The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 264

Ill. TnJll ACCOMPLISHMENT BY THE PERFECT REALITY OF WHAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO TIIE IMPEilFECT TYPE. (Vere. 13, 14.) (The word "serve" refers to relizious ministration, worship.) Mark the contrast: Let tho silver trumpets heralrl in the.Day of Atonement, let its inspired solemnities be all ful6lled; and, thou"'h the nation is legally, ceremonially cleansed thereby, this hns not met the needs ·;or silenced the fears of a sit1gle contrite soul; not one of their number is spiritually nearer to God, and the most holy place is still inaccessible. Now turn to Calvary, the reality to which these types pointed, and what is the result? 1. Our conscience is sat1\/ied-satisfied because it knows God is satisfied. The atonement, then, meets every requirement of the Divine Law; not even Divine righteousness could demand a greater. In it every claim of our conscience is intelligently and abundantly met. 2. The way into th~ Divine presence is opened. Sin separates between God and us; but, with a conscience satisfied that sin is put away, we can look into God's face, venture to bis side, bow at his feet, confide in his welcome. The veil of the temple fell to as before, and God was still hidden from man, after the great Jewish day; but when the tru~ atonement bad been made, tbe veil was rent in twain, the way into the holiest was made manifest. 'l'o the question, "How much more?" the utmost thought of man can give no answer. -C.N. Vers.1-5.-Symbolism of the tabernacle. It is remarkable that in the Epistle to the Hebrews there is a constant reference to the tabernacle, while the glory of the temple is not noticed and explained. This may arise from several causes, of which the following may be named as the most probable. It was the original form of Divine wor~hip. It had tlie attraction of antiquity. It was connected with the personal history of Moses and Aaron. It was unpolluted by idolatry. Here the writer mentions the nature aud furniture of the tabernacle, which expressed Di vine ideas alone. Moses was, to use a modem phrase, "master of the WC'rks;" but the plan was Divine, and supplied by him who sees the end from the beginning. The principal thoughts which this passage supplies are : I. The covenant had a material or worldly tabernacle which denotes approachableness. Tbe ever-blessed God placed his tent in the midst of the tents of Israel that they might come to him, and use tbe ordinances of Divine service for their forgiveness, peace, and inter- course with the Father of spirits. It proclaims the truth which our Lord announced to the woman of Samaria, that God seeketh men to worship him. "He is not," said Paul," far from every one of us." This is plainly taught by the incarnation of our Lord, who is Immanuel-God with us. 2. 'l'he next thought is that of mystery, for God dwelt in the thick darkness, and once a year the solemn service of the high priest was per- formed with sacred awe. Within the second veil Jehovah dwelt, and taught men that, how gracious soever he was to come near, he must be had in reverence by all them that are round about him. 3. The appointment of the candlestick signifies illumination for service. It must be confessed that while there are vast and inscrutable mysteries, those things which are requisite for our salvation and growth in grace are very plainly revealed. The mystery of the inner holy place is not for us to understand ; but the things that are revealed belong unto us and our children, that we may do all the words of this Law, Our Lord said to a man, probably of a serious temper, who desired to know if few were saved, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate." The light of the lamp was for the service of the priest, and Scripture is given that the man of God may be througbly furnished unto all good works. 4. Then appears the thought of spiritual supply. The tables of shewbread were furnished every week, and the priests ate of the loaves which bad stood seven days before God in his tabernacle. God blessed the provision of his house; but the arrangement foreshadowed that supply which Christ claimed to be when he called himself "the Bread of life." "My God," said Paul, "shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. iv. 19), 6, 'rhe pot of manna and Aaron's rod presented memorials of Divine power. The one reminded worshippers of that all-sufficiency which supplied the wants of myriads with daily bread, and the other was a miraculous act which terminated all disputes about the priesthood. Believers now can look up to the throne and see more illustrious proofs of power in the glory of the Redeemer, who was P!oved to be the Son of Gou with power by his resurrection from the dead, and by the sight of the number of" spirits of just men made perfeot," who have come out of tribulation, and are in th11 21i6 THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. [OH. lL 1-28,