates divine dissatisfaction with the people of Israel. The context is the inadequacy of the Old Covenant, which was based on the Law given through Moses. The fault was not with the Law itself, which is holy and good, but with the people's inability to uphold it. This reflects the human condition of sinfulness and the need for a savior. The Old Testament frequently records Israel's disobedience and idolatry, leading to God's judgment and the need for a new covenant.

Jer 31:32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers…
Jer 11:10 They have returned to the sins of their forefathers…
Hos 8:1 Put the ram’s horn to your lips! An eagle looms…

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,

This phrase introduces a prophetic announcement, indicating a future event. It is a common prophetic formula used in the Old Testament to signal God's intervention in history. The phrase suggests an eschatological hope, pointing to a time when God will act decisively to fulfill His promises. This is a direct quotation from Jeremiah 31:31, highlighting the continuity of God's plan from the Old to the New Testament.

Jer 23:5 Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD,…
Jer 33:14 Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD,…
Jer 16:14-15 Yet behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD,…

when I will make a new covenant

The concept of a "new covenant" is central to the New Testament and the Christian faith. It signifies a departure from the Old Covenant, which was based on the Law, to a new relationship based on grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This new covenant is characterized by internal transformation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as opposed to the external adherence to the Law. It fulfills the promises made to Abraham and is inaugurated through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Jer 31:31 Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD,…
Jer 32:40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them…
Ezk 37:26 And I will make a covenant of peace with them;…

with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.

This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity of the new covenant, extending to both the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). Historically, the division of the kingdom occurred after Solomon's reign, leading to separate identities. The promise of a new covenant signifies the reunification and restoration of God's people. In the New Testament, this is expanded to include Gentiles, as seen in passages like Romans 11, where Paul speaks of the inclusion of the Gentiles into the promises made to Israel.

Jer 3:18 In those days the house of Judah will walk with…
Jer 31:27-28 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD…
Ezk 37:21-22 you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says:…

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The divine author of the new covenant, who finds fault with the people under the old covenant.

2. The People
Refers to the Israelites, specifically the house of Israel and the house of Judah, who were unable to uphold the old covenant.

3. The New Covenant
A promise of a renewed relationship between God and His people, distinct from the old covenant given at Sinai.

4. The House of Israel and the House of Judah
The divided kingdoms of Israel, representing the entirety of God's chosen people.

5. The Prophet Jeremiah
The original source of the prophecy quoted in Hebrews 8:8, found in Jeremiah 31:31-34.

Teaching Points

The Need for a New Covenant
The old covenant was insufficient due to human inability to uphold it. The new covenant addresses this by transforming hearts.

God's Initiative
The new covenant is initiated by God, highlighting His grace and desire for a restored relationship with His people.

Internal Transformation
Unlike the old covenant, which was external, the new covenant involves an internal change, writing God's laws on our hearts.

Unity of God's People
The mention of both Israel and Judah signifies the unification of God's people under the new covenant.

Fulfillment in Christ
The new covenant is fulfilled through Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice enables the forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a new covenant in Hebrews 8:8 reflect God's grace and mercy towards His people?

2. In what ways does the new covenant differ from the old covenant, and how does this impact our relationship with God today?

3. How can we apply the idea of God's law being written on our hearts in our daily lives?

4. What role does Jesus play in the fulfillment of the new covenant, and how should this influence our faith and actions?

5. How can understanding the unity of Israel and Judah under the new covenant encourage us to seek unity within the body of Christ today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 31:31-34
The original prophecy of the new covenant, emphasizing God's plan to write His law on the hearts of His people.

Ezekiel 36:26-27
Speaks of God giving a new heart and spirit, aligning with the transformative nature of the new covenant.

Matthew 26:28
Jesus refers to His blood as the blood of the new covenant, establishing its fulfillment through His sacrifice.

2 Corinthians 3:6
Paul discusses the new covenant as one of the Spirit, contrasting it with the letter of the law.

Romans 11:26-27
Paul speaks of the salvation of Israel and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Sermons

God Complaining of the Church	John Owen, D. D.	Hebrews 8:8
I Will Make a New Covenant	W. Gouge.	Hebrews 8:8
The Agreement Betwixt the Covenant of Grace as it is Styled Old and New	W. Gouge.	Hebrews 8:8
The Blessings of the New Covenant	A. Saphir.	Hebrews 8:8
The Difference Between the Covenant of Grave as it is Styled Old and New	W. Gouge.	Hebrews 8:8
The Difference Betwixt the Two Covenants of Works and Grace	W. Gouge.	Hebrews 8:8
The Two Dispensatons are One	T. C. Edwards, D. D.	Hebrews 8:8
Christ in Heaven, the Mediator of the New Covenant	C. New	Hebrews 8:6-13
The Reasons Assigned for the Introduction of the New Covenant	J.S. Bright	Hebrews 8:6-13

People

Hebrews

Places

Egypt, Jerusalem

Topics

Agreement, Behold, Complete, Consummate, Covenant, Declares, Dissatisfied, Effect, Establish, Fault, Finding, Finds, Juda, Judah, Protesting, Regards, Says

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Hebrews 8:8

5926 rebuke
6115 blame

Hebrews 8:1-13

5381 law, letter and spirit
6698 newness

Hebrews 8:6-8

5467 promises, divine

Hebrews 8:6-13

1352 covenant, the new

Hebrews 8:7-13

5100 Melchizedek

Hebrews 8:8-9

6163 faults

Hebrews 8:8-10

7024 church, nature of

Hebrews 8:8-12

     1429   prophecy, OT fulfilment
     1443   revelation, OT
     6653   forgiveness, divine

