What is the meaning of Hebrews 9:1? Now the first covenant Hebrews points back to the Mosaic covenant, initiated at Sinai (Exodus 24:7-8). • It is called “first” because, in God’s unfolding plan, it came before the new covenant announced in Jeremiah 31:31 and fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 8:13). • The covenant was literal, sealed with blood, and bound Israel to obey God’s commands (Deuteronomy 5:2-3). • Its very existence testifies that God is the One who takes the first step toward sinners, offering a structured relationship rather than leaving humanity to guess His will (Galatians 3:19). had regulations for worship “Regulations” highlights God’s detailed instructions for approaching Him (Leviticus 1:1-2; 10:1-2). • Offerings: burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt sacrifices, each picturing an aspect of atonement (Leviticus 4:20; Hebrews 10:1-4). • Priestly duties: only descendants of Aaron could serve, and only after consecration (Exodus 29:1-9; Hebrews 7:11). • Appointed times: Sabbaths and annual feasts structured the calendar around worship (Leviticus 23:1-44). • Purpose: these regulations underscored God’s holiness, humanity’s sin, and the need for a mediator, all foreshadowing Jesus, “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). and also an earthly sanctuary The tabernacle—and later the temple—was a tangible place where God chose to dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8-9; 1 Kings 8:10-11). • “Earthly” contrasts with the “greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands,” where Christ now ministers (Hebrews 9:11, 24). • Layout: outer court, Holy Place, and Holy of Holies, each progressively restricting access and emphasizing separation (Exodus 26:33). • Furnishings: every piece—from the menorah’s light to the mercy seat’s covering of the ark—foreshadowed facets of Jesus’ person and work (John 8:12; Romans 3:25). • Accessibility: only the high priest could enter the inner room, and only once a year, “never without blood” (Hebrews 9:7). When Jesus died, the veil tore (Matthew 27:51), signaling that believers now have direct access to the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 10:19-22). summary Hebrews 9:1 reminds us that the first covenant came with precise, God-given patterns of worship centered in a physical sanctuary. These regulations and structures were never arbitrary; they revealed God’s holiness, exposed humanity’s sin, and pointed ahead to the superior ministry of Christ in the true, heavenly sanctuary. In Him, every symbol finds its fulfillment, and every barrier to God’s presence is removed for those who trust in His finished work. |
    |