Book of Hebrews - Chapter 7 - Verse 18
Meaning
When the author of Hebrews writes that there is a disannulling of the commandment that came before due to its weakness and unprofitableness, he is referring to the fact that the old system of laws and regulations outlined in the Old Testament were unable to bring about true righteousness and salvation. These commandments were unable to fully address humanity's sinfulness and inability to live up to God's standards. The author is highlighting the inadequacy of the old covenant in comparison to the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. The old commandments were temporary and served as a foreshadowing of the better covenant to come. The weakness of the old system lay in the fact that it could not change the human heart or provide a permanent solution for sin. In contrast, the new covenant through Jesus offers forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life, making the old commandments obsolete and no longer necessary for salvation.
Theological Overview
Hebrews 7:18 discusses the annulment of the former commandment due to its weakness and unprofitableness. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights how the old Mosaic law, with its focus on external rituals and sacrifices, could not bring about true spiritual transformation. By pointing out the limitations of the old commandment, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the need for a new covenant based on faith in Jesus Christ. This verse challenges believers to move beyond legalistic practices and embrace a relationship with God centered on grace and faith. Through word studies, one can delve deeper into the meaning of terms such as 'disannulling' and 'weakness,' shedding light on the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice and the superiority of the new covenant over the old. Overall, Hebrews 7:18 serves as a reminder of the inadequacy of human efforts to achieve righteousness and the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross.