Hebrews 9:2

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 9:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For there was a tabernacle prepared, the first, wherein [were] the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the Holy place.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For there was a tabernacle prepared, the first, wherein [were] the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the Holy place.
Hebrews 9:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2For there was a tabernacle prepared, the first, wherein [were] the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the Holy place.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For there was a tabernacle made, etc..] By the direction of Moses, according to the pattern showed him in the Mount: the first; that is, the first part of the tabernacle, called the holy place, in distinction from the holy of holies, which was the second part of the tabernacle; for otherwise there were not a first and a second tabernacle; there never was but one tabernacle: wherein was the candlestick; that this was in the tabernacle, and on the south side of it, and without the vail, where the apostle has placed it, is plain from (<022635>Exodus 26:35 40:24). This was wanting in the second temple f134: it was a type of Christ mystical, or the church; in the general use of it, to hold forth…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Defining "the worldly tabernacle." a tabernacle--"the tabernacle." made--built and furnished. the first--the anterior tabernacle. candlestick . . . table--typifying light and life (Exo 25:31-39). The candlestick consisted of a shaft and six branches of gold, seven in all, the bowls made like almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch. It was carried in Vespasian's triumph, and the figure is to be seen on Titus' arch at Rome. The table of shittim wood, covered with gold, was for the showbread (Exo 25:23-30). showbread--literally, "the setting forth of the loaves," that is, the loaves set forth: "the show of the bread" [ALFORD]. In the outer holy place: so the Eucharist continues until…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For there was a tabernacle made - The word “tabernacle” properly means a tent, a booth, or a hut, and was then given by way of eminence to the tent for public worship made by Moses in the wilderness. For a description of this, see Exodus 26:0. In this place the word means the “outer sanctuary” or “room” in the tabernacle; that is, the “first” room which was entered - called here “the first.” The same word - σκηνή skēnē - is used in Hebrews 9:3 to denote the “inner” sanctuary, or holy of holies. The tabernacle, like the temple afterward, was divided into two parts by the veil Exodus 26:31, Exodus 26:33, one of which was called “the holy place,” and the other “the holy of holies.” The exact…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The first - The outward tabernacle. In which was the candlestick, and the table - The shewbread, shown continually before God and all the people, consisting of twelve loaves, according to the number of the tribes, was placed on this table in two rows, six upon one another in each row. This candlestick and bread seem to have typified the light and life which are more largely dispensed under the gospel by Him who is the Light of the world, and the Bread of life. Hebrews 9:3”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:2 Israel’s Tabernacle was a tent with two rooms (see Exod 25–31; 35:1–40:38). • a lampstand: Exod 25:31-40; 26:35. • a table: Exod 25:23-30. • The priests went into the Holy Place daily in their ritual duties (Heb 9:6; see Exod 28:43; Num 28:3-8).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“a tabernacle: Exod. 26:1-30, Exo 29:1, Exo 29:35, 36:8-38, Exo 39:32-34, Exo 40:2, Exo 40:18-20 the first: Exod. 25:23-40, Exo 26:35, Exo 37:10-24, Exo 39:36-38, Exo 40:4, Exo 40:22-24 the table: Exo 40:4; Lev 24:5, Lev 24:6 the showbread: Exo 25:23, Exo 25:30 the sanctuary: or, holy, Exo 26:33 Hebrews 9:3”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification