Note: I have previously posted a pattern for the first part of Hebrews which concludes in 8:1-2 with a summary statement. Here is a proposal for a large symmetrical structure for chapters 8-12. At the centre are the examples of faith in action, but this list is set within a set of references back to Habakkuk 2.
A and A’ are not balanced in size but they do correspond in general import, both comparing the New Covenant with the Old.
Comments welcome.
A. 8:3-10:17 The Old versus the New Covenant
key linking words – mediator (8:6 and 9:15), new covenant (8:8,13 and 9:15), earth/heaven (8:4,5), mount (8:5).
a. 8:3-13 Old Covenant to be replaced by a better New Covenant
… 13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
b. 9:1-28 The Law, especially the day of Atonement, was a shadowy pattern of the work of Christ
… 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us … 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
a’. 10:1-17 Old Covenant sacrifices to be replaced by the sacrifice of Christ
… 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me … He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
B. 10:18-37 Exhortation to endure
key linking word – endure (10:32)
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions
C. 10:38-39 Live by Faith
Key link – reference back to Habakkuk 2:2-4
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
D. 11:1-40 Faith in Action
… 4 By faith …
C’. 12:1-2a Look to Jesus
Key link – reference back to Habakkuk 2:2-4
12:1 … and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith …
B’. 12:2b-17 Exhortation to Endure
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds …
A’. 12:18-29 The Old Covenant about to be removed
Key linking words – – mediator (12:24), new covenant (12:24), earth/heaven (12:25,26), mount (12:18,22).
… 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.