NOW the summary of the things spoken is this: we have such an
high-priest, who hath taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of
Majesty in the heavens; (2)a minister of the holies, and of the true
tabernacle which the Lord hath pitched, and not man. (3)For every
high-priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore
it is necessary that this person also have somewhat to offer. (4)For if
he were on earth, he would not be a priest, there being priests who
offer gifts according to the law; (5)who perform the service after the
figure and shadow of things in the heavens, as Moses was divinely
instructed, when he was about to finish the tabernacle. "For see,"
saith God, "that thou make all things according to the model shewed
thee on the mount[135]." (6)But now hath Christ obtained a more
excellent ministry, inasmuch as he is the mediator of a better
covenant, which hath been established on better promises.
(7)For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been
no place sought for a second. (8)For finding fault with them, he saith,
"Behold, the days are coming, saith the Lord; and I will accomplish for
the house of Israel and for the house of Judah a new covenant: (9)not
according to that covenant which I made with their fathers, in the day
when I laid hold upon their hand to lead them up out of the land of
Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I took no longer
care of them, saith the Lord. (10)For this is the covenant which I will
make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; giving
my laws to their understanding, even on their hearts will I inscribe
them: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.
(11)And they shall no more teach every man his neighbour, and every one
his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me from the mean
man of them unto the great among them. (12)For I will be placable to
their unrighteousnesses and their sins, and their iniquities I will
never more remember[136]." (13)In calling it a new covenant, he hath
made the first antiquated. Now what is antiquated and grown aged, is
near evanescence.