Hebrews 9:1-10
Q.1. What was in the tabernacle? What were the features and the restrictions relating to the tabernacle? (Heb.9:1-7)
The writer explained that the first covenant had specific regulations relating to the tabernacle. He went on to describe that in the outer tabernacle there were – 2 … 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 … (Heb.9:2-5). The people had only had access to God through priests. The forgiveness foreshadowed by the Day of Atonement was only mediated once a year when the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies with blood for himself and for the people (see Heb.9:7). There was an endless procession of priests and sacrifices throughout the generations. They could never bring about total reconciliation – Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle performing the divine worship (Heb.9:6).
Q.2. What made the regulations regarding gifts and sacrifices deficient? What message does this convey? (Heb.9:8-10)
We are not left to wonder about the shortcomings of the First Covenant – 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 (Heb.9:8-9). The writer wanted those Jews who were tempted to return to the provisions of the tabernacle to recognize their massive limitations in cleansing the sinner’s conscience before a holy God. He also implied that the regulations of divine worship and the sacrificial system were only relevant while the – tabernacle is still standing (Heb.9:8). The ceremonies, rules and regulations that applied to Israel under the First Covenant, do not apply to believers who are under the New Covenant – since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation (Heb.9:10). All but one of the Ten Commandments still have a place, since they are all repeated in the New Testament as having some relevance although not toward salvation (see 1 Tim.1:8-11). The keeping of the Sabbath is no longer obligatory because Paul wrote to the Colossians – no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a sabbath day – things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ (Col.2:16-17). Jesus also taught that – The Sabbath was made for (the benefit of) man, and not man for the Sabbath (Mk.2:27). Believers continued to go to the synagogue to preach the gospel to the Jews. In time, they set aside the first day of the week … the day of resurrection, as the Lord’s Day (see Acts 20:7; 1 Cor.16:2; Rev.1:10).