2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.
2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent
2 conducting worship in the one true sanctuary built by God.
2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.
2 There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hebrews 8:2
Commentary on Hebrews 8:1-6
(Read Hebrews 8:1-6)
The substance, or summary, of what had been declared was, that Christians had such a High Priest as they needed. He took upon himself human nature, appeared on earth, and there gave himself as a sacrifice to God for the sins of his people. We must not dare to approach God, or to present any thing to him, but in and through Christ, depending upon his merits and mediation; for we are accepted only in the Beloved. In all obedience and worship, we should keep close to God's word, which is the only and perfect standard. Christ is the substance and end of the law of righteousness. But the covenant here referred to, was that made with Israel as a nation, securing temporal benefits to them. The promises of all spiritual blessings, and of eternal life, revealed in the gospel, and made sure through Christ, are of infinitely greater value. Let us bless God that we have a High Priest that suits our helpless condition.