The Hebrew writer, in the first part of chapter 9, describes the implements of sacrifice and worship under the old covenant. He included in his description things like the tabernacle itself, as well as lampstand, the table, the showbread the ark of the covenant and its contents. He called them “ordinances of divine service” (1).
The point of his book is to describe the difference between the old and new, showing the superiority of Jesus and His new covenant of grace for men. That is why this chapter begins with the phrase, “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service.”
Consider the intent of the writing. If even the old covenant had these things, and they were holy, designating worship and service to God. How much more important are the “ordinances of divine service” under the New Covenant! What are those ordinances? Consider the singing of psalms. The praying of prayers. The observance of Jesus’ sacrifice on each first day of the week when we serve His supper. Our free will offerings each Lord’s day. Consider also calls to evangelize, edify and help the poor. To care for Christian widows and the indigent. Finally consider the calls to love, to obey, to “Be holy, for I [God] am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
We dare not neglect ordinances of divine service under the new covenant! (cf. 2:3).
