Hebrews 9:1-3 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all

‘Ordinances’ [Greek: dikaioma] rites and ceremonies. Translated ordinances (Heb. 9:1, 10); judgment (Rom. 1:32; Rev. 15:4); righteousness (Rom. 2:26; 5:18; 8:4; Rev. 19:8); and justification (Rom. 5:16).

‘Worldly’ [Greek: kosmikos] earthly; of the world (Tit. 2:12). This refers to the tabernacle made by Moses after the patterns shown him of heavenly things (8:5; 9:23-24).

‘Tabernacle’ [Greek: skene] Translated as “tabernacle” 19 times and “habitation” once (Luke 16:9). Seven kinds of tabernacles: Temporary dwellings (Matt. 17:4; Mark 9:5). Tabernacle of Moloch (Acts 7:43-44). Kingdom of David (Acts 15:16). Heavenly sanctuary (8:2; 9:11). Mosaic tabernacle (8:5; 9:2, 6, 8, 21; 13:10). Tents of dwelling (11:9). The Holy City (Rev. 13:6; 21:2-23).

The heavenly tabernacle is called the temple of God in Isaiah 6:1; Revelation 3:12; 7:15; 11:19; 14:15, 17; 15:5-8; 16:1, 17.

‘First, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread.’ The first room of the tabernacle – the holy place wherein there were: The golden candlestick (lampstand) (9:2; Ex. 25:31-40). The golden altar of incense (9:2; Ex. 30:1-10). The table of showbread with 12 loaves representing 12 tribes (9:2; Ex. 25:23-30).

‘Second veil’ – A second veil separates the holy place from the most holy place or holy of holies. The first veil separated the holy place from the tabernacle court and prevented the people from looking into the holy place (Ex. 26:31-38).

‘Holiest of all’ – The holy of holies which contained the ark of the covenant (9:4-5; Ex. 25:10).