What is the meaning of Hebrews 9 verse 23 where it says, "Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these"?
Hebrews 9:23
ESV - 23 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
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Asked 2 days ago
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Ken Brown
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Timothy Maas
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"Copies of the heavenly things" refers to the earthly tabernacle and its furnishings, which were considered copies or shadows of the true heavenly realities. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle and later the temple were central to Israelite worship, serving as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The purification of these earthly copies with animal sacrifices was a requirement under the Mosaic Law, as seen in Exodus 29:36-37 and Leviticus 16. These sacrifices were part of the ceremonial law, which pointed forward to the ultimate, perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ. The necessity of purification underscores the holiness of God and the need for atonement to approach Him. The superiority of Christ's sacrifice is a central theme in Hebrews, highlighting His role as the ultimate High Priest and the mediator of a new and better covenant, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34.
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