VER. VI.
But now he hath obtained a more excellent Ministry, by how much also he is the Mediator of a better Covenant, which was established on better Promises.
IN this Verse beginneth the Second Part of the Chapter, concerning the differ∣ence between the two Covenants, the Old and the New, with the Preheminence of the latter above the former; and of the Ministry of Christ above the High Priests on that account. The whole Church state of the Jews, with all the Ordi∣nances and Worship of it, and the Priviledges annexed unto it, depend wholly on the Covenant that God made with them at Sinai. But the introduction of this new Priesthood whereof the Apostle is discoursing, did necessarily abolish that Cove∣nant, and put an end unto all sacred Ministrations that belonged unto it. And this could not well be offered unto them, without the supply of another Covenant which should excell the former in Priviledges and Advantages. For it was granted among them, that is was the design of God to carry on the Church unto a perfect state, as hath been declared on Chap. 7. Wherefore he would not lead it backward, nor deprive it of any thing it had enjoyed, without provision of what was better in its room. This therefore the Apostle here undertakes to declare. And he doth it after his wonted manner from such Principles and Testimonies as were admitted among themselves.
Two things unto this purpose he proves by express Testimonies out of the Pro∣phet Jeremiah.
1. That besides the Covenant made with their Fathers in Sinai, God had pro∣mised to make another Covenant with the Church, in his appointed time and sea∣son.
2. That this other promised Covenant should be of another nature than the former, and much more excellent as unto spiritual Advantages, unto them who were taken into it.
From both these fully proved, the Apostle infers the necessity of the Abrogation of that first Covenant, wherein they trusted, and unto which they adhered, when the appointed time was come. And hereon he takes occasion to declare the Na∣ture of the two Covenants in sundry instances, and wherein the differences between them did consist. This is the substance of the remainder of this Chapter.
This Verse is a Transition from one Subject unto another, namely, from the Excellency of the Priesthood of Christ above that of the Law, unto the Excellency of the New Covenant above the Old. And herein also the Apostle artificially com∣priseth and confirmeth his last Argument, of the Preheminency of Christ, his Priest∣hood and Ministry above those of the Law. And this he doth from the Nature and Excellency of that Covenant whereof he was the Mediator in the discharge of his Office.
There are two Parts of the words.
1. An Assertion of the Excellency of the Ministry of Christ. And this he ex∣presseth by way of comparison. He hath obtained a more excellent Ministry: and after declareth the degree of that comparison; By how much also.