HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:1 These verses describe the OT tabernacle, its furnishings, and its worship practices. This description of the “first covenant” lays the groundwork for the discussion of the new covenant in vv. Hebrews 9:11. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:4 HAVING THE GOLDEN ALTAR OF INCENSE. The altar of incense was not in the Most Holy Place; it was in the Holy Place, “in front of the veil” that separated it from the Most Holy Place. The author of Hebrews 1:1 was quite familiar with the OT tabernacle and its sacrifices, so... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:6 Having described the tabernacle (THESE PREPARATIONS HAVING THUS BEEN MADE), the writer describes the worship that took place there. PRIESTS GO REGULARLY INTO THE FIRST SECTION. The Levitical priests were the only ones allowed to enter the Holy Place, to perform their regu... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:7 ONCE A YEAR, on the Day of Atonement, the HIGH PRIEST entered INTO THE SECOND section, the Most Holy Place (Leviticus 16:2, Leviticus 16:11). He sprinkled it with the BLOOD of a bull and a goat as a sin offering (Leviticus 16:6, Leviticus 16:9,... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:8 BY THIS. That is, by the system that restricted to the Levitical priests the right of access into the presence of God in the Holy Place and especially the Most Holy Place. THE HOLY SPIRIT INDICATES. The Mosaic covenant was the command of God, through the Holy Spirit. By t... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:9 These verses contrast two ages: the PRESENT AGE and the TIME OF REFORMATION. The “present age” is described as a time of separation from God. Through Christ’s work, this present age is passing away (vv. Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:26) and the new time of reformation has begun... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:10 FOOD AND DRINK AND VARIOUS WASHINGS, REGULATIONS FOR THE BODY. The OT teachings about clean and unclean foods, sacrificial food and drink offerings, and ritual purification washings. These were later greatly expanded in Jewish tradition. The writer may have had in mind t... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:11 When compared to Mosaic tabernacle worship (vv. Hebrews 9:1), the new covenant high priesthood of Jesus provides a single superior sacrifice in a superior heavenly tabernacle. It brings complete forgiveness of sins, eternal salvation, purified consciences, and direct acc... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:12 ENTERED ONCE FOR ALL. Christ’s sacrifice of himself does not need to be repeated (vv. Hebrews 9:25, Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 7:27). He now continues in the Most Holy Place, at God’s throne (Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 12:2). BLOOD OF GOATS AND CALVES. See... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:13 SPRINKLING OF DEFILED PERSONS. Through OT sacrifices and purification rites. BLOOD OF GOATS AND BULLS. See vv. Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:19. ASHES OF A HEIFER. See Numbers 19:1. OF THE FLESH. As opposed to the conscience in Hebrews 9:14.... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:14 HOW MUCH MORE. An argument from the lesser to the greater (compare Hebrews 2:1; Hebrews 10:28). BLOOD OF CHRIST. See Hebrews 9:11. This contrasts with “blood of goats and calves” (vv. Hebrews 9:12). THROUGH THE ETERNAL SPIRIT OFFERED HIMSELF. Jesus was both the high prie... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:15 MEDIATOR. See Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 12:24; 1 Timothy 2:5. NEW COVENANT. See Hebrews 8:6. Christ mediates the covenant by revealing it (Hebrews 1:2), by serving as its priest, and by offering himself in sacrifice ... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:16 WILL. Either the will of a person who has died (compare “inheritance” in v. Hebrews 9:15) or an ancient Near Eastern “covenant.” Making such covenants included offering an animal sacrifice. Thus both are carried out only after a DEATH. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getEle... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:18 THEREFORE. The Mosaic COVENANT also began with BLOOD. The Mosaic covenant-initiation ceremony is recalled in vv. Hebrews 9:19 (see Exodus 24:3). The author adds some specific details, such as SCARLET WOOL AND HYSSOP, and the sprinkling of THE BOOK ITSELF, which are not m... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:23 This verse focuses on the purification of the place of worship. The COPIES (that is, the Mosaic tabernacle and vessels) are patterned after greater HEAVENLY realities (which represent the very presence of God). These heavenly realities require a greater purification sacr... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:24 HOLY PLACES MADE WITH HANDS. The tabernacle built by Moses and the temple built by Solomon. COPIES OF THE TRUE THINGS. The eternal heavens are the “true things” because they are where God is. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=ima... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:25 Christ’s SACRIFICE is greater because this one offering OF HIMSELF is sufficient for all his followers for all time. SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. A sin offering has been needed ever since the fall of humanity (Genesis 3:1; compare Hebrews 4:3). The END OF THE AGES... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS—NOTE ON HEBREWS 9:27 APPOINTED... TO DIE ONCE. Every person has only one life before facing eternal JUDGMENT. This rejects the idea of reincarnation and of any second chance to believe after death. The final judgment will take place when Christ comes again to SAVE his followers. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var i... [ Continue Reading ]