Skip to main content

Limitations of Old Covenant Worship (Heb. 9:1-10)

Now [even] the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was constructed, the outer one, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of offering; this is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second veil was the tabernacle called the Holy of Holies, 4 in which were the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant entirely covered with gold. In it were the gold jar containing the manna, the staff of Aaron that had sprouted, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the place of expiation. Now is not the time to speak of these in detail. 6 With these arrangements for worship, the priests, in performing their service, go into the outer tabernacle repeatedly, 7 but the high priest alone goes into the inner one once a year, not without blood that he offers for himself and for the sins of the people. 8 In this way the holy Spirit shows that the way into the sanctuary had not yet been revealed while the outer tabernacle still had its place. 9 This is a symbol of the present time, in which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper in conscience 10 but only in matters of food and drink and various ritual washings: regulations concerning the flesh, imposed until the time of the new order.

Hebrews 8:7-13 contrasts the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing that the first covenant was imperfect and thus necessitated replacement. Citing Jeremiah 31:31-34, the author reveals God’s promise of a New Covenant, one written on the hearts of His people rather than on stone. This covenant brings a transformative, internalized relationship with God, where sins are forgiven and remembered no more. By declaring the first covenant obsolete, the author underscores that the New Covenant in Christ fulfills God’s ultimate plan for a lasting, intimate bond with His people.

In Heb. 9:1-10, the author offers a profound exposition on the limitations of the Old Covenant worship and its rituals, setting up the theological contrast with the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ.  The First Covenant – the Mosaic Covenant – contained strict regulations for worship as prescribed in Levitical law.  The earthly sanctuary was the Tabernacle, a physical, transient dwelling that held the presence of God amidst the Israelites.   The author then describes the setup of the earthly tabernacle under the Old Covenant. The first section, the Holy Place, contained the lampstand, the table, and the bread of offering.  Behind a second veil lay the Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.  This sacred ark held a golden jar of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.  Above it were cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat, signifying God's presence and mercy.

The priests repeatedly enter the Holy Place to perform their ritual duties.  Having to repeat offerings indicates that the Mosaic law could not accomplish the ultimate and permanent reconciliation between God and humanity.  Once a year on the Day of Atonement, the high priest alone enters the Holy of Holies to make an offering for himself and for the people (cf. Lev. 16).  This highlights that the Old Covenant sacrifices were unable to effect lasting forgiveness.  The entire Levitical system was a provisional arrangement, a “symbol” of what was to come in Christ.  While the sacrifices could atone externally, they could not cleanse internally or purify the conscience, a profound requirement for true reconciliation with God.  The Law could regulate external conduct but could not purify the soul.  The New Covenant focuses on internal transformation through grace.  

The author concludes that the ritualistic and external nature of the old laws dealt with ceremonial purity but lacked the transformative power offered in the New Covenant.  They could not purify the conscience or transform the soul.  These laws were “imposed” as temporary measures, preparing Israel for the coming of Christ.

Almighty God, thank You for the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who reopened the way to Your Holy presence.  Where once our offerings fell short, His perfect sacrifice has cleansed our hearts and drawn us near.  Guide us to live with reverence and gratitude, trusting in the grace of the New Covenant.  This we pray through the same Christ our Lord. Amen!
                                                       
References
  • McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
  • Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
  • Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
  • Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
  • Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
  • Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
  • Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
  • McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.

Comments