A STUDY IN CONTRAST
(Suggested Reading: Lev. 16)
Hebrews is a book of contrasts, in which Paul constantly compares the old with the new. Contrast is an effective teaching tool. To illustrate this let us suppose a sailing ship two hundred and fifty years ago is approaching the barren coast of Newfoundland in winter. The day is dawning but all on board are discouraged. Suddenly a lookout shouts "land ahead." The mood changes. The coastline though bleak is land a complete contrast to the unending sea. Consider another example a visit to the optometrist. While examining your eyes he asks you "which slide is clearer this one or this one?" The contrast helps him understand how to fill your prescription. So it is not surprising to find that the ninth chapter of Hebrews is a study in contrast.
The first ten verses tell us about the imperfection of Aaron's work. They are a highly abbreviated account of the tabernacle and the services performed there on the Day of Atonement. The Hebrews were so familiar with the ritual that these few verses were enough to conjure up a picture of it in their minds. That is not true of us today. Consequently we have dealt with this subject in Chapter 1.10 following. The knowledge of the old system is important as Hos. 4:66My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (Hosea 4:6) reminds us "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
Verses 11-28 complete the chapter. In brief they speak of the perfection of Christ's work. We can understand this better when we compare it with the imperfection of Aaron's work.