Hebrews 9:1-7

The tabernacle and its services Hebrews 9:1-7: God's first or former arrangement had religious services connected with it. A study of Exodus 25:1-40; Exodus 26:1-37; Exodus 27:1-21 will provide you with much information about what is here called a "worldly sanctuary." The term "worldly" means that it concerned this world. This is set in contrast to the "heavenly sanctuary."

In the tabernacle you could find the candlestick, with the lamps always burning. You would also observe the table with the shew-bread upon it. This gives us a glimpse of how Christians observe communion with Christ and with fellow Christians. The showbread pointed to our Lord Jesus Christ, the bread of life to His church.

The tabernacle contained a second veil which led to a part called the Holiest of all or the Holy of holies. Herein was the golden censer, a fire-pan made for the purpose of carrying fire, in order to burn incense. The Ark of the Covenant with its mercy-seat was a part of the Holy of holies. The ark contained the golden pot that had manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant. The Divine Presence rested on the mercy seat.

The Priest was in the Holy place every day, and at all times, as occasion did required. However, the High Priest alone was permitted into the Holy of holies. "But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people." Leviticus 16:1-34 describes the special occasion when the High Priest entered the Holiest of all. This had to do with the grievous nature of man's sins.