A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews viz, on the sixth, seventh, eight, ninth, and tenth chapters : wherein together with the explication of the text and context, the priesthood of Christ ... are declared, explained and confirmed : as also, the pleas of the Jews for the continuance and perpetuity of their legal worship, with the doctrine of the principal writers of the Socinians about these things, are examined and disproved / by J. Owen ...

VER. 6, 7.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the Priests went alwayes in∣to the first Tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the High Priest alone every year, not without blood which he offered for himself and the errors of the People.

I follow the common Translation, but shall take notice of what it seems defect∣ive in. And there is in the words. (1) A supposition of what was before declared, as the foundation of what he was now farther to assert. Now when these things were thus ordained. And there is therein, 1. The manner of its Inference. 2. The Subject spoken of. 3. What is spoken of it.

1. The manner of the Inference is the particle, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. which we render now when; verò, but; now, when, is included in the tense of the participle. * 1.1

2. The subject spoken of, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, these things; that is, the things spoken of * 1.2 in the precedent verses; namely, the two parts of the Tabernacle, and the sacred furniture of them.

3. That which is affirmed of them is, that they were ordained, and the manner thereof is also added that they were thus ordained; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Be∣za * 1.3 once rendred it by, ordinatis, whom I suppose ours follow, rendring it by ordained. But ordinatis is rather ordered than ordained. To be ordained, sig∣nifies the appointment and designation of them, and so they were ordained of God. But that which is here expressed, is their building, framing, finish∣ing, and disposition into their actual Order. So the word is used for the making of the Tabernacle, ver. 2. A Tabernacle was made. These things being prepared, made and finished. The preparation, structure and finish∣ing of the Tabernacle and all its Utensils, with their disposition into their sa∣cred order are respected in this word. They were disposed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, thus; * 1.4 that is in the manner declared; that the Tabernacle should consist of two parts, that the one should contain such and such holy Utensils, and the other those of another sort.

When these things were thus prepared and ordered they stood not for a magnificent shew, but were designed unto constant use in the service of God. This the Apostle declares in the same order wherein he had described the parts of the Tabernacle in their distribution into the first and the second; the outward and inward Tabernacle.

As to the first Tabernacle wherein were the Candlestick and the Tables and

the Shew-bread, he declares the use of it. 1. With respect unto the per∣sons for whose Ministry it was ordained. (2) Of that Ministry itself. (3) Of the time and season of its performance.

1. The Persons who administred therein were the Priests. They, and they alone, entred into the Sanctuary. All others were forbidden to approach un∣to it on pain of Excision. These Priests who had this priviledge were all the posterity of Aaron unless they fell under exception by some legal incapacitating blemish. For a long time, that is, from the preparing of the Tabernacle un∣to the building of the Temple, they administred in this Sanctuary promiscu∣ously, under the care of God, and directions of the High Priest. For the In∣spection of the whole was committed in an especial manner unto the High Priest. Numb. 4. 10. Zech. 3. 7. Yea, the actual performance of the daily service of this part of the Sanctuary, was in the first place charged on him. Exod. 27, 21. But the other Priests being designed to help and assist him on all occasions, this service in process of time was wholly devolved on them. And if the High Priest did at any time minister in this part of the Sanctuary, he did it not as the High Priest, but as a Priest only; for all his peculiar service belonged unto the most Holy Place.

In process of time when the Priests of the Posterity of Aaron were multi∣plyed, and the services of the Sanctuary were to be encreased by the building of the Temple, wherein instead of one candlestick there were ten; David by Gods direction cast all the Priests into 24 courses or orders, that should serve in their turns, two courses in a month, which rule continued unto the destruction of the second Temple. 1 Chron. 24. Luk. 1. 5. And he did it for sundry ends. (1) That none of the Priests of the Posterity of Aaron might be utterly excluded from this Priviledge of approaching unto God in the Sanctuary; and if they were, it is likely they would have disposed of them∣selves into other wayes and callings, and so have both neglected and defiled the Priesthood. (2) That there might be no neglect at any time in the so∣lemn Ministry, seeing that which lies on all promiscuously, is too often neglected by all. For although the High Priest were to keep the charge, to judge the house, and to keep the courts, Zech. 3. 7. and so take care for the due attendance unto the daily Ministration; yet was the provision more certain, when being ordained by Law or by divine Institution, all Persons concerned herein knew the times and seasons wherein they might and wherein they ought to attend on the Altar.

