Let’s read through the book of Hebrews one verse at a time in 2023. Every day explore a single verse and its cross references. AI-generated text draws the passages together. RSS feed.
a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.
These cross references all relate to the idea of a heavenly sanctuary or tabernacle that is distinct from the earthly tabernacle and temples. They emphasize the idea that Christ is our High Priest, who has entered into the true heavenly tabernacle on our behalf. They also emphasize the idea of a heavenly city and a better, more perfect sacrifice, which is Christ's own blood. Finally, they emphasize the idea of a heavenly sanctuary that is not of this world and that is the only true sanctuary.
| Passage | How It’s Related (AI-Generated) |
|---|---|
| Exodus 33:7: Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. | Both passages refer to the tent of meeting, a place of divine encounter between God and man. In Exodus 33:7, Moses sets up the tent of meeting outside the camp, and it serves as a place where people can seek God. Hebrews 8:2 speaks of a true tent that the Lord set up, separate from Moses' tent of meeting. This tent is a holy place, established by God, and is distinct from any man-made tents. |
| Colossians 2:11: In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, | Both passages refer to the work of Christ and the new covenant He established. Hebrews 8:2 speaks about Jesus as a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. This is a reference to the new covenant that Jesus established, which was not of human origin. Colossians 2:11 speaks of how believers are circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ. This is a reference to the spiritual circumcision of believers through the work of Christ in the new covenant. |
| Hebrews 9:8-12: By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation. But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. | Both passages reference the tabernacle and the holy places. Hebrews 8:2 discusses the true tent that the Lord set up, which is symbolic for the present age. Hebrews 9:8-12 further explains that Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come and entered the holy places, not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. |
| Hebrews 9:23-24: Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. | Both passages discuss the role of Jesus as a minister in the heavenly places. Hebrews 8:2 speaks of the true tent that the Lord set up, not man, which is a reference to Jesus being the mediator between God and humanity. Hebrews 9:23-24 explains that Jesus entered into heaven itself, not a man-made holy place, to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. This passage further reinforces the idea that Jesus is the mediator between God and humanity. |
| Hebrews 10:21: and since we have a great priest over the house of God, | Both passages refer to Jesus Christ as a high priest. Hebrews 8:2 speaks of Jesus as a minister in the true tent that the Lord set up, which is a reference to Jesus' role as a high priest in the New Covenant. Hebrews 10:21 affirms Jesus' role as a great priest over the house of God, which is an allusion to His role as the mediator between God and man. |
| Hebrews 11:10: For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. | Both passages refer to God's work in creating a place for his people to dwell. Hebrews 8:2 speaks to the fact that God is the one who set up the true tent, not man, and that He is the minister in the holy places. Hebrews 11:10 speaks to the fact that God is the designer and builder of the city that has foundations. This city is a place of permanence and security, and it speaks to the faithfulness of God in providing a place of rest and refuge for His people. |
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness and Your graciousness. We thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be our High Priest and to enter into the heavenly places, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood. We thank You for making a way for us to enter into Your holy presence, and for providing us with the perfect sacrifice that brings us redemption and eternal life.
We thank You for Your tent of meeting, where we can come and seek You, and for the copy of the heavenly things that You have purified by Your own blood. We thank You for the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is You.
We pray that You would open our eyes to the truth of Your Word, and that we would be filled with a greater understanding of these cross references. We pray that You would equip us to be ministers in the holy places, and that we would have a heart to serve You faithfully.
We love You, Lord, and we give You all the glory and honor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This reading plan reads through a single verse each day, six days a week, paired with the most-popular cross references for the verse. AI-generated (and human-reviewed) text provides an opening thought and concluding prayer along with an explanation for how each cross reference relates to the verse. In 2023, this reading plan works through Hebrews one verse at a time. Every seventh day is a catchup day. Want more info? Try this blog post.
Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.