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Bible Commentaries
Verse 2
Verse 2
The first; the outermost. For the construction of the tabernacle, with its veil separating the outer sanctuary from the Holy of Holies, or the Holiest of all, see Exodus 26:31-37:--The candlestick; Exodus 25:31-39.--The table; Exodus 25:23-30.
Verse 4
Verse 4
The ark; Exodus 25:10-16.--Manna; Exodus 16:33.--Aaron's rod; Numbers 17:1-10.--The tables of the covenant; the two tables of stone, on which the ten commandments were engraven.
Verse 6
Verse 6
Thus ordained; thus arranged by divine appointment.--The priests; common priests, in contradistinction from the high priest, mentioned in the Hebrews 9:7.--The first tabernacle; the outer tabernacle.
Verse 9
Verse 9
Which was a figure; a type or symbol.--That could not make, &c.; that is, could not spiritually redeem and save him.
Verse 10
Verse 10
Which stood, which service stood.--Carnal ordinances; outward and ceremonial ordinances.--Reformation; the introduction of the new and better system of the gospel.
Verse 13
Verse 13
The ashes of a heifer, &c.; alluding to a ceremony described in Numbers 19:2-9.--Sanctifieth, &c.; is sufficient for the purposes of ceremonial purification.
Verse 15
Verse 15
For the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament. This language teaches us that the efficacy of the sacrifice of Christ enures to the benefit of the penitent who lived before his day.
Verse 16
Verse 16
A will, however fully executed, does not take effect until the death of the testator. The apostle takes occasion from this circumstance to represent the gospel as a will, made effective by the death of Christ, inasmuch as it was by his death that the blessings of salvation were sealed and secured.
Verse 18
Verse 18
Whereupon, &c.; in a somewhat similar manner the first testament or covenant was ratified with blood.
Verse 19
Verse 19
The account of the ceremonies which followed the giving of the law, is contained in Exodus 24:3,Exodus 24:8. All the particulars here alluded to are not there recorded. It would seem that Paul must have had access to some other source of information than the Mosaic account--perhaps tradition.
Verse 22
Verse 22
Purged; purified.--No remission; from civil and ceremonial penalties, under the Mosaic law; and none from sin and its consequences now.
Verse 23
Verse 23
The patterns of things in the heavens; that is, of spiritual things;--these ceremonial services being so considered, as represented in Hebrews 8:5.--With these; with the blood of animal sacrifices.
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Abbott, John S. C. & Abbott, Jacob. "Commentary on Hebrews 9". "Abbott's Illustrated New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/
the Seventh Sunday after Easter