Hebrews 10:9

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

Hebrews 10:9 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers facing persecution and tempted to return to the old system of Judaism. The author presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate high priest and mediator of a new and better covenant. Hebrews 10:9 is the climax of a quotation from Psalm 40:6-8, which the author applies directly to Jesus.

Meaning

The quotation in this verse is applied to Jesus Christ, who willingly came into the world to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. The phrase “Lo, I come to do thy will, O God” is Christ’s own declaration of His mission.

The second half of the verse, “He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second,” refers to the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant. The first covenant, established through the law of Moses with its system of sacrifices and rituals, was temporary and imperfect. The second covenant, established through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, is superior, permanent, and provides complete forgiveness of sins. This is not merely a change in practice but a divine act: God Himself takes away the first to establish the second.

The “will of God” mentioned in the verse is specifically the sacrifice of Christ, offered once for all, through which believers are sanctified (Hebrews 10:10). Jesus came to earth to accomplish what the law and the sacrifices of the old covenant could not achieve—the redemption and reconciliation of humanity with God. His sacrifice fulfilled the requirements of the law and established a new and better covenant between God and humanity.

Application

Hebrews 10:9 teaches us several important lessons. First, it reminds us of Jesus’ perfect obedience to God’s will. As followers of Christ, we should strive to align our will with God’s and seek to do His will in our lives. Second, it emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant established by Jesus. Through faith in Him, we can experience forgiveness, salvation, and a personal relationship with God. Lastly, it encourages us to move away from relying on external religious rituals and traditions for salvation and instead place our trust in Jesus Christ alone.

For the original readers, this verse was a powerful warning: returning to the old system would mean returning to what God has abolished. For us today, it calls us to place our faith in Jesus as the only means of salvation, trusting in His finished work rather than in any human effort or ritual.