John Gill Commentary Hebrews 9:18

"Wherefore even the first [covenant] hath not been dedicated without blood." — Hebrews 9:18 (ASV)

Whereupon neither the first testament
Or the first administration of the covenant of grace under the law:

was dedicated without blood ;
or "confirmed" without it, that dispensation being a typical one; and that blood was typical of the blood of Christ, by which the new covenant or testament is ratified; see (Exodus 24:7Exodus 24:8) .