Hebrews 8:7 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. If that first had been faultless - This is nearly the same argument with that in Hebrews 7:11. The simple meaning is: If the first covenant had made a provision for and actually conferred pardon and purity, and given a title to eternal life, then there could have been no need for a second; but the first covenant did not give these things, therefore a second was necessary; and the covenant that gives these things is the Christian covenant.