Hebrews 9:20
Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
Hebrews 9:20 (KJV)
Context
The Book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers tempted to return to the old rites of Judaism. The author stresses the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the former system of law, sacrifices, and the earthly tabernacle. Hebrews chapter 9 sets the Old Testament sanctuary and the high priest’s service beside Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice as the perfect High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary.
In this verse, the author quotes Moses’ words during the ratification of the Old Covenant at Mount Sinai. The immediate context (Hebrews 9:18-22) explains that even the first covenant was not dedicated without blood, and Moses sprinkled both the book and the people, saying, “This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.” This quotation comes from Exodus 24:8, where the covenant was sealed by the sprinkling of animal blood on the people and on the book of the law (Exodus 24:5-8).
Meaning
The word “testament” (Greek: diatheke) can mean covenant or will, and the author of Hebrews uses this to show that a death is required to establish it. The blood of animals shed at Sinai symbolized the covenant relationship between God and His people and the forgiveness that the sacrificial system could provide. Yet those animal sacrifices could offer only temporary forgiveness; they pointed forward to a better sacrifice.
The phrase “which God hath enjoined unto you” underscores the divine origin and authority of the covenant. The blood both seals the agreement and cleanses, prefiguring the cleansing power of Christ’s blood.
Biblical connections
The writer contrasts that old system with the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus Christ. While the blood of animals could offer only temporary forgiveness, the blood of Jesus shed on the cross brings redemption and complete forgiveness (Hebrews 9:12). Because it rests on the perfect, final sacrifice of Christ, the New Covenant is presented as superior to the Old.
This verse directly connects to the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus said, “This is my blood of the new testament” (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24), fulfilling and superseding the old covenant. Jesus’ blood ratifies the New Covenant, sealing the forgiveness of sins for all who believe (Hebrews 9:15). Through His sacrifice He fulfilled the requirements of the Old Covenant and inaugurated a better covenant founded on grace and mercy.
Application
Hebrews 9:20 highlights the pivotal role of covenant blood in establishing the New Covenant and serves as a reminder that forgiveness and salvation flow solely through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. The seriousness of the covenant reminds us that God commanded it, and the people were obligated to obey. In the same way, we are called to respond to God’s gracious covenant with faith and obedience, trusting that Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice secures eternal redemption.
Reflection
The blood of the testament is not merely a ritual but a divine ordinance, enjoined by God, and it points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. As we remember the Lord’s Supper, we proclaim that the new covenant is established on better promises, sealed by the precious blood of Jesus, and effective for all who believe.
