A Figure for the Time then Present Hebrews 9:9

“The Holy Ghost” signified, according to the writer of Hebrews, “the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest”, and this was because the “first tabernacle was yet standing”. In chapter nine and verse nine of Hebrews, the writer shares how each of the contents within the tabernacle were used as “a figure for the time then present” where we read:

Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

The verse begins, “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices,...”. The writer began with the words, “Which was a figure” which means “the tabernacle was a comparing, comparison, likeness and similitude” “for the time” which means “towards the season and opportunity” “then present” or “at that time placed, among, impended upon and close at had”, “in which” or “into that tabernacle” “were offered” which means “were brought, lead and presented” “both gifts” or “not only presents and expressions of honor” “and sacrifices” which refers to “victims and worship”. The “tabernacle” was a “likeness” of the heavenly temple, and at that time, it was the place where priests offered “gifts and sacrifices” of worship to God.

The verse continues, “...that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;”. The writer added the words, “that could not make him” or “which is not able, has no power whether by virtue of one's own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favorable circumstances or by permission of law or custom” “that did the service” or “the priest who worshiped, served for hire and officiated to discharge the sacred office” “perfect” which means “complete, accomplished, finished and fulfilled”, “as pertaining to” or “down from, throughout, according to and toward” “the conscience” which means “the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad which prompts a person to do the former and shun the latter while commending one and condemning the other”. Though the priests would offer “gifts and sacrifices” of worship, they did not make the priests “complete and finished” morally.

When we meditate upon these words in Hebrews, we see the temporary nature of the “tabernacle” which Moses erected in the wilderness. The frailty of the earthly “tabernacle” was that it could not make the priests “perfect” before God, and this is why it was necessary for Jesus to fulfill these things in heaven. Jesus is the “perfect” sacrifice, and He entered the heavenly, eternal “tabernacle” or temple which provided the “gifts and sacrifices” that gave us access to God. Now all that is left is for us to simply “believe, trust in, rely upon and cling to” Jesus.

Next time the writer shares about the “meats, drinks, washings and carnal ordinances” which the priests used in the “tabernacle”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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