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Heb 9:1. Ἡ πρώτη, the first) Supply διαθήκη, testament or covenant; not σκηνή, tabernacle. For the tabernacle itself was the worldly sanctuary, which we shall presently see. By a very elegant ellipsis, the word διαθήκη is left out, because it is rather appropriate to the New Testament; whence also, Heb 9:15, it is called διαθήκης καινῆς, the substantive being put before the adjective. [We have here an admirable description of Christ’s entrance into the true sanctuary, as far as to ch. Heb 10:18.-V. g.]-δικαιώματα, regular duties, or ordinances) those by which the duties of the sacred office were fulfilled [Heb 9:6]. The same word occurs, Heb 9:10.-λατρείας, of worship) external.-ἅγιον κοσμικὸν, the worldly (mundiale) sanctuary) An Oxymoron. That sanctuary was worldly (which word [mundiale] of Sidonius is well fitted to express the idea ‘material’), or mundane [mundanum] (as Paul speaks of the elements of the world, Gal 4:3), and carnal, ch. Heb 7:16. It consisted of precious materials, but still it was material. This verse may be thus divided: first, the duties are set before us (as the Proposition), then the sanctuary; there follows the discussion, first, concerning the sanctuary, Heb 9:2-5, next concerning the duties, Heb 9:6, etc. (Paul has a very similar Chiasmus, 1Co 9:1, note): the antithesis to both is in Heb 9:11-12.