Library

Christ Our Mediator. --Continued.
"But now hath he [Christ] obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises" (Heb. viii. 6). Having considered Christ's preparatory work, His earthly mission, we wish now to consider His office and work as mediator between God and men. Christ sought no additional honor because of His message to men and suffering on their account. On the contrary, He prayed: "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, …
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

The New Covenant.
"Now in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a High-priest, Who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. For every high-priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that this High-priest also have somewhat to offer. Now if He were on earth, He would not be a Priest at all, seeing there are those who offer …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Wesley Refused the Sacrament at Epworth
In the evening I reached Epworth. Sunday, 2. At five I preached on "So is everyone that is born of the Spirit." About eight I preached from my father's tomb on Hebrews 8:11. Many from the neighboring towns asked if it would not be well, as it was sacrament Sunday, for them to receive it. I told them, "By all means: but it would be more respectful first to ask Mr. Romley, the curate's leave." One did so, in the name of the rest; to whom he said, "Pray tell Mr. Wesley, I shall not give him the sacrament; …
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

God in the Covenant
But I have been thinking for the last two or three days, that the covenant of grace excels the other covenant most marvelously in the mighty blessings which it confers. What does the covenant of grace convey? I had thought this morning of preaching a sermon upon "The covenant of grace; what are the blessings it gives to God's children?" But when I began to think of it, there was so much in the covenant, that if I had only read a catalogue of the great and glorious blessings, wrapped up within its …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The New Covenant
"But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."--JER. xxxi. 33, 34. ISAIAH has often been called …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

The Person Sanctified.
"The putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh."--Col. ii. 11. Sanctification embraces the whole man, body and soul, with all the parts, members, and functions that belong to each respectively. It embraces his person and, all of his person. This is why sanctification progresses from the hour of regeneration all through life, and can be completed only in and through death. St. Paul prays for the church of Thessalonica: "The God of peace sanctify you wholly, and may your whole spirit and soul …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Christ Our High Priest.
"Now, if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it hath the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be reckoned after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are said belongeth to another tribe, from which no man hath given attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung …
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Perseverance in Holiness
May the King himself come near and feast his saints to-day! May the Comforter who convinced of sin now come to cheer us with the promise! We noticed concerning the fig tree, that it was confirmed in its barrenness: it had borne no fruit, though it made large professions of doing so, and it was made to abide as it was. Let us consider another form of confirmation: not the curse of continuance in the rooted habit of evil; but the blessing of perseverance in a settled way of grace. May the Lord show …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
John v. 39--"Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me." Eph. ii. 20--"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets." As in darkness there is need of a lantern without and the light of the eyes within--for neither can we see in darkness without some lamp though we have never so good eyes, nor yet see without eyes, though in never so clear a sunshine--so there is absolute need for the guiding of our feet in the dangerous …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant
"I give thee for a covenant of the people."--ISA. xlii. 6, xlix. 8. "The Lord shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in."--MAL. iii. 1. "Jesus was made Surety of a better covenant."--HEB. vii. 22. "The Mediator of the Better Covenant, established upon better promises . . . The Mediator of the New Covenant. . . Ye are come to Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant."--HEB. viii. 6, ix. 15, xii. 24. WE have here four titles given to our Lord Jesus in …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

How the Wise and the Dull are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 7). Differently to be admonished are the wise of this world and the dull. For the wise are to be admonished that they leave off knowing what they know: the dull also are to be admonished that they seek to know what they know not. In the former this thing first, that they think themselves wise, is to be thrown down; in the latter whatsoever is already known of heavenly wisdom is to be built up; since, being in no wise proud, they have, as it were, prepared their hearts for supporting …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Ascension
"So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen." MARK 16:19-20 (R.V.) WE have reached the close of the great Gospel of the energies of Jesus, His toils, His manner, His searching gaze, His noble indignation, His love of children, the consuming zeal by virtue of which He was not more truly the …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Great Shepherd
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. I t is not easy for those, whose habits of life are insensibly formed by the customs of modern times, to conceive any adequate idea of the pastoral life, as obtained in the eastern countries, before that simplicity of manners, which characterized the early ages, was corrupted, by the artificial and false refinements of luxury. Wealth, in those …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Concerning the Scriptures.
Concerning the Scriptures. From these revelations of the Spirit of God to the saints, have proceeded the Scriptures of Truth, which contain, I. A faithful historical account of the actings of God's people in divers ages; with many singular and remarkable providences attending them. II. A prophetical account of several things, whereof some are already past, and some yet to come. III. A full and ample account of all the chief principles of the doctrine of Christ, held forth in divers precious declarations, …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

The Strait Gate;
OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN: PLAINLY PROVING, BY THE SCRIPTURES, THAT NOT ONLY THE RUDE AND PROFANE, BUT MANY GREAT PROFESSORS, WILL COME SHORT OF THAT KINGDOM. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."--Matthew 7:13, 14 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. If any uninspired writer has been …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away.
The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Doctrine
OF THE LAW AND GRACE UNFOLDED; OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING THE LAW AND GRACE; THE NATURE OF THE ONE, AND THE NATURE OF THE OTHER; SHOWING WHAT THEY ARE, AS THEY ARE THE TWO COVENANTS; AND LIKEWISE, WHO THEY BE, AND WHAT THEIR CONDITIONS ARE, THAT BE UNDER EITHER OF THESE TWO COVENANTS: Wherein, for the better understanding of the reader, there are several questions answered touching the law and grace, very easy to be read, and as easy to be understood, by those that are the sons of wisdom, the children …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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