Hebrews 9:3 (KJV) says, “And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all.” This verse is part of the larger contextual passage that discusses the layout and significance of the tabernacle in the Old Testament. To fully understand the meaning and commentary of Hebrews 9:3, it is important to explore the themes, context, and symbolism within the passage.

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were struggling with their faith and considering returning to their Jewish traditions. The author of Hebrews seeks to demonstrate the superiority of Jesus Christ and the new covenant he established over the old covenant and its rituals. In Hebrews 9:3, the author describes the tabernacle and its various compartments as a way of illustrating the limitations and imperfections of the old system in contrast to the perfection and sufficiency of Christ.

The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that served as a place of worship for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. It consisted of an outer courtyard, a Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (or Holiest of all), separated by a veil. The high priest could only enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people.

The symbolism in Hebrews 9:3 is rich and powerful. The tabernacle itself represents the dwelling place of God among His people. The Holy Place symbolizes the realm of God’s presence and worship, while the Most Holy Place represents the very presence of God Himself. The veil that separated the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place symbolizes the separation between God and sinful humanity. It serves as a reminder that the way into God’s presence was not yet open before the coming of Christ.

The second veil mentioned in Hebrews 9:3 represents the barrier that stood between God and mankind, highlighting the inaccessibility of God under the old covenant. The fact that the tabernacle is described as the Holiest of all underscores the sacredness and exclusivity of the place where God’s presence dwelt. This serves to emphasize the high priest’s extraordinary and unique access to God, which the average Israelite did not have.

The context of Hebrews 9:3 is essential in understanding its significance. The author of Hebrews is comparing the limitations of the old covenant system with the superiority of the new covenant in Christ. The emphasis is on the access that believers now have to God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The veil that once separated humanity from God has been torn asunder through Christ’s death, granting believers direct access to the Father.

Overall, Hebrews 9:3 offers a powerful commentary on the old covenant system and the limitations it imposed on God’s people. It serves as a contrast to the new covenant in Christ, which provides believers with direct access to God and His presence. The symbolism of the tabernacle and its components underscores the significance of Christ’s redemptive work and the privilege that believers now have in their relationship with God. This verse encourages believers to embrace the new covenant and to approach God with confidence, knowing that they are welcomed into His presence through Christ’s atoning sacrifice.