“Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.”– Hebrews 9:20 (KJV)
“He said, ‘This blood confirms the covenant God has made with you.'”– Hebrews 9:20 (NLT)
“He said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant that God has established with you.'”– Hebrews 9:20 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 9:20 Mean?
Hebrews 9:20 holds significant meaning as it highlights the importance of blood in the covenant between God and His people. The verse refers to the moment when Moses sprinkled the blood on the people during the establishment of the Old Covenant at Mount Sinai. It is a powerful reminder of the covenant relationship that God desired with His people, which is marked by sacrifice and bloodshed. When God introduced the covenant through Moses, He made it clear that sacrificial blood was essential to confirm and seal this relationship.
In understanding this verse, we see that the blood symbolizes a life given in exchange for the sins of the people. While Moses literally sprinkled the blood of sacrificed animals on the people to enact this covenant, we, as believers today, also recognize that Christ’s blood serves the ultimate purpose of sealing a new covenant of grace. Just as Moses’ actions linked God’s people to their obligations and promises, the sacrifice of Jesus fulfills the promise of redemption and highlights the depth of God’s love and commitment us.
Hebrews 9:20 Explanation and Commentary
When we examine Hebrews 9:20 further, it’s essential to recognize the rich background that informs its meaning. The context of the verse ties back to the Jewish sacrificial system, which was central to the them understanding of their faith and relationship with God. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were a way to atone for sin, and the shedding of blood was regarded as vital for the forgiveness of sins. This is clearly seen in Leviticus 17:11, where we read that the life of the flesh is in the blood, and God had appointed it for making atonement for the people.
Also, within this framework, we can appreciate the transition from the old covenant to the new. The writer of Hebrews continuously draws parallels between the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial role of Jesus. His blood was shed not just for a temporary covering of sin but as a final offering for humanity, opening the way for direct access to God. In many ways, this moment marks a high point of revelation regarding God’s plan for salvation through Christ.
This verse challenges us to reflect on the seriousness of sin and the gracious nature of God who was willing to establish a covenant based on the blood of a perfect sacrifice, His Son. It causes us to acknowledge that through Christ’s sacrifice, we are offered a new and living way of access to God, which the old covenant could never provide. As a result, we are encouraged to live in a way that honors this relationship.
Additionally, we must not forget that this new covenant is not just about the individual; it is a community matter. Just as Moses sprinkled blood on the entire assembly, we, as believers in the body of Christ, are called to live in unity and encouragement with one another, reminding ourselves of the shared promise that God has given us.
Context of Hebrews 9:20
In understanding Hebrews 9:20, we gain insight from the broader context of Hebrews chapter 9. This chapter begins with an exploration of the old covenant’s regulations for worship, highlighting the tabernacle’s arrangements, the priestly duties, and the repeating sacrifices that served as reminders of sin. The writer systematically contrasts these rituals with the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, offering a greater understanding of what true redemption entails.
As we go through the chapter, we see that the old covenant was fundamentally tied to the law, which, despite its good intentions, ultimately could not remove sin. In contrast, the new covenant through Christ provides eternal redemption. The importance of blood in both contexts—old and new—is a unifying thread, reminding us that God has always required a sacrifice to maintain holiness and justice.
Furthermore, this historical perspective reveals the faithfulness of God throughout generations. From the early covenants with figures such as Abraham to the eventual realization of covenant fulfillment through Jesus, we see a continuity of purpose and plan. Knowing this history makes the declaration in Hebrews 9:20 even more powerful. It’s not just a statement of fact—it is the culmination of God’s desire to be in a relationship with us, confirming our identity and purpose as His chosen people.
Awareness of this context leads us to a richer appreciation of the epistle as a whole. The book of Hebrews speaks to a community grappling with the blend of cultural and spiritual challenges. The assurance provided in this verse and the chapter invites believers to remain steadfast and to grasp hold of the hope available in Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 9:20
To further illuminate our understanding, let’s break down key elements of Hebrews 9:20. The first part mentions Moses saying, “This is the blood of the testament,” emphasizing the role of the blood in creating a covenant—a formal and binding agreement between God and the Israelites. In this instance, the blood acted as a physical representation of what was true spiritually. It signifies life and the seriousness of entering into a relationship with God.
The next critical component is the audience referred to as “you.” The writer communicates directly to the people gathered around Moses. Their collective experience of witnessing the covenant establishment reinforces the shared responsibility that comes with God’s promises. This creates a sense of belonging and accountability that is important for us to uphold within our communities of faith today.
The phrase “which God hath enjoined unto you” speaks to the divine origin of the commitment. It isn’t just an agreement made by men; rather, it is a command from God himself. We have to reflect on how often we neglect the gravity of commitments we make to God and each other. This phrase can remind us that our agreements are not only important but that they require our utmost respect and diligence.
Finally, we realize that the mention of blood points us toward a critical component of God’s relationship with humanity. It indicates sacrifice, the giving of oneself for the sake of another. This encourages us to consider how we can embody that sacrificial love in our lives, whether that’s through service, support, or standing in the gap for one another in our communities.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 9:20
Hebrews 9:20 teaches us important lessons about the nature of God and how He desires for us to relate to Him and to each other. One of the key takeaways is understanding the weight of covenant relationships. God established a covenant with us, which signals His commitment and the seriousness with which He approaches our relationship. This should spur us on to take our commitments to God and to each other seriously.
By recognizing that we are a part of this divine covenant, we are encouraged to live in a way that reflects the values of loyalty and faithfulness. This requires ongoing introspection about our actions and decisions and how they align with what we claim to believe in. The covenant demonstrates God’s desire for a close and personal connection, which naturally compels us to express the same desire in our relationships.
We also learn about the importance of sacrifice. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice highlights the theme woven throughout scripture—the necessity of shedding blood for redemption. As we reflect on this truth, it moves us to appreciate the depth of Christ’s love. Moreover, it urges us to approach each other with grace and understanding, recognizing that we, too, are called to be sacrificial towards others, whether that means giving of our time, resources, or forgiveness.
As we live out the lessons from Hebrews 9:20, we must also realize that we are part of a community “tied” together through the blood of the covenant. This means we are called to support and encourage one another, reminding each other of God’s promises. Our relationships within the body of Christ are set up to reflect the unity that Christ has brought us into a relationship with the Father and with one another.
Final Thoughts
Hebrews 9:20 serves as a reaffirmation of God’s unwavering commitment to us and a reminder of the sacredness intertwined within the covenant. This scripture has a profound significance for us as Christians today, urging us to cherish our relationship with God while also understanding our commitments to one another. It’s an encouragement for us to live in humble obedience, recognizing the magnitude of the sacrifice made on our behalf.
As we go through our daily lives, may we be fueled by the strength that comes from the knowledge of our covenant with God. Let us uphold the values of loyalty and sacrifice as we foster relationships marked by grace and commitment. In doing so, we embody the purpose God has laid before us as a community united by His love and promises. We are encouraged to carry these lessons into every interaction, continually reflecting the character of Christ in our lives.
If you wish to learn more about other engaging biblical topics, consider exploring 1 Samuel 20:3 or 1 Samuel 20:2, where we can draw further insights from the rich stories and teachings found throughout scripture.