Hebrews 9:7

“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.”

Context:The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were facing persecution and were tempted to abandon their faith in Jesus Christ and return to the Old Testament sacrificial system. The author of Hebrews presents a powerful argument for the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood and the new covenant over the old covenant.

The Tabernacle and the Day of Atonement:Hebrews 9:7 refers to the practices of the high priest in the tabernacle during the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). The Day of Atonement was the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Two Compartments of the Tabernacle:The tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary in the wilderness, had two compartments: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The high priest entered the Most Holy Place only once a year on the Day of Atonement.

The High Priest’s Duties:On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would offer sacrifices for his own sins and the sins of the people. He would enter the Most Holy Place with the blood of a bull, which was offered as a sin offering for himself, and then with the blood of a goat, which was offered for the sins of the people.

Symbolism of Blood:The blood of the sacrifices played a central role in the Old Testament sacrificial system. It represented the life of the animal and served as a symbol of atonement for sins. The shedding of blood signified the need for a life to be given as a substitute for the sinner’s life.

Imperfection of the Old Covenant:The repetition of the Day of Atonement every year and the need for blood sacrifices demonstrated the limitations and imperfections of the Old Testament system. It highlighted the ongoing need for atonement and the inability of the blood of animals to fully cleanse and remove sins.

Contrast with Jesus’ Sacrifice:The author of Hebrews contrasts the Old Testament sacrifices with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the perfect High Priest, offered Himself once for all as the ultimate and final sacrifice for the sins of humanity (Hebrews 9:11-14).

The Superiority of Jesus’ Sacrifice:Jesus’ sacrifice far surpassed the efficacy of the Old Testament sacrifices. His sacrifice was offered without blemish and with His own blood, and it had the power to cleanse the conscience of believers from dead works to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14).

The New Covenant:Through His sacrifice, Jesus established the new covenant, which replaced the old covenant. The new covenant is characterized by the forgiveness of sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and direct access to God through faith in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:6-13; 10:19-22).