The author continues his argument that Christ is the great High Priest. Earthly priests offer gifts and sacrifices for the sins of the people according to the law. Christ, who sits at the right hand of God, does not need to be a priest on earth, since there are priests on earth to offer sacrifices. Christ did offer a sacrifice, himself. This once-for-all sacrifice is not according to the law but is superior to the old offerings.

Christ’s sacrifice follows the pattern established by God and Moses on Mt. Sinai; however, a new covenant was needed because the old covenant was inadequate. In the old covenant, God said, “I will be your God, and you will be my people, I will care for you, and you will follow my commandments.” Both the people of Israel and the people of Judah did not obey the commandments, and so, a new covenant was needed.

The author gives a long quote from Jeremiah in which Jeremiah foretells the coming of the new covenant. According to Jeremiah, the law will be within the hearts of the people. The new covenant will not do away with sin and the need for forgiveness. The people will experience this within themselves. In the new covenant, God will continue to be their God, and they will be God’s people. The law will not be done away with; God will be merciful and not remember their sins. Mercy and forgiveness of sins will be the marks of the new covenant.

Jeremiah’s words were good news to the people in exile. The fulfillment of this prophecy is good news for us.