Hebräer 9:10

Which--sacrifices. stood--consisted in [ALFORD]; or, "have attached to them" only things which appertain to the use of foods, &c. The rites of meats, &c., go side by side with the sacrifices [THOLUCK and WAHL]; compare Col 2:16. drinks-- (Lev 10:9; Lev 11:4). Usage subsequently to the law added many observances as to meats and drinks. washings-- (Exo 29:4). and carnal ordinances--One oldest manuscript, Syriac and Coptic, omit "and." "Carnal ordinances" stand in apposition to "sacrifices" (Heb 9:9). Carnal (outward, affecting only the flesh) is opposed to spiritual. Contrast "flesh" with "conscience" (Heb 9:13-14). imposed--as a burden (Act 15:10, Act 15:28) continually pressing heavy. until the time of reformation--Greek, "the season of rectification," when the reality should supersede the type (Heb 8:8-12). Compare "better," Heb 9:23.

The apostle, having declared the Old Testament dispensation antiquated and vanishing away, proceeds to let the Hebrews see the correspondence there was between the Old Testament and the New; and that whatever was excellent in the Old was typical and representative of the New, which therefore must as far excel the Old as the substance does the shadow. The Old Testament was never intended to be rested in, but to prepare for the institutions of the gospel. And here he treats, I. Of the tabernacle, the place of worship (Heb 9:1-5). II. Of the worship and services performed in the tabernacle (Heb 9:6, Heb 9:7). III. He delivers the spiritual sense and the main design of all (Heb 9:8 to the end).

9:10 The old system dealt only with physical regulations, and it could not deal with the condition of the heart (8:10; 10:21-24). Consequently, it was provisional, only intended to last until Christ could come and establish a better system (9:11–10:18).