Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
1 Then verily the first, etc Rather, “Yet even the first,” etc. It is connected with the last verse of the preceding chapter; as though he had said, — “Though the covenant is become antiquated, yet it had many things divinely appointed connected with it.” Μὲν οὖν mean “yet,” or however. See Art. 8:4.
The tabernacle was a moving temple, shadowing forth the unsettled state of the church militant and the human nature of Christ Himself. Its two parts represent the two states of the church, militant and triumphant, and the two natures of Christ, human and divine. Every furnishing spoke a lesson: the candlestick burning where no windows admitted light showed their darkness before Christ the Sun of righteousness came.
AI summary
Commenting on Hebrews 9:1-7
Then verily the first covenant had ordinances of divine service,.... The design of the apostle in this chapter, as it stands in connection with what goes before, is to show the pre-eminence of Christ, from the tabernacle, and the things in it; as well as from the priesthood and covenant; and as also the abrogation of the Levitical ceremonies in particular, as well as the...