How do "external regulations" in Hebrews 9:10 relate to Old Testament practices? Setting the Scene: Hebrews 9:1–10 • The writer has just walked us through the furnishings and rituals of the earthly tabernacle. • He sums up that system with Hebrews 9:10: “They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.” • “External regulations” points to practices that affected the body but could not touch the conscience (v. 9). What Are “External Regulations”? • Literally, “ordinances of the flesh” (Greek: dikaiōmata sarkos). • They governed outward acts—what you ate, drank, washed, wore, and touched. • They were divinely commanded, yet temporary, awaiting “the time of reform” when Christ would inaugurate the New Covenant. Old Testament Examples • Food laws — Leviticus 11:47 “You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean…” • Ritual washings — Exodus 29:4 “Present Aaron and his sons … and wash them with water.” • Day-of-Atonement ordinances — Leviticus 16:34 “This shall be a permanent statute for you…” • Ashes of the red heifer — Numbers 19:12 “He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean.” • Blood restrictions — Leviticus 17:11 “For the life of the flesh is in the blood…” Why God Gave These External Rules • To mark Israel as holy and distinct among the nations (Leviticus 20:26). • To dramatize sin’s defilement and the need for cleansing. • To act as “a shadow of the things to come” (Colossians 2:16-17). • To serve as “our guardian to lead us to Christ” (Galatians 3:24). Fulfillment in Christ: “The Time of Reform” • Jesus entered “the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands” (Hebrews 9:11). • He offered His own blood, obtaining “eternal redemption” (v. 12). • What the external ordinances pictured, He accomplished inwardly: “how much more will the blood of Christ… cleanse our consciences” (v. 14). • Thus the Old Covenant regulations have served their purpose; we honor them by seeing their fulfillment, not by reinstituting them. Living This Out Today • Rejoice in a cleansed conscience—something the old washings could never grant. • Guard against legalism; external rituals can never replace inward faith (Hebrews 10:22). • Let the Old Testament symbols enrich your appreciation of Christ’s finished work, turning shadows into substance. |
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