Charles Ellicott Commentary Hebrews 9:8

"the Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holy place hath not yet been made manifest, while the first tabernacle is yet standing;" — Hebrews 9:8 (ASV)

That the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest.—Rather, that the way into the sanctuary has not yet been made manifest. By “sanctuary,” or “holy place,” is meant here the Holy of Holies; not, however, as existing on earth, in type and figure, but in the sense of Hebrews 8:2 and Hebrews 9:24. These external arrangements show that the way into the Holy Place (of the Tabernacle) is not open. By this, the Holy Spirit—whose word we are reading whenever we study the commands of the Law—teaches this lesson: that the way into God’s immediate presence is not yet manifest.

While the first tabernacle was still standing.—Rather, while the first tabernacle still has its place (or, standing), i.e., while there exists such a distinction as that between “the first Tabernacle” (Hebrews 9:6) and “the second.” It is impossible to understand “the first Tabernacle” in any other sense than that which it has in the early part of the sentence—the Holy Place as distinguished from the Holiest of all. This outer Tabernacle, however, may be looked at from different points of view.

On the one hand, it was the place from which (as well as from the inner sanctuary) the people generally were excluded; and on the other, it was the place beyond which the ministry of the priests in general could not extend. It is the latter that corresponds to the thought of this verse.

We hardly encounter the contrast between the body of priests and the people in the whole Epistle, except in a very small number of general statements (Hebrews 7:14; Hebrews 8:4; Hebrews 9:6). The only contrast is between the one Priest or High Priest and all who approach God through Him. Not the Jewish economy, but what it pointed to, is the subject of the writer’s thoughts: Christ’s people are now the priests, who offer through Him their constant sacrifice (Hebrews 13:10; Hebrews 13:13; Hebrews 13:15).

Those who ministered in “the first Tabernacle” (who are regarded merely as substitutes for the people, performing the “services” in their place, and as their representatives) were excluded, not only from entrance but even from sight of the place of God’s presence. What was “signified” by this we have already seen.