Hebrews 9:9-10 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; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
‘Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances.’ These refer to true Bible types. Not only were the Tabernacle and its services of “the time then present” a parable or an illustration of good things to come, but they were nothing more than temporary outward rites and ceremonies to be observed until the setting of all things right when the Messiah should come (9:10). They stood for the body and could not save the soul. The word “carnal” simply refers to that which is natural, not necessarily sinful. It is not used in a sinful sense here and in many other places. Had these carnal ordinances been sinful, God would not have commanded them to be observed, nor could they have been shadows of good things to come (8:5; 10:1).
‘Imposed’ [Greek: epikeimai] to be laid upon; imposed on. Translated as “imposed on” (9:10); “press upon” (Luke 5:1); and “lie upon” (John 11:38; 21:9; Acts 27:20; 1Cor. 9:16). These natural rites and ceremonies were commanded by divine authority, as proper representations of the gospel system, which should come and rectify all things.
‘Until the time’ – The law was to be in force only until Christ came (Matt. 11:13; Luke 16:16; 2Cor. 3:6-14; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 7:28; 9:9-10).
‘Reformation’ [Greek: diorthosis] is a making straight; correcting; amending of a fault; reformation. It refers to correcting the faults and weaknesses of the law of Moses by the abolishment of it, and the substitution of a perfect covenant which meets every need wherein the law failed (7:11-19, 27-28).
Living the Word 