Hebrews 9:10
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They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
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.
Open source ↗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).
Open source ↗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).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace
Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath.
one who has become a priest not by a law of succession, but by the power of an indestructible life.
When evening approaches, he must wash with water, and when the sun sets he may return to the camp.
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”
as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.
He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.
He is to bathe himself with water in a holy place and put on his own clothes. Then he must go out and sacrifice his burnt offering and the people’s burnt offering to make atonement for himself and for the people.
Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.