Hebrews 9:1

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

Context:The book of Hebrews is a letter written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and tempted to turn away from their faith in Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Christ and His new covenant over the old covenant and the sacrificial system of the Mosaic Law.

The First Covenant:The first covenant refers to the Mosaic Law, given by God to the Israelites through Moses. It included various laws, commandments, and regulations for worship, sacrifices, and the priesthood. The author acknowledges that the first covenant had ordinances or regulations regarding divine service.

Ordinances of Divine Service:The ordinances of divine service refer to the specific requirements and rituals that were established under the Mosaic Law for the worship of God. These regulations included the offering of sacrifices, observance of the feasts and festivals, rituals for purification, and other acts of worship. These ordinances were meant to be followed by the Israelites to maintain their relationship with God.

Worldly Sanctuary:The first covenant also had a worldly or earthly sanctuary, referring to the tabernacle and later the temple in Jerusalem. The tabernacle was a portable tent structure used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey, and the temple was a permanent structure built in Jerusalem. These were the designated places where the Israelites offered their sacrifices and performed their worship rituals.

Significance and Contrast:The main purpose of Hebrews 9:1 is to set the stage for the comparison between the old covenant and the new covenant in subsequent verses. The author acknowledges the legitimacy and importance of the first covenant with its regulations and sanctuary. However, the author will go on to explain that Christ’s sacrifice and the new covenant established through Him are superior and bring about a more perfect way of salvation.

In the following verses, Hebrews 9:2-14, the author delves into the details of the tabernacle’s structure and the rituals performed by the high priest under the old covenant. Then, in Hebrews 9:11-14, the author contrasts this with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is portrayed as the High Priest of a new and better covenant, offering His own blood as the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

Overall, Hebrews 9:1 serves as an introduction to the discussion on the old covenant and the new covenant, emphasizing the regulations and the worldly sanctuary associated with the first covenant, while paving the way for the comparison and superiority of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ.