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"An annulling of the former commandment..."

Text: Hebrews 7:18

THE IDEA OF AN ANNULMENT

This idea was introduced by the author of Hebrews to help his readers understand the significance of Christ’s High Priesthood. He knew that many Jewish readers would have difficulty comprehending the idea of “another priesthood”. It was a difficult task but he had to attempt to teach what seemed incredulous to the Jewish mind.

“For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former
commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness.”
Hebrews 7:18

1. An annulment

a) This idea would be resisted by the following:-

i) The traditionalist

ii) The wooden-literalist

iii) The die-hard

b) Nevertheless the idea of annulment must be allowed for the following reasons

i) God has the Divine right to give or to annul any commandment of His.

ii) God is above the law that He gave through Moses.

2. Other reasons that may cause a commandment to be annulled

a) Because of “weakness”

i) This must be understood carefully.

ii) The law appears “weak” only because of man’s weakness.

iii) His sinfulness makes it impossible to keep the laws of God.

b) Because of “unprofitableness”

i) Again this idea must be read in the light of man’s weakness:-

ii) God desires to bless man greatly if he kept His laws.

iii) However man being sinful and weak found the law “unprofitable”.