Hebrews 8:5 is about the design and instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle on earth, reflecting a heavenly reality and anticipating the perfect fulfillment in Christ.
They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things.
Setting the Scene for Hebrews 8:5
In Hebrews chapter 8, the scene is set in the heavenly sanctuary, where Jesus Christ is portrayed as the high priest of the new covenant. The author of Hebrews contrasts the earthly tabernacle, which was a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary, with the true tabernacle that the Lord pitched and not man. The heavenly sanctuary is described as the place where Christ ministers as the high priest, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the people.
In this scene, we see Jesus Christ, the ultimate high priest, standing in the heavenly sanctuary, surrounded by the glory and majesty of God. He is interceding on behalf of believers, offering Himself as the atoning sacrifice for their sins. The heavenly sanctuary is a place of perfection and holiness, where Christ’s sacrifice is once and for all, unlike the earthly tabernacle where sacrifices had to be offered repeatedly.
The author of Hebrews uses this scene to emphasize the superiority of Christ’s priesthood and the new covenant over the old covenant and the Levitical priesthood. Through His sacrifice, Christ has provided a way for believers to have direct access to God and receive forgiveness of sins. The heavenly sanctuary serves as a reminder of the eternal redemption and salvation that Christ has secured for all who believe in Him.
What is Hebrews 8:5 about?
When we look at Hebrews 8:5, we see the significance of obeying God’s detailed instructions when it comes to building the tabernacle. Why is it so essential to adhere to God’s commands in constructing the tabernacle? It reflects our obedience and reverence towards the Lord. We show our trust in His wisdom and sovereignty by following His directives meticulously.
God’s attention to detail in the tabernacle’s construction teaches us the importance of worshiping Him with precision and reverence. The tabernacle was a sacred place where the presence of God dwelt among His people. Thus, it was crucial to construct it exactly as God had commanded. We demonstrate our commitment to honoring and glorifying Him in all aspects of our lives by following His instructions. We, as believers, can apply the message of Hebrews 8:5 to our own lives by seeking to follow God’s guidance and commands with diligence and reverence. We are called to honor God by obeying His word and living according to His will, just as the Israelites carefully built the tabernacle according to God’s specifications. Let us strive to mirror the faithfulness and obedience of those who built the tabernacle.
Understanding what Hebrews 8:5 really means
Hebrews 8:5 delves into the comparison between the earthly priests serving in a sanctuary that is a mere “copy and shadow” of the heavenly reality. This verse is part of a larger discourse in Hebrews emphasizing the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood over the old Levitical priesthood. Drawing from the Old Testament, particularly Moses’ instructions regarding the tabernacle, the author highlights the divine blueprint given for the earthly sanctuary. Exodus 25:40 is directly quoted in Hebrews 8:5, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the heavenly pattern revealed to Moses on the mountain.
Colossians 2:17 further reinforces the idea that the rituals and structures of the Old Testament were foreshadowing the reality found in Christ. Hebrews 9:24 expands on this concept by explaining that Christ entered heaven itself, not a sanctuary made by human hands, symbolizing the heavenly reality the earthly tabernacle represented. These passages collectively point to the overarching theme of the temporary nature of earthly things in comparison to the eternal significance of spiritual truths.
The notion of earthly things being a “copy and shadow” of heavenly realities holds relevance for us today. It serves as a reminder to prioritize the eternal and divine over the transient material possessions and achievements that often consume our focus. Just as a child enjoys a toy model of a car but recognizes it is not the real thing, we are called to see beyond the temporary representations of this world to the ultimate reality found in Christ.
The phrases used in Hebrews 8:5, such as “copy and shadow” and “heavenly things,” emphasize the temporary and illustrative nature of earthly sanctuaries in contrast to the eternal and divine reality of the heavenly sanctuary where Christ serves as our high priest. The mention of being “warned when he was about to build the tabernacle” underscores the importance of following God’s precise instructions to reflect the divine pattern in the earthly realm.
By internalizing the message of Hebrews 8:5 and its broader biblical context, we are encouraged to prioritize our spiritual lives and align our perspectives with eternal truths. This understanding prompts us to seek deeper meaning and purpose beyond the material world, guiding us to live with an eternal perspective that centers on our relationship with God.
What do we need to learn from God’s example?
From God’s example, we can learn the importance of attention to detail and adherence to His instructions. God provided Moses with specific instructions for creating the tabernacle as a reflection of the heavenly sanctuary. This demonstrates the significance of following God’s guidance precisely and not deviating from His design. We show our reverence for God and acknowledge His authority by being meticulous and obedient in following His commands.
God’s attention to detail and emphasis on the exact replication of the heavenly pattern show His desire for things to be done with purpose and in a way that honors Him. This can teach us the value of precision and care in all aspects of our lives, whether it be in our relationships, work, or worship. We demonstrate our commitment to living in a way that reflects His character and brings glory to Him by seeking to align our actions with God’s will and standards. God’s example in providing clear instructions for the construction of the tabernacle ultimately serves as a reminder of His desire for order and intentionality in our lives. We can experience His presence in a deeper way and walk in alignment with His purposes for us as we strive to follow His blueprint for our lives and seek His guidance in all that we do.
Application
Let’s step into the mindset of the ancient craftsmen who fashioned the tabernacle with utmost care and attention to detail, reflecting the divine design. Just as they crafted with precision, let’s approach our lives with the same level of purposefulness and devotion to God. Are we giving our very best in honoring Him in every facet of our existence? Let’s sync our actions with the reverence and exactness displayed in the tabernacle, presenting our finest to the Almighty. Will you pledge to infuse intention and honor into your faith journey today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.