Hebrews 8:5

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

Hebrews 8:5 (KJV)

Context

This verse sits within the Book of Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians facing persecution and doubt. The author argues that Jesus Christ is the ultimate high priest and mediator of a new and better covenant. Here, the earthly tabernacle built by Moses is compared to the heavenly realities it represents, showing the temporary and imperfect nature of the Old Covenant alongside the eternal perfection of the New Covenant in Christ.

Meaning

The priests of the Old Covenant served “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things.” The Greek word translated “example” is upodeigma, meaning a copy, likeness, or imitation. The earthly tabernacle and its rituals were symbolic representations, a visual illustration or foreshadowing of spiritual truths and heavenly realities to come. They were not the true sanctuary itself, but a faint resemblance of the reality in heaven.

The verse then recalls Moses, who was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle. In Exodus, God called Moses up to Mount Sinai and gave detailed instructions for the tabernacle’s design, dimensions, and materials. The Greek word for “pattern” is tupon, meaning a figure, form, or type. Moses was to make everything exactly according to the pattern shown to him on the mountain, because that pattern adumbrated important realities known only to God. This included the altars, the ark, and the candlestick, each with specific forms and materials.

The phrase “as Moses was admonished of God” highlights the divine origin and authority behind the tabernacle’s design. Moses received a direct revelation, and he was instructed to follow the revealed pattern precisely. This underscores that the earthly tabernacle was a copy of the true heavenly sanctuary, not an original invention.

Biblical connections

The author of Hebrews uses this reference to Moses and the tabernacle to demonstrate that the earthly service was a mere copy and shadow. The priests themselves were types of Christ, the places where they ministered were an exemplar of the heavenly places, and the things they ministered were shadows of the good things that come through Christ. This argument shows that Christ, as the ultimate high priest, offers a superior and everlasting covenant that fulfills and surpasses the symbolism and rituals of the Old Covenant.

Application

For believers today, this verse calls us to recognize that the earthly worship system was never an end in itself. It pointed beyond itself to the heavenly reality found in Jesus Christ. Just as Moses was careful to follow God’s pattern exactly, we are reminded to build our faith and practice on the revelation God has given, not on human invention. The shadows of the Old Covenant find their substance in Christ, who is the true high priest and the mediator of a better covenant.

Reflection

Consider the care and precision God required for the tabernacle, and how much more glorious is the reality it foreshadowed. The earthly tabernacle was temporary and imperfect, but Christ’s priesthood is eternal and perfect. This verse invites us to fix our eyes on the heavenly realities, trusting that what was once only a shadow is now fully revealed in Jesus Christ.