(5) Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount. (6) But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
It is very blessed to behold how attentive the Holy Ghost was, in all his appointments relating to the Church in the wilderness, that everything should be the express pattern of Christ, and his Gospel Church. And, while it serves to teach us how infinitely important the things themselves must be to which those shadows ministered; how sure is it also, that God the Spirit was the Almighty Minister then, as He is now.
In relation to the better ministry of Christ, and the order of the New Testament dispensation being established upon better promises, every part and portion of the word of God most fully shews. But what I beg the Reader more immediately to keep in view, and never lose sight of, is this, that Jesus himself is the whole of the covenant. So Jehovah declared him to be, Isaiah 49:8, and so his people, when regenerated of the Holy Ghost, prove him to their soul's comfort, It was formed with Jesus in the eternal counsels, before the world. It was confirmed by Jesus, during the time state of his abode on earth, To Him the whole was entrusted. By Him the whole hath been fulfilled. All the blessings of it are in his Almighty hands; and from Him, all must flow of grace here, and glory hereafter, So that the Lord Jesus comprehends in his own Person, as God-Man Mediator, the one, full, and complete covenant. He is the Messenger, the Administrator, the Head, the Sum, the Substance of the whole. Precious Lord Jesus! blessed be God, who hath given thee for a covenant of the people!