The Study of Hebrews – Chapter 9

By Jinu Ninan

Two Covenants Established by Blood and Two Forms of Worship

Verses 1–7 describe the Tabernacle under the Old Covenant. Specifically, it explains the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, divided by a curtain. The author notes that everything was made according to the pattern God showed Moses on the mountain.

Worship in the Old Covenant Before the Curtain

1. In the first covenant, there were regulations for worship on earth.

   • In the previous chapter, the author described the glory of the New Covenant established by the blood of Jesus. Here, he explains the worship under the Old Covenant and its limitations.

   • Worshiping the Creator has always been a human desire, but God gave the chosen nation of Israel detailed instructions on where and how to worship.

2. The First Part of the Tabernacle (Holy Place):

   • It contained the lampstand, the table, and the showbread. This section was called the Holy Place.

   • The design followed the pattern God showed Moses. The same pattern was given to David for the temple.

   • The tabernacle was divided into two parts by a thick curtain.

3. The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies):

   • Located behind the second curtain.

   • The thick curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

4. Inside the Most Holy Place were the golden altar of incense, the Ark of the Covenant covered with gold, the gold vessels inside it, Aaron’s rod, and the tablets of the Law.

   • These items each had a spiritual significance, although the author does not explain them in detail here.

5. Above the Ark was the Mercy Seat, with the cherubim overshadowing it.

   • The author notes that the glory of God filled this place, though it is difficult to describe each aspect in detail.

6. Priests continually performed their ministry in the Holy Place.

   • They could not enter the Most Holy Place. Therefore, their daily worship and sacrifices were limited to the first part of the tabernacle.

7. The Annual Entrance of the High Priest:

   • Once a year, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place.

   • He offered blood for his sins and the unintentional sins of the people.

   • Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, using the blood of a spotless calf.

8. The curtain remained in place until God intended His people to receive revelation.

   • As long as the Holy Place and Most Holy Place were separated by a curtain, entry into God’s presence was restricted.

9. This symbolizes the old age: sacrifices and offerings could not make the worshiper’s conscience completely clean.

   • The Old Covenant, with the Levitical priesthood and the temple, represented a period in which no one could fully enter God’s presence.

10. The rituals of purification and drink offerings were only external regulations.

    • Since human hearts could not be changed, external ceremonies were insufficient. This is why a New Covenant, able to transform hearts, was necessary.

11. Christ as High Priest of the Coming Good Things:

    • The New Covenant surpasses the old.

    • His ministry is not in an earthly tabernacle but in heaven.

    • The New Covenant offers greater promises than the physical promises of the old, and Christ mediates them for those who believe.

Spiritual Worship Beyond the Curtain

12. Christ entered the Most Holy Place once for all with His own blood, not the blood of animals.

    • This granted us eternal redemption.

13–14. Animal sacrifices under the old covenant could only purify the flesh outwardly.
- Christ’s blood cleanses the conscience, freeing believers to worship a living God.

15. While the first covenant was in effect, Christ died to redeem humanity from transgressions and to mediate a New Covenant, giving eternal inheritance to God’s people.

16–20. The Legal Principle of Blood and Death:
- A covenant is ratified by the death of the one who establishes it.
- The New Covenant was formally established only after Christ’s death.
- Blood is the seal of both the Old and New Covenants.

21–28.
- Christ’s Blood: Cleanses the conscience and brings eternal salvation.
- Everlasting Priesthood: Christ does not need to repeatedly offer Himself.
- He sits at the right hand of God as the eternal High Priest, enabling believers to confidently enter God’s presence and worship Him in spirit and truth.

Summary

• The earthly tabernacle and its blood sacrifices in the Old Covenant were merely symbolic.

• Christ’s heavenly, eternal sacrifice is perfect and complete.

• Believers can now confidently enter God’s presence through the blood of Christ, worshiping in spirit and truth.

• Christ’s sacrifice transcends time and space, unlike the repeated earthly sacrifices of the Old Covenant.

This chapter emphasizes the heavenly and eternal nature of Christ’s sacrifice, His eternal priesthood, and the New Covenant, which provides believers with a pure conscience, access to God, and everlasting redemption.

Old vs New Covenant Comparison

Central Truth

• Old sacrifices were shadows and representations.

• Christ’s sacrifice is perfect, eternal, and cleanses the conscience.

• Believers can boldly enter God’s presence through Christ’s blood.

• Christ’s eternal priesthood ensures continuous intercession for all who believe.