Hebrews 9:1-5

Summary retelling of Hebrews 9:1-5

The first covenant did have a place for ritual holiness.  There was a tent (tabernacle) that was divided into two sections.  The first section – the Holy Place – had some holy things such as the lamp stand and the table that held the Bread of the Presence.  The second section – the Most Holy Place – was behind a curtain and it held the altar of incense, the ark of the covenant, manna from the wilderness, Aaron’s staff, and the tablets of the Law given to Moses.  Above the Ark were the figures of the cherubim and the mercy seat.  These things had been lost in captivity, so they are no longer present.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Before we go too far into this section, we need to make sure that we start in the right frame of reference.  All of the things mentioned in this chapter were ordained by God.  They were given to Moses by God.  Therefore, as we talk about these things today and tomorrow we need to remember that they are instituted by God Himself.  As such, they are not bad things.  They are not wrong.  That which God gives serves a purpose.

Why do we need to pause and remember that the Old Testament rituals are given by God?  Do we as human beings tend to think that “our way is better” and other things are lesser?

Second Thought:

We have to remember that although these things are instituted by God they are performed by human beings.  The tabernacle was built by human beings.  The priests who served within the buildings were human beings.  Although these things were instituted by God, the human influence upon them makes them also inherently flawed.  (And yes, the same is true about our New Testament “churches,” too).  Human beings inherently have a corrupting nature on all things – even things instituted by God.

Why is it also important to remember that we as human beings have a corrupting influence upon the things that God Himself designs?

Third Thought:

Furthermore, this earthly reconstruction had certain flaws inherent in its nature.  Because it was made of earthly material, it can only ever be in one place at a time.  It would need repair from time to time.  But perhaps the biggest flaw is that it was purely a symbolic place.  Each of the items within the room symbolized spiritual truth.  The sacrifices on the altar didn’t make forgiveness, they symbolized forgiveness.  The bread on the table didn’t sustain the twelve tribes of Israel; they symbolized the fact that God sustained them.  The lamp stand didn’t give light to the world, it symbolized that God was the light in the world (even through the Hebrew people).  Although the tabernacle was instituted by God, it is at best a symbol of truth.  (And for the record, the same thing is true about much of our New Testament “churches.”)

Why is it important to remember the symbolic nature of worship?  What do we gain by reminding ourselves that it is only a symbolic act of true relationship with God which is to come in heaven?

Passage for Tomorrow: Hebrews 9:6-10