Commentary on Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles John Calvin (continued)
Chapter
Heb 9:1-5
Hebrews Chapter 9:1-5
1. Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
1. Habebat quidem prius illud justificationes cultus et sanctum mundanum: 2. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
2. Tabernaculum enim primum compositum erat, in quo candelabrum et mensa et panum propositio; quod dicitur sanctuarium.
3. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 3. Post secundum autem velum tabernaculum quod sancta sanctorum dicitur;
4. Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
4. Aureum habens thuribulum et arcam foederis undique coopertam auro, in qua urna aurea habens manna, et virga Aaronis quae floruerat, et tabulae testamenti;
5. And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
5. Supra autem ipsam cherubin gloriae obumbrantes propitiatorium; de quibus non attinet nunc dicere sigillatim.
1 Then verily the first, etc 140 After having spoken generally of the abrogation of the old covenant, he now refers specially to the ceremonies. His object is to show that there was nothing practiced then to which Christ's coming has not put an end. He says first, that under the old covenant there was a specific form of divine worship, and that it was peculiarly adapted to that time. It will hereafter appear by the comparison what kind of things were those rituals prescribed under the Law.
Some copies read, {πρώτη} {σκηνὴ} the first tabernacle; but I suspect that there is a mistake as to the word ``tabernacle;'' nor do I doubt but that some unlearned reader, not finding a noun to the adjective, and in his ignorance
140Rather, "Yet even the first," etc. It is connected with the last verse of the preceding chapter; as though he had said, — "Though the covenant is become antiquated, yet it had many things divinely appointed connected with it." {Μὲν} {οὖν} mean ``yet,'' or however. See Art. 8:4. Macknight has ``Now verily;'' and Stuart, ``Moreover.'' --- Ed