Text -- Hebrews 9:1-5 (NET)

The Arrangement and Ritual of the Earthly Sanctuary

9:1 Now the first covenant, in fact, had regulations for worship and its earthly sanctuary. 9:2 For a tent was prepared, the outer one, which contained the lampstand, the table, and the presentation of the loaves; this is called the holy place. 9:3 And after the second curtain there was a tent called the holy of holies. 9:4 It contained the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered entirely with gold. In this ark were the golden urn containing the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 9:5 And above the ark were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Now is not the time to speak of these things in detail.

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Heb 9:1

¹ tn Grk “the first” (referring to the covenant described in Heb 8:7, 13). In the translation the referent (covenant) has been specified for clarity.

NET Notes: Heb 9:2

¹ tn Grk “the first,” in order of approach in the ritual.

² tn Grk “in which [were].”

³ tn Grk “which,” describing the outer tent.

NET Notes: Heb 9:4

¹ tn Grk “in which”; in the translation the referent (the ark) has been specified for clarity.

NET Notes: Heb 9:5

¹ tn Grk “above it”; in the translation the referent (the ark) has been specified for clarity.

² sn The cherubim (pl.) were an order of angels mentioned repeatedly in the OT but only here in the NT. They were associated with God’s presence, glory, and holiness. Their images that sat on top of the ark of the covenant are described in Exod 25:18-20.