Problem: Psalm 40:6 cites the Messiah as saying “My ears You have opened,” but the writer of Hebrews quotes it as “a body You have prepared for Me” (10:5). There is no similarity whatsoever in these quotations. The NT seems to totally distort this OT passage.
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Problem: Hebrews reads, “Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, ‘Sacrifice and offering you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me’” (Heb. 10:5). However, when we flip back to the original reference, we read, “Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired; My ears You have opened” (Ps. 40:6). Critics claim that the author is blatantly twisting this verse.
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Problem: Orthodox Jewish interpreters often argue that the NT authors often overemphasize the importance of blood sacrifices in the OT. In particular, the author of Hebrews writes, “Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Heb. 9:22). Is this true, or does the OT offer other means of forgiveness besides blood sacrifice?
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Problem: This passage claims that the ark of the covenant had the golden bowl of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the two tables of stone. But elsewhere it affirms that only the tables of stone were there (Ex. 40:20; Deut. 10:5; 1 Kings 8:9). Which is correct?
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Problem: According to Exodus 30:6 (cf. 26:33; 40:3), the altar of incense was in the Holy Place in front of the veil, not in the Most Holy Place behind the veil. However, Hebrews 9:3–4 states that it was “behind the … veil, [in] the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all.”
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Problem: The author of Hebrews writes, “He said, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete but whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear” (Heb. 8:13). This Scriptural citation comes from Jeremiah 31:31-36, which is addressed to Israel and speaks of the messianic kingdom. Amillennial interpreters claim that this passage demonstrates that the church replaces the old covenant with a new covenant.
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Problem: Christ is presented here as the “High Priest” of believers (cf. 7:21). However, later Jesus is depicted as the “sacrifice” for our sins (Heb. 9:26, 28; 10:10). Which is He?
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