Hebrews 9

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

What does Hebrews 9:4 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 9:4 describes contents of the Most Holy Place, the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle, which was a portable earthly dwelling place for God used by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt.

The verse mentions three significant items:

The golden censer - This was used to burn incense, representing the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8) and only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place with the censer on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). 2.

The Ark of the Covenant - A wooden chest overlaid with gold that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod.

It symbolized God's covenant with Israel and His divine presence. 3.

The contents of the ark - Including the golden pot containing manna that reminded Israel of their sustenance by God in the wilderness, Aaron's rod that budded which signified his chosen priesthood, and the stone tablets of the covenant, representing God's law.

The deeper meaning shows how the Tabernacle's layout and contents were shadows and symbols pointing to the work and ministry of Jesus Christ as the true High Priest and the fulfillment of God's covenant.

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Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish Christians, who were tempted to revert to Judaism.

The tabernacle was the center of religious life for the Israelites during their wilderness journey and in the early years of their settlement in Canaan.

The items listed in Hebrews 9:4 date to around 1450 - 1400 BC.

This verse reflects a longing for the richness of Jewish liturgical tradition while asserting that Jesus Christ supersedes it.

Theological Insights

The golden censer represents intercessory prayer; the Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God's presence and His covenant; and the contents – the manna, Aaron's rod, and the tablets – represent God's provision, legitimate authority, and law.

In Christian theology, this has been interpreted to foreshadow Jesus Christ as the bread of life (manna), our High Priest (Aaron's rod), and the Word of God (tablets of the covenant).

Practical Applications

The verse can inspire believers to consider the importance of worship, prayer (incense), staying true to God's provision (manna), recognizing legitimate spiritual authority (Aaron's bud), and adhering to God's commandments (tablets).

It also encourages looking to Jesus, the mediator of a better covenant.

Cross-References

Exodus 25:10-22 - Describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant.
Exodus 16:33-34 - Command to keep a pot of manna before the Lord.
Numbers 17:10 - Aaron's rod that budded placed before the testimony.
Revelation 5:8 - Mention of golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Language Study

"Censer" (θυμιατήριον, thymiaterion) - In Greek, it refers to an instrument for burning incense.
"Ark of the covenant" (κιβωτὸς τῆς διαθήκης, kibōtos tēs diathēkēs) - Typically a box or chest, signifying a sacred receptacle.
"Overlaid round about with gold" signifies the purity and divine nature of the ark.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Ark of the Covenant in Jewish tradition is somewhat paralleled by other religious artifacts from the ancient Near East, such as the Mesopotamian "Tablets of Destinies". The idea of divine law or wisdom embodied in a sacred object is common across ancient religions.

Scientific Perspectives

There is much debate in scientific communities regarding the existence and fate of the Ark of the Covenant, with no concrete evidence of its existence having been found.

Manna is often discussed in botanical terms, with some researchers suggesting it could be a natural substance excreted by plants or insects.

Commentaries

Commentators interpret Hebrews 9:4 differently.

Some, like Matthew Henry, focus on the typology of the tabernacle and its items foreshadowing Christ's work.

Others, such as John Calvin, emphasize the purpose of these items in revealing different aspects of God's covenant with Israel.

Modern scholars often discuss the text's historical accuracy and how it reflects early Christian understanding of the Old Testament.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9

What does Hebrews 9:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Hebrews 9:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

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