Hebrews 9:21

21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship.

Hebrews 9:21 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 9:21

Moreover, he sprinkled likewise both the tabernacle
Not at the same time that he sprinkled the book and the people, for then there was no tabernacle; but afterwards, at the time that it was set up, when it was anointed with oil, ( Exodus 40:9 ) and though no mention is there made of blood, yet Josephus, in agreement with the apostle, asserts ^F9, that the tabernacle, and its vessels, were not only anointed with oil, but sprinkled with the blood of bulls and goats, as well as the garments of Aaron, and his sons: the tabernacle was typical of the church, in which God dwells, being purified and cleansed by the blood of Christ; and this shows, that there is no coming into the presence of God, the place where he dwells, without blood.

And all the vessels of the ministry;
which were used in the service of the tabernacle these may denote the vessels of grace and mercy, the elect of God, whose hearts are sprinkled by the blood of Christ from an evil conscience, and whose garments are washed in it, and made white by it.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 Antiq. l. 3. c. 8. sect. 6.

Hebrews 9:21 In-Context

19 For when every commandment had been told to all the people by Moses in accordance with the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the scroll itself and all the people,

20 saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you."

21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship.

22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

23 Thus it was necessary for the sketches of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves need better sacrifices than these.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or [tabernacle]