Hebrews 9:10

Which stood. These words are supplied, and in harmony with the Greek tenses in v. 9, should read, “which stand,” or “which deal with” (cf. RSV).

Only. The external nature of the Levitical system is highlighted.

Meats and drinks. Rather, “foods and drinks.” “Meats” is an Old English word meaning foods in general. Here is a reference to the various meat or cereal and drink offerings of the Jewish ceremonial law (Exodus 29:40, 41; Leviticus 2:1-15; 23:13, 18, 37; Numbers 6:15; etc.).

Divers washings. See Mark 7:3, 4, 8; cf. Exodus 29:4; Leviticus 11:25; Numbers 8:7; etc. Some of the “washings” had value in teaching sanitation and personal cleanliness, aside from the spiritual implications they might have had. But to the original ordinances the Jews had added many others that God never commanded. Thus “washings” were made to assume an important role in religion.

And carnal ordinances. Textual evidence favors the omission of “and.” “Carnal ordinances” would thus stand in apposition with “gifts and sacrifices” (v. 9), or perhaps also with the “meats,” “drinks,” and “washings” mentioned in v. 10. “Ordinances” is literally “regulations” (cf. on v. 1). “Carnal” is here evidently to be contrasted with “spiritual.” The carnal regulations failed to bring spiritual satisfaction; carrying them out did not make men perfect as pertaining to the conscience (v. 9).

Imposed. Greek epikeimai, literally “to lie upon,” “to be imposed,” “to be incumbent.”

Time of reformation. Literally, “time of setting straight.” The Levitical system is thus clearly shown to be temporary. Its ordinances pointed forward to the work of the Messiah and were intended to be in force only until the Messiah came. The transition from the old system to the new may here be called a “reformation,” because of the abuse of the old system (see on Ephesians 2:15).