(comp. with Jeremiah 30:1-24:31-34, and Hebrews 8:6).—
The old and new covenants.
It may not be uninstructive at this stage of homiletic teaching upon this book, to place on record the points of comparison and of contrast between the old and new covenants; i.e. between the covenant made through Moses and that propounded and sealed through the Lord Jesus Christ.
I. LET US NOTE THE POINTS OF COMPARISON.
1. Both are made with a people formed for God (Isaiah 43:21; 1 Peter 2:9).
2. Both make God all in all (Deuteronomy 14:2; 1 Corinthians 6:20).
3. Both inculcate holiness (Deuteronomy 7:6; 1 Peter 1:15).
4. Both of them are based on sacrifice (Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 9:23).
5. Both teach a mediatorial administration (Leviticus 16:1-34.; Hebrews 8:6).
6. Both set before the people a future inheritance (Deuteronomy 12:1).
7. Both urge to duty by the impulse of gratitude (Deuteronomy 5:6; Hebrews 4:9).
8. Both appeal to fear as well as to hope (Deuteronomy 11:16; Hebrews 4:1).
II. THERE ARE ALSO POINTS OF CONTRAST.
1. In the form of the covenants.
(a) Of the law of sacrifice (comp. Leviticus with Hebrews).
(b) Of the Divine character (Hebrews 1:1-14.).
(c) Of the destiny of mankind (Hebrews 10:25-31).
(d) Of the tenderness of the Divine concern for man as man (Luke 15:1-32.).
2. In their promissory grounds they differ quite as widely.