Hebrews 9:1-14 New King James Version
1 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the [a]sanctuary; 3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, 4 which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. 7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance; 8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— 10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various [b]washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.
11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things [c]to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, [d]sanctifies for the [e]purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without [f]spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
First Impression?
- This all seemed so simple after the struggle to get here.
I actually had no predefined questions, so we made them up as we went.
Why did the author include so much detail here?
- Going back to what is now an earlier comment from a study member, the author is contrasting the futility of these “things” compared to the real goal of just loving Christ and letting His love flow through us.
Why did the high priest go in once a year?
- The annual day of atonement set aside in the Old Testament. Just following the plan.
Why are there two sections to the temple?
- One is the common everyday area for the common everyday sins. The other is the Holy area for the unholy condition of original sin.
Why is the status of the first tent still standing an issue?
- As long as people are following empty ritual, there is no place in their heart for true worship.
Is who does what important?
- God is above man, and it is not a line that can be crossed, and this division of duties reminds us of our unworthiness.
From verses 9 and 10, should we continue to do these things?
- There are things we should do, but they should be done with proper reverence, but not as a substitute for personal interaction with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
What did we learn from these verses?
- The simplicity of what we have been given is often super hard to accept.