Hebrews 9:20 – He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse quotes the words Moses spoke to the people of Israel after he sprinkled them with the blood of the covenant sacrifices. He told them, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” In other words, the people were now bound to the covenant agreement that God had made with them, and that covenant was sealed with blood.

The statement shows that the covenant wasn’t just a suggestion or a friendly promise. It was a serious agreement between a holy God and His people, and it required obedience. The blood was a visible reminder of the weight of that commitment. Without the shedding of blood, the covenant would not have been confirmed.

Historical Context

This quote comes from –Exodus 24:8. After Moses read all of God’s laws to the people, they responded by saying they would obey. Then Moses sprinkled the blood of sacrificed animals on the altar and on the people, declaring that the covenant was now sealed. That was the formal beginning of Israel’s relationship with God under the law.

This was common in ancient times—important agreements were often sealed with blood to show how serious they were. The message was clear: breaking the covenant would bring consequences, even death. It was also a sign of belonging—the people were now set apart to God.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches us that covenants with God are not casual. They involve life, death, and the shedding of blood. Sin is serious, and a holy relationship with God can only be possible through sacrifice.

It also sets the stage for the new covenant Jesus would bring. In –Matthew 26:28, Jesus used almost the same words at the Last Supper when He said, “This is my blood of the covenant.” He was showing that His death would seal a new and better covenant—not based on the law, but on grace and forgiveness through His blood.

Literary Analysis

This verse is short but powerful. It’s a direct quote, showing continuity between the old covenant and what the book of Hebrews is leading up to—the new covenant in Christ. The phrase “blood of the covenant” stands out as a central theme in both the old and new testaments.

It also highlights obedience: “which God has commanded you to keep.” God’s covenants always call for a response—not just belief, but obedience rooted in love and reverence.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• –Exodus 24:8 – Moses declares the blood of the covenant

• –Leviticus 17:11 – Life is in the blood, and it is given for atonement

• –Matthew 26:28 – Jesus says His blood is the blood of the new covenant

• –Hebrews 9:22 – Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness

• –Jeremiah 31:31-34 – God promises a new covenant written on the heart

• –Hebrews 10:16 – God puts His laws in our hearts under the new covenant

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds Christians that their relationship with God is not based on good feelings or religious tradition—it’s based on a covenant sealed by blood. Not the blood of animals, but the blood of Jesus.

When we trust in Christ, we are brought into that covenant. God forgives our sins, changes our hearts, and calls us to walk in obedience. Just like the Israelites were sprinkled with blood, we are cleansed by the blood of Christ—see –1 John 1:7.

And we are called to obey—not to earn salvation, but because we belong to the God who saved us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God didn’t have to make a covenant with sinful people—but He chose to. He made a way for us to be in relationship with Him, even though we fall short. And instead of asking us to bring the blood, He provided it through His own Son.

This is love that acts. God didn’t just tell us He loves us—He showed it by making a binding promise, sealed with blood, that gives us new life and hope—see –Romans 5:9.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus fulfilled this verse at the Last Supper when He took the cup and said, “This is my blood of the covenant”—see –Matthew 26:28. He was quoting Moses on purpose, showing that He was bringing in the new and final covenant.

His blood didn’t just cover sin—it removed it. Through His sacrifice, we are brought into a lasting relationship with God, not based on rituals, but on grace and truth.

Jesus is the true and better mediator of the covenant—see –Hebrews 9:15.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• Why was blood necessary to confirm the old covenant?

• How do these words spoken by Moses point forward to Jesus?

• What does it mean to be in a covenant relationship with God today?

• Are you living in obedience, not to earn God’s love, but because He’s already shown it?

• How does the blood of Jesus give you confidence in your relationship with God?