renounced. In the foregoing part of the epistle, this subject is treated at large : and, in the words which we have read, there is a kind of recapitulation of it, purposely introduced, in order to confirm the Hebrews in a steady adherence to the faith which they had embraced, and to shew them the dreadful danger of departing from it.
Hence, in elucidating this passage, we shall have occasion to shew,
I. The transcendent excellence of the Christian dis- pensation—
The circumstances which took place at the giving of the law, are all particularly and distinctly referred to'': and they exhibit in very striking characters the nature of the law itself. The law was never given in order that the people might rest in it, or expect life from it ; but that they might be made to know and feel their need of that better covenant which God would make with them under the Gospel dis- pensation. Instead of bringing men to God, it kept them at the greatest distance from him, not a soul being suffered to touch the mount on which he re- vealed himself, nor so much as a beast touching it without having instant death inflicted on him. In- stead of producing any thing like filial love and con- fidence, it inspired only fear and terror, and, as the Apostle says, ^'gendered to bondage ^" Even Moses himself said, '' I exceedingly fear and quake." In- stead of offering life to any one, it was altogether " a ministration of condemnation and deaths"
Now, says the Apostle, ye who have received the Gospel are not come to such a dispensation as that ; " ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear"^ :" but ye are come,
1. To a better place — [Mount Sinai differed not from any other mount : it might be seen and touched like any other place. But not so the
a Compare ver. 18 — 21. with Exod. xix. 14 — 25.
^ Gah iv. 24. <= 2 Cor. iii. 7, 9. ^ Rom. viii. 15.