The writer again returns to the inability of the old sacrificial system to bring salvation to those who were a part of it. In verses 1-10 a description of the Old Testament, earthly tabernacle is given in brief. In verse 2 the writer describes the Holy Place, which was the first room in the tabernacle. This room contained things such as the lampstand, showbread, as well as the table for the showbread (see Exodus 25:23-40 for more description of these items). Verse 3 describes what was behind the veil which divided the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. This room contained the golden censer (which was actually right outside the Holy of Holies) but actually was the separating line before one entered this sacred place. Behind the veil in the tabernacle was the ark of the covenant, which contained a golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod, and the tablets of the covenant (10 commandments). Moving from a description of the tabernacle, the writer now explains the purpose of the tabernacle. The priest would go into the first part and perform priestly services, but he would only enter the Holy of Holies once a year (v.7). The priest would enter this place alone and always with blood, which “he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance.” Remember, the tabernacle did not provide any personal worship of God for the people because it kept them at a distance from Him; in fact, the Holy Spirit indicated that the way into the Holy of Holies had not been revealed at the time of the tabernacle (v.8). However, it was symbolic of what was to come in the future and anything done in the tabernacle was imperfect and ultimately pointed to a future fulfillment (vv.9-10). The writer calls this fulfillment a “time of reformation” which refers to restoring of something that is imperfect. We’ll continue on this thought tomorrow.
Dear God, continue to provide understanding for these verses.
