In the same way
This phrase indicates a continuation of a previous action or pattern. In the context of Hebrews 9, it refers to the ritual practices of purification and consecration described earlier in the chapter. The author of Hebrews is drawing a parallel between the Old Covenant practices and the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. The "same way" suggests a consistency in the necessity of blood for purification, a theme deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.

he sprinkled with blood
The act of sprinkling blood was a significant ritual in the Old Testament, symbolizing purification and atonement. In Leviticus, the high priest would sprinkle blood on the altar and other sacred objects to cleanse them from impurity and sin. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was shed for the atonement of humanity's sins. The sprinkling of blood signifies the sanctification and dedication of objects and people to God.

the tabernacle
The tabernacle was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert, as described in Exodus. It was the dwelling place of God among His people and the center of Israelite worship. The tabernacle's construction and the rituals performed there were detailed and specific, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God. The sprinkling of blood on the tabernacle underscored its sanctity and the need for purification before entering God's presence.

and all the vessels used in worship
The vessels used in worship included items such as the altar, the Ark of the Covenant, the lampstand, and various utensils. Each of these had specific functions in the worship and sacrificial system. The consecration of these items with blood highlighted their sacred purpose and the necessity of purity in worship. This practice pointed to the greater reality of Christ's sacrifice, which purifies not just physical objects but the hearts of believers, enabling true worship in spirit and truth.

1. The Tabernacle
A portable earthly dwelling place for the divine presence, used by the Israelites from the time of Moses until the building of the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who, according to the Old Testament, was commanded by God to build the tabernacle and perform the rituals of purification.

3. The Vessels
Sacred objects used in the worship and rituals within the tabernacle, which were also sprinkled with blood as part of the purification process.

4. The Blood
Symbolic of purification and atonement, used in the Old Testament sacrificial system to cleanse and sanctify both people and objects.

5. The Old Covenant
The agreement established between God and the Israelites, which included laws and rituals for worship and atonement, including the use of blood for purification.The Necessity of Blood for Purification
The use of blood in the Old Testament rituals underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood purifies us from all sin.

The Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle represents God's presence among His people and the need for holiness in approaching Him. As believers, we are called to be holy, recognizing that our bodies are now the temple of the Holy Spirit.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The Old Covenant rituals foreshadow the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice is once and for all, making the old sacrificial system obsolete and providing a direct relationship with God.

The Importance of Holiness in Worship
Just as the vessels and the tabernacle were purified for worship, we must approach God with reverence and purity, seeking to live lives that honor Him.

Understanding the Old Testament Context
Studying the Old Testament rituals helps us appreciate the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture.(21) He sprinkled with blood.--Rather, he sprinkled in like manner with the blood. It is singular that the word rendered "in like manner" (found in the Bishops' Bible, "likewise," and in other versions) should have been overlooked in the Authorised version. The incident here mentioned belongs, of course, to a later date. It is not expressly recorded in Scripture, but is related by Josephus (Ant. iii. 8, ? 6); and, apart from internal probability, might almost be concluded from the narrative of the Pentateuch itself. In Exodus 40:9-15 we read of the divine injunction that Moses should put the anointing oil not only upon Aaron and his sons, their garments, and the altar, but also upon the Tabernacle and its vessels. In Leviticus 8:10-12 is recorded the fulfilment of this command; but in the later verses of the same chapter we read that the altar was sprinkled with the blood of the sin-offering (Hebrews 9:15), and that Moses sprinkled Aaron and his sons and their garments with "the anointing oil and the blood which was upon the altar." Manifestly we may infer that the Tabernacle and its vessels were included in the latter ceremony. Whatever was connected with the covenant which God made with His people must be sprinkled with the blood, which at once typified purification (Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 9:24), and ratified the covenant (Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 9:17). . . . Verse 21. - Moreover the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry be sprinkled in like manner with the blood. This refers to a subsequent occasion, the tabernacle not having been constructed at the time of the inauguration of the covenant, - probably to the dedication of the tabernacle, enjoined Exodus 40, and described Leviticus 8. It is true that no sprinkling of the tabernacle or its furniture with blood is mentioned in the Pentateuch; only the anointing of them with oil (Leviticus 8:10). But the garments of Aaron and his sons are said on that occasion to have been sprinkled with the blood as well as with the anointing oil (Hebrews 8:30), and Josephus ('Ant.,' 3:08. 6) says that this blood-sprinkling was extended also to the tabernacle and its vessels (τήν τε σκηνὴν καὶ τὰ περὶ αὐτὴν σκεύη). Here, as well as in ver. 19, our writer may be supposed to follow the traditional account, with which there is still nothing in the Pentateuch inconsistent. Be it observed again that the force of the argument does not depend on these added details, but on the general principle, abundantly expressed in the original record, which is assorted in the following verse.

Parallel Commentaries ...


In the same way,
ὁμοίως (homoiōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3668: In like manner, similarly, in the same way, equally. Adverb from homoios; similarly.

he sprinkled
ἐράντισεν (erantisen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4472: To sprinkle, cleanse ceremonially by sprinkling. From a derivative of rhaino; to render besprinkled, i.e. Asperse.

with
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

blood
αἵματι (haimati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 129: Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

tabernacle
σκηνὴν (skēnēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4633: A tent, booth, tabernacle, abode, dwelling, mansion, habitation. Apparently akin to skeuos and skia; a tent or cloth hut.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

all
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

vessels
σκεύη (skeuē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4632: A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband).

used in
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

worship.
λειτουργίας (leitourgias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3009: From leitourgeo; public function ('liturgy') or almsgiver).


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NT Letters: Hebrews 9:21 Moreover he sprinkled the tabernacle and all (Heb. He. Hb)