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Hebrews 9:1

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Hebrews 9:1

Verse 1 of 28

Scripture focus

Then verily the first [covenant] had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

Hebrews 9:1 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Hebrews 9:1

Theological / Devotional

The first covenant. “Covenant” is supplied, but correctly so, as in Hebrews 8:13 (see comment there). The reference is to the covenant made with Israel at Sinai (see on Hebrews 8:7; cf. on Ezekiel 16:60).

Had also. The fact that the first covenant also had ordinances assumes that the new covenant has them. The author has already introduced the service of Christ as high priest (chs. 5:5, 6; 6:19, 20; 7:22-25; 8:1, 2). Now he enlarges upon that service.

Ordinances. Greek dikaidmata, “regulations,” “requirements,” “commandments.”

Divine service. Greek latreia (see on Romans 9:4 ; 12:1).

A worldly sanctuary. That is, the sanctuary was adapted to the earth, the sanctuary was terrestrial. This is noted by way of contrast with the sanctuary of the new covenant, “the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (Hebrews 8:2).

By SdaBc