We approach the Epistle to the Hebrews, especially chapter 9, its Christ-centred message, the fulfillment of Old Testament (OC) prophecy, and the superiority of Christ’s priesthood and sacrifice. Below is a verse-by-verse summary and definition of the book of Hebrews, specifically chapter 9.
Hebrews 9:1–2; 3-4; 5 These verses describe the earthly tabernacle and its contents, which were central to the Old Covenant. The tabernacle’s structure and furnishings (the lampstand, the table, the bread, the Holy of Holies, the ark, etc.) symbolized the separation between God and man due to sin. The OC tabernacle was a constant reminder of God’s holiness and humanity’s unholiness, and access to God was strictly limited under the old covenant.
Hebrews 9:6-7; 8; 9; 10: These verses focus on the rituals and ceremonies of the Old Covenant. The priests entered the outer room regularly, but only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies—and only once a year, with a blood offering for his own sins and the sins of the people. This system was intentionally limited and could not cleanse the conscience or provide true access to God. It was “imposed until the time of reformation,” pointing forward to a better way that would be revealed in Christ.
Hebrews 9:11–12; 13; 14: Christ is the “high priest of good things to come,” who entered a greater and more perfect tabernacle—not made with hands—and offered His own blood, securing eternal redemption. Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices, Christ’s sacrifice was once for all, cleansing the conscience from dead works to serve the living God. The superiority and finality of Christ’s sacrifice, which truly accomplished what the old system could not.
Hebrews 9:15;16; 17-18; 19; 20; 21-22: Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant. Through His death, He redeems those under the first covenant and enables believers to receive the promised eternal inheritance. The shedding of blood was necessary for the forgiveness of sins, as even the old covenant was inaugurated with blood. This underscores the necessity and cost of true redemption, fulfilled in Christ’s sacrificial death.
Hebrews 9:23; 24; 25; 26; 27-28: The earthly tabernacle and its rituals were mere Old Testament (OT) copies designed by God as foreshadowings of the heavenly realities. Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary but heaven itself, to appear before God on our behalf. His sacrifice was not repeated, but once for all, “to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” Just as people die once and face judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many and will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.
Theological Emphases in Hebrews 9
Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy: Hebrews 9 is linked to three key Old Testament passages:
Psalm 110: 1-2; 3-4; 5-6; 7 (a new, eternal priesthood)
Jeremiah 31:33 (the new covenant, God writes his laws on our hearts)
Psalm 40:6; 7; 8 (a new, sufficient sacrifice)
Superiority of Christ: Christ’s priesthood and sacrifice are superior to the old system in every way, providing true access to God, cleansing the conscience, and securing eternal redemption1.
Finality of Christ’s Sacrifice: Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice fulfills and replaces all the types and shadows of the old covenant.
Summary Table: Hebrews 9
| Verses | Old Covenant Focus | Christ’s Fulfillment |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 | Earthly tabernacle and its contents | Separation from God due to sin |
| 6–10 | Rituals, limited access | Inadequacy of the Old Testament system points to the need for Christ |
| 11–14 | Animal sacrifices | Christ’s superior, once-for-all sacrifice |
| 15–22 | Blood of animals, the Old Covenant | Christ mediates the new covenant with His own blood |
| 23–28 | Copies, repeated sacrifices | Christ’s final, heavenly, effectual sacrifice |
Hebrews 9 consistently pointed to Jesus as the fulfillment of all Old Testament types, the only true High Priest, and the mediator of a new and better covenant, whose sacrifice alone brings eternal redemption and access to God.