Hebrews 9:10

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

This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Hebrews that discusses the differences between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. The author of Hebrews contrasts the limitations of the Old Covenant, which was established through Moses and centered around the tabernacle and its rituals, with the superiority of the New Covenant brought by Jesus Christ.

In Hebrews 9:10, the author refers to the various regulations and practices of the Old Covenant. Let’s break down the verse and explore its key elements:

“Which stood only in meats and drinks”:Under the Old Covenant, there were specific dietary restrictions and regulations concerning food and drink. These regulations were part of the ceremonial laws given to the Israelites, which included instructions about what they could and couldn’t eat.

“And divers washings”:The Old Covenant also included various ceremonial washings or baptisms, which symbolized purification or cleansing. These washings were performed to maintain ritual purity and were an integral part of the religious practices in the tabernacle and later in the temple.

“And carnal ordinances”:The phrase “carnal ordinances” refers to the external regulations or rituals that were imposed on the people. These rituals were physical in nature and pertained to the realm of the flesh or the external aspects of worship.

“Imposed on them until the time of reformation”:The author of Hebrews emphasizes that these regulations were temporary and had a specific purpose. They were imposed on the people of Israel until the time of reformation or until the arrival of the New Covenant. The coming of Jesus Christ brought about a significant change in the way God relates to humanity and the manner in which people approach Him in worship.

The overarching message of this verse and the surrounding context is that the Old Covenant, with its focus on external rituals, was a foreshadowing or preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. It served as a temporary arrangement until the time of reformation. The New Covenant, established through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, brought a greater and more intimate relationship with God, where worship is no longer bound by external rituals but is rooted in faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 9:10 reminds believers of the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice and the freedom found in the New Covenant. It encourages us to focus on the substance and spiritual significance of our faith rather than getting caught up in external rituals and regulations.