91 Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary . 2 For there was a tabernacle prepared , the outer one , in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread ; this is called the holy place . 3 Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies , 4 having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold , in which was a golden jar holding the manna , and Aaron's rod which budded , and the tables of the covenant ; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat ; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail . 6 Now when these things have been so prepared , the priests are continually e entering the outer tabernacle performing the divine worship , 7 but into the second , only the high priest enters once a year , not without taking blood , which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance .
8 The Holy Spirit is signifying this , that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing ,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hebrews 9:1-8
Commentary on Hebrews 9:1-5
(Read Hebrews 9:1-5)
The apostle shows to the Hebrews the typical reference of their ceremonies to Christ. The tabernacle was a movable temple, shadowing forth the unsettled state of the church upon earth, and the human nature of the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom the fulness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. The typical meaning of these things has been shown in former remarks, and the ordinances and articles of the Mosaic covenant point out Christ as our Light, and as the Bread of life to our souls; and remind us of his Divine Person, his holy priesthood, perfect righteousness, and all-prevailing intercession. Thus was the Lord Jesus Christ, all and in all, from the beginning. And as interpreted by the gospel, these things are a glorious representation of the wisdom of God, and confirm faith in Him who was prefigured by them.
Commentary on Hebrews 9:6-10
(Read Hebrews 9:6-10)
The apostle goes on to speak of the Old Testament services. Christ, having undertaken to be our High Priest, could not enter into heaven till he had shed his blood for us; and none of us can enter, either into God's gracious presence here, or his glorious presence hereafter, but by the blood of Jesus. Sins are errors, great errors, both in judgment and practice; and who can understand all his errors? They leave guilt upon the conscience, not to be washed away but by the blood of Christ. We must plead this blood on earth, while he is pleading it for us in heaven. A few believers, under the Divine teaching, saw something of the way of access to God, of communion with him, and of admission into heaven through the promised Redeemer, but the Israelites in general looked no further than the outward forms. These could not take away the defilement or dominion of sin. They could neither discharge the debts, nor resolve the doubts, of him who did the service. Gospel times are, and should be, times of reformation, of clearer light as to all things needful to be known, and of greater love, causing us to bear ill-will to none, but good-will to all. We have greater freedom, both of spirit and speech, in the gospel, and greater obligations to a more holy living.