“And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;”– Hebrews 9:3 (KJV)
“Then there was a curtain, and behind that curtain was the second room called the Most Holy Place.”– Hebrews 9:3 (NLT)
“The second room was called the Holy of Holies. In it was a gold incense altar, and a chest called the Covenant, covered with gold on all sides.”– Hebrews 9:3 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 9:3 Mean?
Hebrews 9:3 speaks of the structure of the Tabernacle, specifically drawing attention to the significance of what lay beyond the second veil. The Tabernacle was a sacred space designed by God as a dwelling place among His people during their journey through the wilderness. In this verse, we see reference to the most holy area, or the Holiest of All, which held profound importance in the worship of God. This section was designated for God’s presence and was separated from the outer areas of the Tabernacle by a heavy veil.
With this verse, the author of Hebrews attempts to illustrate the sacredness and significance of these spaces. The Most Holy Place represented direct access to God’s presence, a privilege reserved for the high priest, and only on specific occasions — the Day of Atonement, to be exact. It is essential to understand that this special place within the Tabernacle was filled with symbolism and ritual that represented the connection between God’s holiness and human sinfulness.
Hebrews 9:3 Explanation and Commentary
This verse is part of a more extensive passage that describes the earthly sanctuary and its significance within the framework of the old covenant system. The Tabernacle served as a physical symbol of God’s presence among His people. It contained two main areas: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The Holy Place was accessible to the priests, while the Most Holy Place was restricted to the high priest alone. This separation highlights the holiness of God and the concept that unclean beings could not freely access Him.
The veil separating the two rooms served as a barrier, illustrating the divide between a holy God and sinful humanity. The high priest, once a year, would enter the Most Holy Place to offer sacrifices for the people’s sins, showcasing the deep connection between atonement, sacrifice, and worship. However, the veil also signifies the limitations of the old covenant as it was temporary and foreboded greater things to come.
In the New Testament, we find the fulfillment of these themes through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When Jesus died, the veil in the Temple was torn from top to bottom. This act symbolized that through Him, access to God’s presence is now available to everyone who believes in Him. In light of this, Hebrews 9:3 not only reflects the historical and cultural significance of the Tabernacle but also the profound impact of Jesus Christ on our relationship with God. No longer do we have to rely on a human high priest and sacrifices, as Jesus becomes our ultimate High Priest and perfect sacrifice.
Understanding these contrasts between the old and new can deepen our appreciation of the work Christ accomplished for us. He has made a way for all believers to approach God directly, breaking barriers that were once insurmountable. As we grasp the meaning of Hebrews 9:3, we’re reminded of the immense love and grace that God offers us through Christ.
Context of Hebrews 9:3
To understand Hebrews 9:3 fully, we must consider its surrounding verses and the broader context of the Book of Hebrews. The book, written to Jewish Christians, addresses the transition from the old covenant, represented by the law and the Tabernacle, to the new covenant brought about by Jesus’ sacrifice. The author’s intention is to affirm the superiority of Jesus and the new covenant over the previous system.
In chapter nine, the author emphasizes the necessity for an earthly sanctuary, outlining the various furnishings and rituals involved in worship. By diving into the sacrificial system and the roles of the priests, the author establishes a foundation for understanding Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. The previous verses serve to explain the significance of the Tabernacle and the regulations governing it, while Hebrews 9:3 highlights the importance of the separation in the Tabernacle—reinforcing the idea of God’s holiness.
To fully grasp how this relates to our faith today, we can also read Hebrews 9:11-14, where the author notes how Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary once and for all, obtaining our eternal redemption. This serves as a reminder that both the Tabernacle and its regulations were a foreshadowing of what was to come through Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 9:3
Breaking down Hebrews 9:3 allows us to explore its significance further. The phrase “after the second veil” denotes the transition into a sacred and exclusive area—the Most Holy Place. It is important to note that the veil was not just any curtain; it represented the separation of God’s holiness from human sin. As we look closely at “the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all,” we come to understand the ancient ritual and reverential approach to God’s presence.
The term “most holy place” signifies a space of utter reverence and holiness, reinforcing that entering this area meant stepping into a direct encounter with God’s divine presence. For ancient Israel, this was no small feat. Only the high priest could approach God there, signifying how the relationship between humanity and God was maintained through strict guidelines and procedures.
Furthermore, seeing the layout of the Tabernacle—the Inner Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place—provides us with a visual representation of how God’s people interacted with their Creator. It serves as a reminder of how God desires for us to seek Him while also recognizing His holiness. This acknowledgement becomes essential for a healthy relationship with God—it helps us appreciate His grace in allowing direct access to Him through Christ.
As these components unfold, we can begin to perceive the complexities of being a follower of Christ today. Understanding our access to God through Jesus emphasizes the importance of drawing close to Him in prayer and worship. The journey that the Israelite people had to undergo just to seek God can heighten our appreciation of the access we freely possess today.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 9:3
The profound truths of Hebrews 9:3 offer us several lessons in our spiritual journey. Firstly, we are reminded of the significance of God’s holiness and the necessity for reverence in our approach to Him. The early Israelites had to navigate a strict system to engage in worship; we should foster that same reverence for God’s presence today despite the open invitation we have through Christ.
Next, this verse emphasizes the idea of access without doing away with the concept of sacrifice. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, and we are called to approach God with gratitude and selflessness as we acknowledge the cost of our redemption. In our daily lives, we should reflect this attitude by living in obedience and love, imitating Christ in our interactions with others. Recognizing the sacrifices Christ made should evoke a sense of appreciation and inform our behavior and choices.
Lastly, Hebrews 9:3 teaches us to value our relationship with God. The ease with which we can approach Him should not lead us to take His presence for granted but instead causes us to cherish the opportunity to be in communion with Him. The barrier that once existed has been removed, and we can draw near with confidence. This reality enhances the joy of our faith as we realize how deeply the Lord desires a relationship with us.
As we reflect on these lessons, we discover how they impact our lives. By embracing a heart of gratitude and honoring God’s holiness, we can cultivate a stronger relationship with Christ. We should remain sensitive to how we approach God in prayer, worship, and our interactions with others as an extension of our relationship with Him.
Final Thoughts
Hebrews 9:3 invites us to explore the depths of our faith and understand the lengths to which God has gone to redeem us. The structure of the Tabernacle, particularly the distinction between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, serves as a powerful symbol of the connection between humanity and divinity. While it outlines the limitations of the old covenant, it also heralds the new covenant established by Jesus Christ.
As we navigate through life, let us be mindful of the access we have to God, the privilege of entering into His presence through prayer, and how vital it is to honor the holiness He embodies. The lessons drawn from Hebrews 9:3 can foster an atmosphere of reverence and thankfulness as we deepen our relationship with our Savior.
Don’t hesitate to explore other topics that can enrich your spiritual journey. Perhaps take a look at these relevant passages: 1 Samuel 20:3, which speaks of friendship, or 1 Corinthians 14:12, which discusses spiritual gifts. There is so much to discover that can further your understanding of God’s incredible love and plan for our lives.