Hebrews 9:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.

NIV: which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

NASB: having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, Aaron’s staff which budded, and the tablets of the covenant;

CSB: It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.

NLT: In that room were a gold incense altar and a wooden chest called the Ark of the Covenant, which was covered with gold on all sides. Inside the Ark were a gold jar containing manna, Aaron’s staff that sprouted leaves, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

KJV: Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

NKJV: which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;

The purpose of this set of verses is to explain the symbolism of the old covenant's ritual objects. The description here is purposefully brief (Hebrews 9:5). This explains why the writer's language seems vague, even to the point of blurring which objects go where within the temple. The writer's familiarity with Judaism, as well as the overt remark about a lack of detail, make it clear that such concerns are beside the point. Listing the major pieces is the only goal in mind, for now.

This verse refers to the "golden altar of incense," in a reference that is often confused. Commentators often wonder about whether the author of Hebrews intends this to mean that this altar is in the Holy Place, or the Most Holy Place, behind the second curtain. First, Scripture suggests that more than one type of incense altar could be used for various purposes (2 Chronicles 26:19; Ezekiel 8:11). Second, this verse uses the Greek term echousa, which normally refers to ownership, not location.

The combined information given in verses 1 through 5 is clearly meant to be brief, general, and not intended for deep analysis. The point is to reference the various objects used in the old covenant, in order to contrast these with the ministry of Jesus Christ.

The altar of incense was the staging area for coals used to burn incense specially crafted for use in the temple (Exodus 30:34–35). This material was taken behind the veil by the high priest yearly as part of the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:12–14).

The ark of the covenant was the ornate box used to hold the written Law on stone tablets inside (Exodus 25:10–22). Those are the "tablets of the covenant" mentioned here. The top of this chest included statues of two cherubim—angels—whose wings were swept forward over the top. This was the "mercy seat" where blood would be sprinkled as part of Israel's ongoing sacrifices.

Also within the ark was a container of manna, the strange food which God had provided for Israel during their time in the wilderness (Exodus 16:32).

Aaron's staff was also kept there (Numbers 17:10). This was a relic of God's response to a rebellion within Israel. When the people challenged Aaron's family right to the priesthood, each tribe was instructed to provide a staff with their leader's name written on it. Aaron's staff, and only his, miraculously sprouted leaves, flowers, and almonds, confirming God's arrangement for the priesthood (Numbers 17:1–9).

Hebrews 9:1–10 explains how the rooms and artifacts of the temple were only meant as symbols. In fact, those items were specifically intended to show how the old covenant could not remove the barrier between God and man. The use of external rituals can only assuage feelings of guilt, it cannot actually remove sin or change a person's nature. The existence of the curtains, separating men from the holy places, is also symbolic of how the old covenant leaves us apart from God. This sets up a comparison, in the following passage, showing how Christ's sacrifice fulfills those symbols and achieves a perfection of our relationship with God.

Hebrews chapter 9 explains how the old covenant included various physical locations and physical rituals. These, according to the writer of Hebrews, were always intended as symbols. Their details, and the drawbacks which they suffered from, were meant to point towards the ''true'' means of our redemption, which is Christ. Unlike animal sacrifices, which must be repeated, and which cannot change man on the inside, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is a once for all, permanent, and completely effective solution to sin. The fact that Christ died for sin only once also means that His next arrival, in the future, will not be as a sacrifice, but as the final fulfillment of God's plan.

Chapter 9 continues the writer's explanation of the superiority of Christ. In chapter 8, this focused on the idea that God had promised a new covenant, even as the old covenant was still in effect. This not only means that the new covenant must be different, but that the old covenant must be flawed. Here in chapter 9, the writer focuses on the fact that the old covenant featured aspects which were meant only as symbols of the ''true'' high priesthood of Christ. Since Christ's sacrifice is more powerful, and performed in a better place, it is more effective in securing our salvation than the sacrifices of animals. Chapter 10 will continue this discussion by wrapping up these various ideas about the superiority of the new covenant.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.