Mount Sinai and Mount Zion.
In this passage are mentioned seven great and solemn heavenly realities.
I. Mount Zion. Mount Sinai represents the law. It manifests the majesty of God above us as creatures, the wrath of God against us as sinners; it reveals to us God's judgment and our condemnation; it convinces us of our guilt and of our strengthlessness; it represents the state of fear and darkness, of distance and alienation from God. It is winter, without sunshine, without flower and fruit, without the song of birds, the melody of praise.
II. Mount Sinai has passed away. It was only temporary. God touched it, but did not abide there. There is another mount, even Zion. Mount Sinai represents the law, temporary and intermediate; Mount Zion the Gospel, eternal and abiding. Sinai is connected with God's dealings with man according to responsibility, Mount Zion with the eternal election of grace.
III. We have come to myriads of angels. The moment we came to Christ, He brought us unto all the angels, who rejoice in the salvation of sinners.
IV. We have also come to the general assembly of the Church of the first-born ones, whose names are written in the heavens. Believers possess, by virtue of their union with Jesus, the rights and privileges of primogeniture. Their names are enrolled in the list of the heavenly city. When we come to Jesus we enjoy communion with all the saints.
V. In this blessed city of God there is no condemnation, there is no more judgment. But there is order, rule, government, to which all render obedience with joy and praise.
VI. We have come to the Mediator of the new covenant. The same Jesus who died for us is on the throne.
VII. We have come to the blood of sprinkling. Christ is set forth by God a propitiation, and faith beholds the blood of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary as a great reality.
A. Saphir, Lectures on Hebrews,vol. ii., p. 405.
References: Hebrews 12:19. J. W. Lance, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xviii., p. 261.Hebrews 12:22. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. i., p. 147. Hebrews 12:22-24. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xxviii., No. 1689; Homilist,3rd series, vol. ix., p. 286; G. W. Conder, Christian World Pulpit,vol. ix., p. 106; H. W. Beecher, Ibid.,vol. xi., p. 362.