Hebrews 9:11

11. But—in contrast to "could not make . . . perfect" ( :-).

Christ—The Messiah, of whom all the prophets foretold; not "Jesus" here. From whom the "reformation" ( :-), or rectification, emanates, which frees from the yoke of carnal ordinances, and which is being realized gradually now, and shall be perfectly in the consummation of "the age (world) to come." "Christ . . . High Priest," exactly answers to Leviticus 4:5, "the priest that is anointed."

being come an, c.—rather, "having come forward (compare Leviticus 4:5- :, a different Greek word, picturesquely presenting Him before us) as High Priest." The Levitical priests must therefore retire. Just as on the day of atonement, no work was done, no sacrifice was offered, or priest was allowed to be in the tabernacle while the high priest went into the holiest place to make atonement (Leviticus 16:17 Leviticus 16:29). So not our righteousness, nor any other priest's sacrifice, but Christ alone atones; and as the high priest before offering incense had on common garments of a priest, but after it wore his holy garments of "glory and beauty" (Exodus 28:2; Exodus 28:40) in entering the holiest, so Christ entered the heavenly holiest in His glorified body.

good things to come—Greek, "the good things to come," Exodus 28:40- :; "better promises," (Exodus 28:40- :; the "eternal inheritance," Hebrews 9:15; 1 Peter 1:4; the "things hoped for," Hebrews 11:1).

by a . . . tabernacle—joined with "He entered." Translate, "Through the . . . tabernacle" (of which we know) [ALFORD]. As the Jewish high priest passed through the anterior tabernacle into the holiest place, so Christ passed through heaven into the inner abode of the unseen and unapproachable God. Thus, "the tabernacle" here is the heavens through which He passed (see on Hebrews 4:14). But "the tabernacle" is also the glorified body of Christ (see on Hebrews 8:2), "not of this building" (not of the mere natural "creation, but of the spiritual and heavenly, the new creation"), the Head of the mystical body, the Church. Through this glorified body He passes into the heavenly holiest place (Hebrews 8:2- :), the immaterial, unapproachable presence of God, where He intercedes for us. His glorified body, as the meeting place of God and all Christ's redeemed, and the angels, answers to the heavens through which He passed, and passes. His body is opposed to the tabernacle, as His blood to the blood of goats, c.

greater—as contrasted with the small dimensions of the earthly anterior tabernacle.

more perfect—effective in giving pardon, peace, sanctification, and access to closest communion with God (compare Hebrews 9:9 Hebrews 10:1).

not made with hands—but by the Lord Himself (Hebrews 8:2).