Commentary on Hebrews 9:1

Hebrews 9:1 states, "Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary." This verse introduces a significant transition in the epistle, focusing on the distinctions between the old covenant and the new covenant established through Christ. Below, we explore the insights of esteemed public domain commentaries, shedding light on the theological implications of this verse.

Overview of the First Covenant

In understanding Hebrews 9:1, it is essential to establish what the "first covenant" entails. This covenant, instituted with the Israelites at Sinai, included a detailed system for worship, particularly exemplified in the tabernacle's construction and the Levitical priesthood. The apostle Paul, through the author of Hebrews, emphasizes that this arrangement was not without purpose; it served as a shadow of the heavenly realities to come.

The Earthly Sanctuary

The term "earthly sanctuary" is crucial in this context. It refers to the tabernacle and later the temple, which played a central role in the worship of Yahweh. Matthew Henry notes that this sanctuary was a "representation" of divine service and ultimately a symbol pointing towards Christ's redemptive work. Albert Barnes elaborates that the services conducted within this sanctuary included sacrifices and rituals that were inadequate in accomplishing true atonement for sin, serving instead as a foreshadowing of the perfect sacrifice of Christ.

Ordinances of Divine Service

The "ordinances of divine service" refer to the specific laws and requirements set forth by God for how worship was to be conducted. According to Adam Clarke, these ordinances were meticulously laid out to guide the people in their approach to God, underscoring the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. They included sacrificial laws, ceremonial cleansings, and the various roles played by priests, which all conveyed profound spiritual truths about sin, redemption, and God's holiness.

The Purpose of the First Covenant

• Typology and Foreshadowing: The Old Covenant rituals were types and shadows, anticipating the coming of Christ. The writer of Hebrews discusses how these elements point to the greater realities found in the New Covenant.
• Preparation for the New Covenant: The detailed observances of the first covenant prepared the hearts and minds of the Israelites to recognize the fulfillment found in Christ. As Clarke notes, without the law, there would be little understanding of grace.
• Emphasizing Human Inadequacy: The limitations of the first covenant highlighted humanity's need for a Savior. It showcased the insufficiency of animal sacrifices to atone for sin, pointing to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.

Theological Implications

The verse prompts reflection on the contrasts between the two covenants. Hebrews uses the first covenant to demonstrate the superiority of the new covenant established through Christ’s sacrifice. As Barnes notes, the juxtaposition is intentional; to reveal that while the first covenant was glorious, the second is surpassingly so, offering eternal redemption rather than temporary covering of sins.

1. The Transition to Better Promises

The first covenant provided "ordinances," yet they were but a shadow and a promise of better things. The new covenant, based on the better promises, offers direct access to God, as opposed to the limited and mediated access under the first covenant.

2. Assurance of Complete Forgiveness

Rather than repeated sacrifices, the work of Christ forever perfects those who are being sanctified. This assurance of complete forgiveness is a key theme in the book of Hebrews.

Conclusion

Hebrews 9:1 succinctly encapsulates the essence of the old covenant concerning its nature and purpose in God's redemptive plan. It acts as a prelude to the profound truths that follow in the ensuing verses about Jesus as the Great High Priest, establishing the legitimacy and necessity of the new covenant. The insights provided by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke draw a vivid picture of how the first covenant, with its earthly sanctuary and ordinances of divine service, set the stage for the ultimate revelation of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

For pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars, engaging deeply with this verse encourages a profound understanding of the narrative of Scripture. Recognizing the continuity and fulfillment of the covenants fosters a richer theological perspective, leading to a deeper appreciation of Christ’s work and the nature of God’s relationship with humanity.