These were the officers that belonged unto the Sanctuary: The Persons who alone might enter into it on a sacred account. And when the Structure of the whole was to be taken down, that it might be removed from one place to another, as it was frequently in the wilderness, the whole was to be done by the Priests, and all the holy Utensils covered, before the Levites were ad∣mitted to draw nigh to carry them, so as they might not touch them at all. Numb. 4. 15.

Yet must it be observed, that although this were the peculiar service of the Priests, yet was it not their only service. Their whole sacred imployment was not confined unto this their entrance into the Sanctuary. There was a work committed unto them, whereon their whole service in the Sanctuary did depend. This was the offering of Sacrifices which was accomplished in the court without, on the brazen Altar, before the door of the Tabernacle; which belonged not unto the purpose of the Apostle in this Place.

This was the great priviledge of the Priests under the old Testament, that they alone might and did enter into the Sanctuary, and make an approach unto God. And this priviledge they had as they were Types of Christ, and no otherwise. But withal it was a great part and a great means of that state of servitude and fear, wherein the People or the Body of the Church was kept. They might not so much as come nigh the Pledges of Gods Presence, it was forbidden them under the penalty of death and being cut off, whereof they sadly complained. Numb. 17. 12, 13.

This state of things is now changed under the Gospel. It is one of the principal priviledges of Believers, that, being made Kings and Priests unto God

by Jesus Christ, this distinction as unto especial gracious access unto God is taken away. Rev. 1. 5. Ephes. 2. 18. Rom. 5. 2. Neither doth this hinder but that yet there are and ought to be Officers and Ministers in the house of God, to dispense the holy things of it, and to minister in the name of Christ. For in their so doing they do not hinder but promote the approach of the Church into the presence of God, which is the principal end of their of∣fice. And as this is their peculiar honour for which they must be accountable, Heb. 13. 17. So the Church of Believers itself, ought alwayes to consider how they may duely improve, and walk worthy of this Priviledge, purchased for them by the blood of Christ.

2. The general foundation of the service of these Priests in the Sanctuary * 1.5 was, that they went or entred into it: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. This also itself was a divine Ordinance. For this entrance both asserted their Priviledge, allothers being excluded on pain of Death, and gave bounds unto it. Hereinto they were to enter, but they were to go no further: they were not to go into nor look into the most Holy Place, nor to abide in the Sanctuary when the High Priest en∣tred into it, which the Apostle here hath an especial regard unto. They en∣tred into the first Tabernacle, but they went no further. Hereinto they en∣tred through the first Vail, or the covering of the Door of the Tabernacle. Exod. 26. 36, 37. Through that vail by turning it aside, so as that it closed immediately on their entrance, the Priests entred into the Sanctuary. And this they were to do with an especial Reverence of the Presence of God which is the principal design of that command, thou shalt Reverence my Sanctuary. Levit. 19. 30. which is now supplyed by the holy reverence of the presence of God in Christ, which is in all Believers.

But moreover the equity of the command extends itself unto that especial reverence of God which we ought to have in all holy services. And although this be not confined unto any Postures or Gestures of the Body, yet those that naturally express a reverential frame of Spirit, are necessary unto this duty.

3. The time of this their entrance into the Sanctuary to discharge their * 1.6 service, is expressed. They entred it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; that is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, quovis tempo∣re; alwayes, say we; jugiter, that is, every day. There was no divine Prohi∣bition as unto any days or times, wherein they might not enter into the Sanct∣uary, as there was with respect unto the entrance of the High Priest into the most Holy place, which was allowed only once a year. And the services that were required of them, made it necessary that they should enter into them every day. But the word doth not absolutely signify every day, seeing there was a special service for which they entred only once a week. But, always, is, at all times, as Occasion did require.

