Hebrews 9:6

When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties.

Study Bible

When everything had been prepared in this way
This phrase refers to the meticulous preparations required under the Old Covenant for worship in the tabernacle. The Greek word for "prepared" (κατασκευάζω, kataskeuazō) implies a thorough and careful arrangement, reflecting the detailed instructions given by God to Moses in the Old Testament. This preparation underscores the holiness and reverence required in approaching God, highlighting the separation between God and humanity due to sin. It serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate preparation made by Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law and provided a new and living way to God.

the priests entered regularly
The regular entry of the priests into the first room, or the Holy Place, signifies the ongoing nature of the Old Covenant rituals. The Greek term for "regularly" (διὰ παντός, dia pantos) suggests a continual, repetitive action, emphasizing the insufficiency of these sacrifices to fully atone for sin. This regularity points to the need for a more perfect and permanent solution, which is found in Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who entered once for all into the heavenly sanctuary.

into the first room
The "first room" refers to the Holy Place within the tabernacle, distinct from the Most Holy Place. This separation illustrates the limited access to God's presence under the Old Covenant. Only the priests could enter the Holy Place, and only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year. This spatial division symbolizes the barrier of sin that Christ would ultimately remove, granting believers direct access to God.

to perform their sacred duties
The sacred duties performed by the priests involved offering incense, maintaining the lampstand, and presenting the showbread. These acts were symbolic of intercession, illumination, and fellowship with God. The Greek word for "sacred duties" (λατρεία, latreia) conveys the idea of worship and service. These duties, though divinely ordained, were shadows of the greater work accomplished by Christ, who serves as our eternal High Priest, offering not the blood of animals but His own blood for the redemption of humanity. This highlights the transition from the Old Covenant, with its temporary and repetitive rituals, to the New Covenant, characterized by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priests
The priests were the descendants of Aaron, tasked with performing the sacred duties in the tabernacle and later in the temple. They served as mediators between God and the people of Israel.

2. First Room (Holy Place)
This refers to the first section of the tabernacle, known as the Holy Place, where the priests performed daily rituals. It contained the lampstand, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense.

3. Sacred Duties
These were the daily rituals and offerings performed by the priests, including lighting the lamps, burning incense, and replacing the showbread.

4. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert, which later influenced the design of the permanent temple in Jerusalem.

5. Preparation
This refers to the meticulous arrangements and consecrations required before the priests could enter the Holy Place, emphasizing the holiness and order of worship.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Preparation in Worship
Just as the priests prepared meticulously, believers today should approach worship with reverence and readiness, preparing their hearts and minds to meet with God.

The Role of Mediators
The priests served as mediators under the old covenant, pointing to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who mediates a new covenant, granting us direct access to God.

Daily Faithfulness in Service
The regular duties of the priests remind us of the importance of daily faithfulness in our spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and serving others.

Holiness and Order in Worship
The structured and holy nature of the tabernacle worship underscores the need for order and reverence in our worship practices today.

The Transition from Old to New Covenant
Understanding the old covenant practices helps us appreciate the fulfillment and superiority of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the preparation of the priests for their duties in the tabernacle inform our approach to worship today?

2. In what ways does the role of the priests in the Holy Place foreshadow the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. How can we incorporate the principle of daily faithfulness seen in the priests' duties into our own spiritual lives?

4. What aspects of holiness and order in worship can we apply to our personal and corporate worship experiences?

5. How does understanding the old covenant practices enhance our appreciation of the new covenant in Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-30
These chapters provide detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and the duties of the priests, highlighting the importance of preparation and holiness in worship.

Leviticus 16
Describes the Day of Atonement, when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place, contrasting with the regular duties in the Holy Place.

Hebrews 10:19-22
Discusses the new way opened for believers to enter the Most Holy Place through the blood of Jesus, contrasting the old covenant practices with the new covenant.