What Old Testament practices are reflected in Hebrews 9:21's use of blood? The Text in Focus Hebrews 9:21 – “In the same way, he sprinkled with blood the tabernacle and all the vessels used in worship.” Old Testament Scenes Echoed in This Verse • Exodus 24:3-8 – Mosaic Covenant Inauguration • Half the blood on the altar, half sprinkled on the people. • Blood sealed the covenant, binding God and Israel in a literal, unbreakable agreement. • Exodus 29:10-21; Leviticus 8:14-30 – Consecration of Priests and Furnishings • Blood placed on the altar’s horns, then sprinkled on Aaron, his sons, and their garments. • Furnishings (altar, laver, utensils) likewise touched or sprinkled to set them apart for holy service. • Leviticus 16:14-19 – Day of Atonement • Blood carried inside the veil, sprinkled on and before the mercy seat, then applied to the altar. • Purified the sanctuary from the accumulated sins of the nation. • Numbers 7:1 – Dedication of the Tabernacle • After Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed and consecrated it with oil and blood. • Leviticus 4 and 8 – Regular Sin & Guilt Offerings • Blood applied to altar horns and poured out at the base, maintaining continual cleansing of sacred space. Why Blood Was Sprinkled • Atonement – Leviticus 17:11: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” • Consecration – Marking people and objects as belonging wholly to God. • Purification – Removing ceremonial defilement so God could dwell among His people. Hebrews’ Point in Quoting These Practices • The old covenant’s ceremonies, though literal and effective within their system, pointed forward to Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12). • Every drop Moses sprinkled anticipated the “better blood” that would cleanse conscience, not just objects (Hebrews 9:14). Key Takeaways • Hebrews 9:21 condenses several OT rituals into one snapshot: covenant sealing, priestly consecration, tabernacle dedication, and annual purification. • All shared the same core symbol: shed blood equals life given to secure holiness, forgiveness, and relationship with God. • By rehearsing these images, Hebrews shows that Jesus fulfills and surpasses each practice, providing perfect, permanent access to God for all who trust Him. |
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