ACC ~ Hebrews 7 v18 - 19

THROUGH FREEDOM FROM MATERIAL POSSESSIONS. EPHREM THE SYRIAN: Because of their earthly voluptuousness and desire for pleasure, which the former priests showed, and because of their infirmity, through which they made their people infirm before their cupidities, they did not bring any of them to that perfection, thanks to which we got rid of all our material goods. In fact, “the introduction” of the gospel made for the hope which surpassed what was previously preached to us, was also made for the introduction of this precept: through our own freedom from material possessions “we approach God,” whereas through the voluptuousness and pleasures of the law we were rejected and removed from God. COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS.

FOR PERFECTION THE LAW WAS OF NO USE. CHRYSOSTOM: Was the law then of no use? It was indeed of use and of great use, but to make humans perfect it was of no use. For in this respect he says, “the law made nothing perfect.” All were figures, all shadows: circumcision, sacrifice, sabbath. Therefore they could not reach through the soul, and thus they pass away and gradually withdraw. But “a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.” ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS 13.4.

THE LAW WAS INCAPABLE OF PROVIDING THE PERFECT BENEFIT. THEODORET OF CYR: The law ceases to have effect, he is saying, and the hope of better things is introduced. It ceases to have effect, not for being evil (the frenzied view of the heretics), but for being ineffective and incapable of providing the perfect benefit. It must be noted, of course, that he refers to the obsolete prescriptions of the law as ineffective and useless—circumcision, sabbath observance and similar things; the New Testament also bids us observe to a greater extent the commandments, you shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery, and suchlike things. In place of the former, therefore, we receive the hope of the good things to come: it relates us to God. INTERPRETATION OF HEBREWS 7.

THE INTRODUCTION OF A BETTER HOPE. ORIGEN: We may also ask what it means when it says in the law that Moses’ face was shining with glory, though covered with a veil,while his hand when put “into his bosom” became “leprous as snow.” In this it seems to me the form of the whole law is quite fully described. For his “face” is the word of the law, and by “hand” are described the works of the law. “For no human being will be justified by works of the law.” Nor could the law lead anyone to “perfection.” In the same way the “leprous” hand of Moses was hidden in his bosom, since it could not perform any perfect work; but his face shone, though covered with a veil, since his word has the glory of knowledge, but a hidden glory. HOMILIES ON EXODUS 12.3.

Heb