Hebrews 9:1-10

¹ “Now even the first covenant had regulations for divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. ² For a tabernacle was equipped, the outer sanctuary, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the sacred bread; this is called the Holy Place. ³ Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Most Holy Place, ⁴ having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, Aaron’s staff which budded, and the tablets of the covenant; ⁵ and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the atoning cover; but about these things we cannot now speak in detail. Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle, performing the divine worship, ⁷ but into the second, only the High Priest enters once a year, not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance. ⁸ The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing,⁹ which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, ¹⁰ since they relate only to food, drink, and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.”

In Hebrews 9:1-10, the author of Hebrews continues to contrast the Old Covenant with the New Covenant, highlighting the limitations of the Old Covenant and the superiority of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ.

Verse 2: The author describes the layout of the tabernacle, which consisted of two rooms. The first room, called the Holy Place, contained the lampstand and the table with the consecrated bread. These elements symbolized the temporary and external nature of the Old Covenant, pointing to the need for a greater and more perfect covenant.

Verse 3: Here, the author refers to the Most Holy Place, which was separated from the Holy Place by a curtain. This room symbolized the presence of God, and it was only accessible to the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement. This highlights the limited access and temporary nature of the Old Covenant. The New Covenant, however, is founded on better promises and allows for a permanent intimacy with God.

Verse 4: The author describes the contents of the Most Holy Place, including the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant. The items mentioned represented the history and significance of the Old Covenant, including the manna, Aaron’s staff, and the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. However, these physical objects were only temporary symbols of the greater reality to come. The law existed to reveal the nature of sin and the need for a Savior.

Verse 9:  The author explains that the rituals and sacrifices of the Old Covenant were insufficient to truly cleanse the conscience of the worshiper. The Old Covenant sacrifices were merely temporary and symbolic, unable to bring about true forgiveness and transformation. The blood of bulls and goats could never truly take away sin. They could, however, point towards the Savior who could.

Verse 10: The author emphasizes that the external regulations of the Old Covenant, including food and drink restrictions and ceremonial washings, were temporary and meant to last until the time of the New Covenant. The New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ, brings true forgiveness, transformation, and an internal cleansing of the heart.