The prediction by the Author of Hebrews that the Old Covenant “is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear” became a historical reality within a decade, thus authenticating for us the New Covenant founded on the once-for-all perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross – the point being stressed throughout Hebrews.

Hebrews 8:13  By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

The line of argument throughout the Book of Hebrews seems to assume that the Temple is still standing in Jerusalem, and the regular sacrificial system is still being observed according to the Mosaic Law.  If this is correct, then Hebrews must have been written in the 60s, before AD 70 when everything was destroyed by the Roman invasion.

It is interesting for us to note that the Temple has never been rebuilt in the last 2,000 years!  The original Temple, built by Solomon and completed around 957 BC, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC and rebuilt by Zerubbael after the 70 years of exile.  This Second Temple was renovated/modified by Herod around 20 BC and survived for another 90 years.

Read More