Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 7:19

"(for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh unto God." — Hebrews 7:19 (ASV)

The parenthesis underlines the defects of the law. The writer does not explain what he means by “made perfect” , but clearly he has in mind something like “made fit for God.” The law did not give people complete and lasting access to the presence of God. It had its merits, but it did not satisfy their deepest needs. For the writer’s use of “better,” see comments on 1:4; and for his use of “hope,” see comments on 3:6; 6:11. The thought of what is “better” is characteristic of Hebrews, and “hope” is central to the Christian way. Law and Gospel stand in contrast. The Gospel is “better” because it enables people to “draw near to God.” It was this that the old way could not bring about, but the new way can.