For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
All Commentaries on Hebrews 8:7 Go To Hebrews 8
John Chrysostom
AD 407
But (as I said) he sets down that which especially cheers them, in the words, Which was established upon better promises. Whence does appear? In that this the one was cast out, and the other introduced in its place: for it is therefore of force because it is better. For as he says, If perfection were by it, what further need was there, that another priest should rise, after the order of Melchisedec? Hebrews 7:11; so also here he used the same syllogism, saying Hebrews 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second; that is, if it made men faultless. For it is because he is speaking of this that he did not say, But finding fault with it, but ver. 8, 9 But finding fault with them, He says, Behold, the days come, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt: because they continued not in My covenant, and I regarded them not, says the Lord.
Yea, verily. And whence does it appear that [the first Covenant] came to an end? He showed it indeed also from the Priest, but now he shows more clearly by express words that it has been cast out.
But how is it upon better promises? For how, tell me, can earth and heaven be equal? But do thou consider, how he speaks of promises there [in that other covenant] also, that you may not bring this charge against it. For there also, he says a better hope, by which we draw near unto God Hebrews 7:19, showing that a Hope was there also; and in this place better promises, hinting that there also He had made promises.
