Definition: 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, saith the Lord.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 8:9. It's a pretty complex passage, but here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is about God’s relationship with a specific group of people – the Israelites – and how He chooses to deal with them differently than any previous agreement he made with their ancestors. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Hebrews 8:9” : This refers to a specific event in the Old Testament, specifically when God chose Abraham to be the father of a great nation. “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…” This is the key part. It’s comparing this to a previous agreement. The Covenant: In Jewish tradition, a covenant was a binding agreement between God and a nation (like Israel). It was a promise of protection, guidance, and blessings. Think of it as a special relationship with God. “With their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand…” : This refers to the time God made a covenant with Abraham, who was instructed to lead his descendants out of Egypt (the Middle East). It’s about starting a new era for these people. “…to lead them out of the land of Egypt.” : This emphasizes that this was a crucial turning point – a moment where God set them on a path towards a blessed future. “Because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.” This is where it gets more profound: "They continued not in my covenant..." : This means that after Abraham’s covenant with God, the Israelites didn't follow God's instructions or uphold the promises made. They strayed from the path he had set for them. "...and I regarded them not..." : This is a bit tricky. It suggests God didn’t actively care about them, that He wasn't involved in their lives in a significant way. “Saith the Lord.” - This is a formal and authoritative statement from God. So, what does this verse mean? The verse essentially says: God chose to establish a new covenant with a group of people (the Israelites) after they had broken his original promise. He didn't care about them or their behavior, which is why he chooses to establish a different kind of relationship with them. In simpler terms: God is setting up a new agreement with a specific group that needs a fresh start and isn’t following the previous rules. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand better about this verse? (e.g., its significance in Jewish tradition, its implications for our lives today?)