Hebrews 9:1-7

1: Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary.

2: For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and 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 Holy of Holies,
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, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5: and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

6: 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.

*** 

Paul briefly described the old tabernacle from the Levitical priesthood which was in place under the old covenant. The Lord told Moses to have the tabernacle built, and gave him specific and detailed instructions regarding it (Exodus 25:8-9). Chapters 25-31 of Exodus go into detail about the tabernacle, the priest’s garments and duties etc. The Hebrews Paul was writing to would know about this, so he only briefly mentioned it. 

The outer part of the tabernacle contained certain items; the inner part of the tabernacle was called the Holy of Holies and was beyond the second veil. The Holy of Holies was where the ark of the covenant was—where God dwelt.

There was significance to each part of the tabernacle and to go into detail would be too lengthy for this epistle. His readers would be familiar with the tabernacle anyway, but most likely were not as familiar with how each part related to the new covenant. Paul talked more about Jesus as our High Priest than the details of the physical tabernacle.

He noted that the priests entered often into the outer tabernacle performing their duties. They were there at least twice a day to care for the lamps in the morning and evening, and to offer incense (Exodus 30:7-8). Only the high priest went into the Holy of Holies once a year, taking blood to offer for his sins and the sins of the people committed in ignorance (Leviticus 16:11-17).

The Law gave instructions for the sacrifices and offerings to be done throughout the year for sin and worship, as well as the yearly atonement offered by the high priest for sins that people were unaware of. God in His mercy provided atonement for sins committed in ignorance.


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