Todd Clippard

Topic(s): Old Testament, Bible Study, God’s Will

No human died for the first covenant. I realize you probably have in mind Hebrews 9:17, "For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."

However, the next verse gives an explanation to the institution of the old covenant:

"Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood."

Verses 19-22 explain how the first covenant was instituted with the blood of calves and goats, through the sprinkling of blood upon the books, the people, the tabernacle and all the vessels therein. Thus, the death of the sacrificial lamb instituted that first covenant. This is what made the first covenant faulty, and in need of replacement with the new covenant (Heb 8:6-13; 10:1-10).