Hebrews 7:18-19 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
It is helpful to understand some Old Testament theology and history to interpret these verses. The old law or “former commandment” did not address the real human problem: a broken and sinful heart, or another way to say that is the basic rebellion against God shown in pride and selfishness (our own or what people have done to us as victims). The law points out the problem of sin and offers a temporary solution with the sacrificial system. It prepares for the remedy of Jesus but cannot do what Jesus did. The law was weak and useless to take care of the sin problem permanently. The author says that the law could not perfect. One of the reasons for this is that those who administered it were human. The priests could only offer a temporary fix that had to be repeated. The Day of Atonement only took care of sin once a year. This was all symbolic of God’s grace and forgiveness of the people. It was also a type for what would come with Jesus.
The old way is compared here to thew new way through Jesus, the Son. This is a better hope because it is a permanent fix (eternal) and allows everyone to draw near to God, not just a one person as the yearly high priest. The priesthood of Jesus is infinitely superior to the Levitical priesthood. His priesthood brought a permanent solution to the problem of sin and opened the way to the Holy God for all who will receive the promise in faith and move towards the promise through obedience. The old system provided Israel some degree of hope, but sacrifices had to be made over and over again. The new system with Jesus offers hope that is eternal.
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