The Old Covenant,  Hebrews 9:1-2

Introduction: It is critical to notice how the Holy Spirit directed the writer of Hebrews to show the old covenant or law in the past tense and not the present tense. Examples of this include: the first covenant, had also ordinances, was a tabernacle made, had the golden censer, had manna, the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, until the time of reformation.

The Veracity and Faithfulness of the Old Covenant (9:1) Then verily - men - truly, certainly, surely, indeed.

The Past Nature of the Old Covenant (9:1) - the first covenant - eicen men oun kai h prwth skhnh - first, chief, former covenant. Notice the words, "it had" (Impf Act Ind - showing its force and power continually in the past).

*The ordinance was first in succession (something else would follow it)

*The ordinance was first in rank (necessary progression to reach the desired goal, redemption)

*The ordinance was first in its influence and honor (the Jews were expected to obey it)

The Unchangeable Character of the Old Covenant (9:1) - had also ordinances - dikaiwmata Righteousness, ordinance, judgment, which were right in that the ordinance had force of law, was established, and set in stone, either the favorable judgment by which God acquits man and declares them acceptable or unfavorable, as in a sentence of condemnation.

The Worship and Direction of the Old Covenant (9:1) - of divine service, - latreiav - service rendered for hire, any service or ministration for God, or the service and worship of God according to the requirements of the Levitical law - a sacred service.

The Physical Place of Service For The Old Covenant (9:1) - and a worldly sanctuary. - to te agion kosmikon - holy, saints, Holy One, characteristic of God, separated to God, worthy of worship and the giving of time. Its highest application is to God Himself, in his purity, majesty and glory.

The first covenant was not able to produce righteousness in any person because it contained ordinances and a worldly sanctuary. These ordinances and regulations were temporary in nature.

9:2 For there was a tabernacle made; - This wonderful and necessary place of worship was critical for the Jews understanding of the perfection of God. Every detail, color, measurement, types of material and the places of washing and sacrifice showed the greatness of God and the need of man.

Furniture was carefully placed in the Tabernacle. Each piece had great meaning. As the writer of Hebrews mentions each item, he stresses the priestly work of Jesus, rather than the meaning of each piece of furniture.

First Portion of Tabernacle

"candlestick" - lucnia - Ex. 25:31-35 // Made of solid pure gold, not hollow. It had branches coming out from the main shaft, which had not only their bowls (to put the oil in), but flowers to make it ornate.

*The candlestick scattered light. The tabernacle had no windows. All its light was candlelight, which illuminated the outer tabernacle (the Sun or righteousness had not as yet risen, nor had the day-star from on high yet visited the earth).

*The candlestick a light shining in a dark place (2 Peter 1:19).

*The Spirit of God is compared to the seven lamps which burn before the throne, Revelation 4:5.

*The churches are golden candlesticks, the lights of the world, holding forth the word of life Phil. 2:15, 16.

*Ministers are to light the lamps by opening the Scripture.

*The treasure of this light is now put into earthen vessels, 2 Corinthians 4:6, 7.

*The branches of the candlestick spread every way, to show the the light of the gospel into all parts of the world. Matthew 5:14, 15.

"table" trapeza - Ex.25:23-30 - A table was overlaid with gold, which was to stand in the outer part of the tabernacle, called the sanctuary, or holy place, Hebrews 9:2, 23

"shewbread" - proqesiV twn artwn - loaves of unleavened bread - This table was commanded to be always set and furnished with the show-bread; twelve loaves, one for each tribe, set in two rows, six in a row (Lev. 24:5).

The twelve loaves to represent the twelve tribes, set before God as his people and the corn of his floor, as they are called, Isaiah 21:10. As the ark signified God's being present with them, so the twelve loaves signified their being presented to God.

The shewbread pictures, or is a type of several things:

1. A thankful acknowledging of God's goodness, in giving them their daily bread or manna. They were completely depended upon God’s providence and sustaining character.

2. A picture of communion with God. He had fellowship with His people, and they with him.

3. A picture of God’s spiritual provision: "In our Father's house there is bread enough and to spare, a loaf for every tribe." Ps. 36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

Divine spiritual provision is the continuing feast of holy and hungry believers who come to God’s table.