Hebrews 9:1–10 (NKJV)
1 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; 3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, 4 which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. 6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. 7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance; 8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience—10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.
The Holy Spirit was depicting a very important truth in the design of Old Testament tabernacle.
The Holy Place represented the holy assembly of Israel that had been separated from the nations and sanctified by God through the covenant He made with them on Mt. Sinai. Everything in the Holy Place represented Israel as it stood in its covenant relationship with God. Just as the seven lampstands in Revelation 1-3 stood for the churches in Asia Minor, so the lampstand in the Holy Place stood for the church of Israel, which was to burn at all times with the light of the knowledge of God. The table with the twelves cakes of showbread represented the twelve tribes of Israel, whose lives were to be a continual offering to the Lord.
But a veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, with its golden censer and the ark of the covenant, which symbolized God. Only the High Priest could pass behind the veil once a year, bringing with him the blood of animals to make atonement for Israel. The veil in the tabernacle was to teach Israel that, for as glorious as the first covenant was between the Lord and Israel, it was still lacking. There was still a separation between the presence of God and the people of Israel. A High Priest—a Mediator—was needed. And blood was needed to bring God and His people together.
The High Priest symbolized the coming Christ, true God and true Man, who would enter into God’s presence with His own blood which now sanctifies all who believe in Him. He is the Mediator of the new covenant, and His blood reconciles believers to God, as God revealed in a shocking way when the veil in the temple was torn in two at the moment of Jesus’ death.
Let us pray: O Lord God, we thank You for reconciling us poor sinners to You through the death of Your Son and through the ministry of reconciliation by which You have brought us into the new covenant of the forgiveness of sins. Amen.