There was also an especial service when the High Priest entred into this Sanctuary, which was neither daily nor weekly, but occasional, which is men∣tioned, Levit. 4. 6, 7. For when the anointed Priest was to offer a Sacri∣fice for his own sins, he was to carry some of the blood of it into the Sanctuary, and sprinkle it towards the vail that was before the most Holy Place. This he was to do seven times, which is a mystical number, denoting that perfect Atonement and expiation of sin, which was to be made by the blood of Christ. But this being an occasional service, the Apostle seems to have had no respect unto it.

4. The service itself performed by them is expressed, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, * 1.7 accomplishing the services. The expression is sacred, respecting mystical rites and ceremonies, such as were the things here intended. Officiating in the Mi∣nistry of the sacred ceremonies. For 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is not perfecting or accom∣plishing only, but sacredly ministring. In discharge of the Priestly office, ac∣complishing the sacred services committed unto them. And these services were of two sorts. (1) Daily. (2) Weekly. Their daily services were two.

(1) The dressing of the Lamps of the Candlestick, supplying them with the holy oyl, and taking care of all things necessary unto the cleansing of them, that their light might be preserved. This was done morning and evening, a continual service in all generations. The service of the Candlestick. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

(2) The service of the Golden Altar, the Altar of Incense in the midst of the Sanctuary, at the entrance of the most Holy Place, before or over against the Ark of the Testimony. Hereon the Priests burnt Incense every day with fire taken from the Altar of Burnt-offerings that was in the court before the door of the Ta∣bernacle. This service was performed evening and morning immediately after the offering of the daily Sacrifice on the Altar of burnt-offerings. And whilest this service was performed the People gave themselves to Prayer without, with respect unto the Sacrifice offered. Luk. 1. 10. For this offering of In∣cense on the Sacrifice, and that fired with a coal from the Altar, whereon the Sacrifice was burned, was a Type, as we have declared, of the Intercession of Christ. For although they understood it not clearly in the notion, yet were true Believers guided to express it in their practice. The time of the Priests offering Incense, they made the time of their own solemn prayers, as believ∣ing that the efficacy and acceptance of their prayers depended on what was Typified by that Incense. Psal. 141. 2. These were the daily services.

It is uncertain whether they were all performed at the same time or no; namely, those of the Candlestick and the Altar of Incense: If they were, it should seem that they were done by no more but one Priest at one time, that is, e∣very morning and evening. For of Zechariah it is said that it was his Lot to burn Incense in the Temple, and no other was with him there when he saw the vision, Luk. 1. 8, 9, 21, 22, 23. Wherefore whereas it is said in the Institution of these things, Aaron and his Sons shall do this service; it is in∣tended that some one of them should do it at any one time.

2. The weekly service of the Sanctuary was the change of the bread on the Table of Shew-bread. This was performed every sabbath day in the morning and not else. Now all this daily service was Typical. And that which it did re∣present was the continual application of the Benefits of the Sacrifice and whole mediation of Christ unto the Church here in this world. That the Tabernacle itself and the Inhabitation of God therein was a Type of the Incarnation of the Son of God, we have shewed before. And have also declared that all the Utensils of it were but representations of his Grace in the discharge of his of∣fice. He is the Light and Life of the Church, the Lamp and the bread there∣of. The Incense of his Intercession renders all their obedience acceptable unto God. And therefore there was a continual application made unto these things without Intermission every day. And we may thence observe that,

A continual application unto God by Christ, and a continual application of the Benefits of the Mediation of Christ by faith, are the Springs of the Light, Life and comfort of the Church.

Notes

• * 1.1

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• * 1.2

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• * 1.3

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• * 1.4

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• * 1.5

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• * 1.6

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• * 1.7

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