Hebrews 9:9

“Which was a figure for the time then present, etc..] The tabernacle in general was a figure of Christ's human nature, (<580802>Hebrews 8:2) and the most holy part of it was a figure of heaven itself, (<580924>Hebrews 9:24) the whole service of it was typical and shadowy; but it was but a temporary figure; it was for that present time only; the things of it were suited to that dispensation, and are now abolished, and ought not to be revived, the ordinances of the Gospel being greatly preferable to them; and while it did continue, it was only a parable, as the word here used signifies; it was like a dark saying; it had much obscurity and darkness in it; or as the Vulgate Latin version renders…”

“Which--"The which," namely, anterior tabernacle: "as being that which was" [ALFORD]. figure--Greek, "parable": a parabolic setting forth of the character of the Old Testament. for--"in reference to the existing time." The time of the temple-worship really belonged to the Old Testament, but continued still in Paul's time and that of his Hebrew readers. "The time of reformation" (Heb 9:10) stands in contrast to this, "the existing time"; though, in reality, "the time of reformation," the New Testament time, was now present and existing. So "the age to come," is the phrase applied to the Gospel, because it was present only to believers, and its fulness even to them is still to come. Compare Heb…”

“Which was a figure for the time then present - That is, as long as the tabernacle stood. The word rendered “figure” - παραβολὴ parabolē - is not the same as type - τύπος tupos - (Romans 5:14; Acts 7:13, Acts 7:44; John 20:25; 1Co 10:6, 1 Corinthians 10:11; Philippians 3:17, et al.) - but is the word commonly rendered “parable;” Matthew 13:3, Matthew 13:10, Matthew 13:13, Matthew 13:18, Matthew 13:24, Matthew 13:31, Matthew 13:33-36, Matthew 13:53; Matthew 15:15, “et soepe,” and means properly “a placing side by side;” then a “comparison, or similitude.” Here it is used in the sense of “image, or symbol” - something to “represent” other things. The idea is, that the arrangements and…”

“Which - Tabernacle, with all its furniture and services. Is a figure - Or type, of good things to come Which cannot perfect the worshipper - Neither the priest nor him who brought the offering. As to his conscience - So that he should be no longer conscious of the guilt or power of sin. Observe, the temple was as yet standing. Hebrews 9:10”

“9:9 This is an illustration: The problem with the gifts and sacrifices of the old covenant is that they were not able to cleanse the consciences of the people—they could not remove people’s guilt before a holy God (cp. 9:14; 10:2, 22; 13:18).”

“a figure: Heb 9:24, Heb 11:19; Rom 5:14; Pe1 3:21 the time: Heb 7:11, Heb 11:39, Heb 11:40; Pe1 1:11, Pe1 1:12 gifts: Heb 5:1 that could: Heb 9:13, Heb 9:14, Heb 7:18, Heb 7:19, Heb 10:1-4, Heb 10:11; Psa 40:6, Psa 40:7; Gal 3:21 as pertaining: Psa 51:16-19 Hebrews 9:10”