Hebrews 13:9-11

HEBREWS—NOTE ON Hebrews 13:9 led away. The author warns of false teaching. The central concern appears to be doctrines about foods (Hebrews 9:10; Romans 14:17; Colossians 2:16; 1 Timothy 4:3). The author argues against such doctrines by: (1) contrasting them with grace (which truly nourishes the heart); (2) noting that special foods are of no spiritual benefit (see 1 Corinthians 8:8); and (3) observing that the Christian altar is better than the food of the tabernacle. Unlike most OT offerings, the tabernacle priests could not eat the sin offering from the Day of Atonement, since it was burned outside the camp (Leviticus 16:27). However, all Christians participate in Jesus’ sacrifice. Some see a reference to the Lord’s Supper here. Others view this as a broader reference to the saving results of the shedding of Jesus’ blood.