Keraia
Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9:5

The Earthly Tabernacle · Hebrews 9:1–10
Read Hebrews 9

Translations

Modern
Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.
Traditional
And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
Literal
And far above it were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat—concerning which it is not now time to speak particularly.
Latin
…superque eam erant cherubim gloriæ obumbrantia propitiatorium: de quibus non est modo dicendum per singula.

Original

Greek
English
Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.

Notes

Hebrews 9:5

  • The cherubim of divine glory were angel statues on the cover of the ark. These angels are closely linked to God's glorious presence (Genesis 3:24; Psalms 80:1; 99:1; Isaiah 37:16). The ark's cover was the atonement place, where they sprinkled blood from the Day of Atonement sacrifice (Leviticus 16:14–16).

  • we cannot discuss these things in detail now: The main topic is the offering of sacrifices under the old covenant (Hebrews 9:6–10).

Hebrews 9:1–5

These verses describe the tabernacle, which was Israel's place of worship before they built the temple.

Hebrews 9:1–10:18

This section explains that Christ's death, as the sacrifice in the new covenant, is better than the sacrifices in the old covenant. In Hebrews 9:1–10, the author describes worship practices under the old covenant rules (see Exodus 28–29; Leviticus 1–10; 16:1–17:16). In Hebrews 9:11–10:18, these rules are compared to Christ's superior offering.

Hebrews 8:1–10:18

This passage explains that the role of Jesus as the heavenly high priest is better than the role of earthly priests.

Parallels

Exodus 40:1–33 Acts 7:44–47

Places

Cherub: Babylonian location; home of some returning exiles

Glossary

Ark of the Covenant Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Day of Atonement Hebrews, Letter to the Lord’s Supper, the Mediate, Mediator Mercy Seat Sanctuary

Topics

Cherubim: Called the Cherubim of Glory Cherubim: The Ark of the Covenant Rested Beneath the Wings of Mercy-Seat: Placed on the Ark of the Testimony Mercy-Seat: The Cherubim Formed out of, and at Each End of It Offerings: Insufficiency of Propitiation: Propitiatory Shekinah: The Visible Sign of God's Presence on the Ark of the Testimony in the Holy of Holies Symbols and Similitudes: Tabernacle Tabernacle: Divided Into: The Holy Place Tabernacle: Symbol of Spiritual Things Tabernacle: The Holy Place of Tabernacle: The Most Holy Place The Law of Moses: Divided Into: Ceremonial, Relating to Manner of Worshipping God Types: Miscellaneous: The Sanctuary a Type of the Heavenly Sanctuary Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation